Why This Matters
Women make up only an estimated 22% of AI professionals, 12% of AI researchers, and 16% of AI faculty worldwide. Some frame this as a talent gap; others argue it is a gap in access — to mentors, communities, credentials, and networks. The programs below close the access gap: they are free and run by major tech companies and foundations.
The Programs
1. Google Women Techmakers
Free global membership connecting women in tech to community, events, workshops, mentorship, and resources — plus an annual Women Techmakers Scholarship (financial support, a funded retreat, and a global network) for women studying computer science and related fields. Now run by Technovation.
- Type: Community + scholarship
- Deadline: Rolling membership; scholarship runs annually
- Join: https://technovation.org/women-techmakers/
2. AWS She Builds Mentorship Program 2026
Amazon Web Services pairs women worldwide with experienced AWS professionals for 12 weeks of free, one-on-one mentorship — career guidance, leadership development, networking, and virtual sessions with senior AWS leaders. Mentors are matched to your goals and experience level.
- Type: 1:1 mentorship (12 weeks)
- Deadline: ⚠️ Closes 30 June 2026 (today)
- Apply: https://pulse.aws/survey/QOY68FSB
3. IBM SkillsBuild
The best “start anytime” option on this list. IBM offers 1,000+ free courses in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics — in 20+ languages — with IBM-branded digital credentials you can show employers. There is a dedicated SkillsBuild for Women track with mentorship and community, plus a six-course AI Fundamentals plan (~10 hours) to get started.
- Type: Self-paced courses + credentials + women’s track
- Deadline: None — self-paced
- Start: https://skillsbuild.org/
4. AI Skills 4 Women — Founderz × Microsoft
A free, fully online AI course built for women with no technical background required — available in 13+ languages. Covers AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, AI ethics, and practical applications, and earns an official Founderz + Microsoft credential for LinkedIn. Top performers can win one of 150 scholarships (worth €950 each) to Founderz’ AI & Innovation Certificate Program.
- Type: Online course + credential + scholarship
- Deadline: Rolling enrollment
- Apply: https://founderz.com/ai-skills-4-women/
5. Standard Chartered Foundation — Women in Tech Accelerator (Africa / Middle East / Pakistan)
Over $600,000 in grants for women-led startups across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Country-specific deadlines (some African countries may close on 30 June 2026).
- Type: Accelerator + grants for women-led startups
- Deadline: Country-specific — check the page
- Apply: https://vc4a.com/village-capital/women-in-tech-accelerator-2026/
6. Village Capital × Standard Chartered — US Women in Tech Accelerator
Free accelerator for US-based women-led startups, with $25,000 grants for selected founders. Annual — watch for the next cohort.
- Type: Accelerator + $25K grants (US founders)
- Deadline: Annual cohort
- Visit: https://vilcap.com/programs/women-in-tech-accelerator-us-2026/
At a Glance
| # | Program | Provider | Type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Women Techmakers | Google / Technovation | Community + scholarship | Rolling |
| 2 | She Builds Mentorship | AWS | 1:1 mentorship (12 wks) | 30 Jun 2026 ⚠️ |
| 3 | SkillsBuild | IBM | Courses + credentials | None (self-paced) |
| 4 | AI Skills 4 Women | Founderz × Microsoft | Course + scholarship | Rolling |
| 5 | Women in Tech Accelerator | Standard Chartered Foundation | Grants (AF/ME/PK) | Country-specific |
| 6 | US Women in Tech Accelerator | Village Capital × Std Chartered | $25K grants (US) | Annual cohort |
How to Choose
- Want to start learning today, no commitment → IBM SkillsBuild (self-paced) or AI Skills 4 Women.
- Want a mentor and direct guidance → AWS She Builds (apply before today’s deadline).
- Building a startup → Standard Chartered accelerators (regional or US).
- Want community + a credential for LinkedIn → Women Techmakers or AI Skills 4 Women.
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