Ada Developers Academy, a successful program for training under-represented people in tech and helping them start careers in software development, received a $10 million grant in 2021 to expand into five U.S. cities. However, the program faced challenges due to the pandemic and a slowdown in tech hiring, leading to a hard reset that included slashing headcount, halting admissions, and moving to virtual instruction. Tina-Marie Gulley, the new CEO of Ada Developers Academy, spearheaded these changes and emphasized artificial intelligence in the curriculum.
The nonprofit now offers remote versions of its programs, with Ada Build providing self-directed curriculum, Ada Build Live offering a virtual six-week course, and Ada Core offering six months of classroom instruction followed by an internship. The preparatory tracks aim to serve 450 students this year, with about 150 participants attending the core program. Ada has over 1,100 alumni, and the new CEO plans to strengthen the organization’s impact in the broader community locally and nationally.
When tech companies began laying off workers in 2022, Ada Developers Academy brought back recent graduates for a tech refresher that included new AI content and internship opportunities. The organization received a grant from MIT Solve to enhance its AI curriculum and rebuild partnerships with a wider network of organizations, including nonprofits like the Allen Institute for AI, Khan Academy, Code.org, and Audere. Gulley sees this expansion as an opportunity to build community and increase diversity in tech as other organizations promoting STEM education and community have closed in recent years.
Gulley, who previously led marketing efforts at Seattle-area companies and volunteered as the director of ChickTech in Seattle, is focused on adapting Ada Developers Academy’s programs to better serve under-represented communities in tech. By offering remote instruction and embracing new partnerships, the organization is working towards expanding diversity in the tech industry amid challenges to DEI programs and efforts to boost diversity in universities and business leadership. Ada’s goal is to provide a supportive community for individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in tech careers.
The organization’s shift to virtual instruction and emphasis on AI in the curriculum have allowed Ada Developers Academy to adapt to the changing economy and workplace, providing marketable skills to its students in a challenging job market. By reimagining its programs and strengthening partnerships with a wider range of organizations, Ada is positioning itself to have a greater impact in the tech industry and expand access to opportunities in software development for under-represented communities. Gulley’s leadership and vision for the organization’s future are focused on creating a supportive and inclusive community that empowers individuals to succeed in tech careers.
