Programs & Curriculum for Shaping Future Tech Leaders

Challenge

Access to real-world training in technology and engineering remains limited, especially for women and underrepresented groups. There is a pressing need for programs that go beyond technical skills, fostering critical thinking through foundational principles like systems thinking to enhance learning outcomes and empower students globally.

Solution

In 2014, Websmith Studio (WSS) launched the Student Innovation Program to deliver real-world technology training and hands-on experience for students in Richmond, VA. Over time, the program expanded its reach globally through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives. A standout achievement was the development of the “Getting Started with Machine Learning” curriculum on O’Reilly Media. This innovative program integrated systems thinking to enhance learners’ understanding of machine learning models, benefiting participants across three continents. In 2016, WSS partnered with the WAAW Foundation, led by Dr. Unoma Okorafor, to co-found and launch SheHacks Africa. This engineering intensive focuses on training women and girls, and under the WAAW Foundation’s leadership, it now empowers thousands of women and youth in over 17 African countries. These efforts underscore WSS’s commitment to making technology education accessible and impactful worldwide.

Impact

Since its inception, WSS’s programs have empowered tens of thousands of students, professionals, and women across 4 continents and over 25 countries. Initiatives like SheHacks Africa, O’Reilly Safari Online, and the WSS Student Innovation Program have bridged critical gaps in STEM education. By equipping participants with in-demand skills and knowledge, these programs continue to drive innovation, advance careers, and foster inclusive growth in technology and engineering fields globally.