Actress Malinda Williams Launches A Coding Bootcamp for Women at HBCUs

Actress, author, and entrepreneur Malinda Williams has launched the ESTEAM Project for women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

The coding bootcamp emerges from her Arise And Shine Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds.

“As a professional actress and someone who has experienced first-hand the support of my community, I understand the value of collaboration and paying it forward,” said Williams in a press release.

“The Arise and Shine Foundation exists to empower women to reach their goals, and coding is a powerful tool. The ESTEAM Project will offer young women an avenue to acquire valuable skills to propel them forward in the 21st century.”

The ESTEAM Project

The foundation’s pilot program, The ESTEAM Project (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), is currently open for applications until March 31, 2024. 

The four-week program will begin with an in-person weekend at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, from May 30 through June 2, 2024.

The event is set to be a blend of inspiration, life skill enhancement, networking, and time spent focusing on coding and STEAM education. 

A central feature of the curriculum is learning Apple’s SwiftUI programming language, which is essential for modern app development.

The E.S.T.E.A.M. Project has been designed around three pillars: enhancing technical skills, honing soft skills crucial for business success, and facilitating industry mentorships. 

By focusing on these areas, the bootcamp aims to address the gender disparity in technology and advocate for women’s increased presence and success in the field.

Women currently enrolled at HBCUs are invited to apply and embark on the journey.