Background
Code for Philly LOVES our volunteers - everything we do is volunteer-based! Code for Philly projects offer volunteers opportunities to practice their craft while giving back to the local community and non-profits.
For individuals who are newer to tech or want to break into a more senior role in the industry, Code for Philly projects also offer skill-building, networking, and other professional development opportunities. When it comes to career advancement, however, we know volunteer experience doesn’t always carry the same weight as paid experience. In addition, we recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups face barriers to accessing paid tech work.
With funding from Comcast, we’re on year two of our short-term paid fellowship program for individuals who are underrepresented in the tech industry. Of the fellows that participated last year, 75% are now working in the tech industry. Fellows will benefit from mentorship and paid experience in tech. Code for Philly project leads and teams will benefit by delivering on their objectives in a timely manner. The Philadelphia community will benefit from new tech solutions. Apply today and contribute to this win-win-win!
How it Works
Code for Philly is able to offer three $1,500 fellowships for individuals underrepresented in the tech industry who meet the technical need for established projects.
We’ll select three fellows working 10-hour weeks for 8 weeks on:
- Data Analysis
- UX
- Project/Product management
The project should not exceed 80 hours of work. (More time on a volunteer basis is always available and will not be discouraged!)
Fellows will report to their mentors and pair with technical leaders on the project to work on defined tasks and timelines.
Fellows need to be comfortable using their personal machine for development and fellowship activities.
Fellowship Role Descriptions
PROJECT / PRODUCT MANAGEMENT FELLOW
The PM fellow will be responsible for managing issues and feature development on the PHLASK project. PM duties include working with the developers and project leads to create issues, scope out features, document key project components, and check on developer progress each week. This role will predominantly be after work hours, specifically on Tuesday evenings (during hack nights).
Candidates for the PM fellow may not have had experience in a technical environment but are willing to learn how to manage and conduct development work on volunteer-based projects. Final candidates may be asked to do a short video interview before selection.
DATA ANALYST FELLOW
The PA Native Plant database tool data analyst will be cleansing and enriching a plant database via some web scraping (manually or scripting). The analyst will interface with the web developer and data lead on Tuesday nights, while they can spend the other 9 hours each week updating the database on their own schedule. Data concepts required. Python and Tableau a plus.
UX FELLOW
The UX fellow will be working on a variety of projects associated with running Code for Philly itself. This includes (but is not limited to): improving volunteer onboarding, creating passive methods for project leads to update projects and project needs, and writing content for the website. The UX Fellow will be reporting to the Code for Philly Leadership team.
Mentors
- Project/Product Management: Billy Hanafee
- Data Analyst: Zachary Leahan
- UX: Code for Philly Leadership
Why should you apply?
- Introduction to experts in the area of tech you are interested in
- Mentorship advice on roles you should be looking for
- Experience working in a real-life development environment
- Paid job experience for your resume
- Opportunities to present your work at local meetups
- Advice on resume building, interviewing, and showing off your work
Application Process
Submit your application today!
Applications are open now through September 30th. We’re looking for applicants that:
- Demonstrate introductory skills for their respective fellowship role
- Are excited about using your talents to support local non-profits
- Commit to the 8 week, 10 hours per week timeframe
- Be flexible when meeting / working with their respective project team and mentor (including nights and weekends)
- Willing to learn about development and product lifecycles
Fellowship Coordinators will review applications along with respective Fellow Mentors. Mentors may ask to meet applicants for an informal, virtual discussion.
Applicants notified on selection outcomes on or by October 6th. Fellowships will start on October 12th.
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