Intervention(s)
We do a cross-cut random assignment of: (i) a spot in the Bootcamp together with a scholarship to cover between 60 and 80% of the cost of a ready-to-work computer programming Bootcamp, and (ii) access to a female peer (in the form of an encouragement to form a work team with another female classmate).
The Bootcamp is a 170-hour (four-month) course that requires 10.5 hours a week, and it provides training on both computational and soft skills. Computational training is mandatory, and it teaches basic programming skills that are designed based on the market demands. The soft skill module is optional, and it entails confidence-building, leadership, personal initiative, communication and presentation skills, and team work among others. The program also offers a professional development component through which students are trained in job-application practices, and a job bank where trainees are given the possibility to apply for different jobs connected to the Bootcamp providers. After completion, participants are expected to be able to build complex web pages and understand programming fundamentals.
The peer component consists of matching two beneficiaries of the scholarship (based on observable characteristics) and encouraging them to form a work team. They are encouraged to work together over the course material, help each other prepare for job interviews. Beneficiaries know they are matched with another one the moment they receive the offer to participate in the Bootcamp.