#Japan #Tokyo #Tech Careers #Waffle College #Kindrel Japan

Waffle College: A New Pathway for Women and Non-Binary Students in Tech

In an inspiring initiative, Waffle, a non-profit organization based in Minato, Tokyo, is set to launch the "Waffle College Kickoff" program in May 2025. This unique program aims to support female and non-binary university and graduate students by guiding them towards tech careers. In collaboration with Kindrel Japan, a leading IT infrastructure service provider, Waffle College will host a one-day experiential workshop that focuses on tech career introduction.

Program Overview

The primary goal of this initiative is to make tech careers more approachable for students with no prior experience in IT and programming. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in web development activities, allowing them to experience the tech field first-hand while fostering their interest and confidence in pursuing a technology-related career.

In a significant effort to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas, Waffle College will combine local in-person sessions with online participation, making it accessible to students nationwide. The rollout has already commenced at Fukui University in May, with other institutions, including Tohoku University and Seisen Jogakuin University, scheduled for summer 2025. Online workshops will also be available for broader accessibility.

Expanding Career Possibilities

Students who develop an interest in the tech field through the kickoff program have the option to continue into the "Waffle College Tech Career Course." This six-month hands-on program offers in-depth learning on Python, AI, and team-based app development, paving the way for internships and job opportunities within IT companies.

Addressing Gender and Regional Disparities

Japan's technology sector continues to face challenges related to gender representation, with women and gender minorities remaining underrepresented. The OECD highlights Japan's low female enrollment rates in STEM disciplines compared to other member countries, illustrating a pressing need for alternative career paths and mentorship.

The majority of programming and tech-related communities are concentrated in metropolitan areas, making it difficult for rural students to pursue their interests. Recognizing these challenges, Waffle College Kickoff aims to provide a safe and welcoming gateway for anyone wanting to delve into tech, irrespective of their gender or geographical location.

Furthermore, sessions will feature Kindrel Japan employees who will serve as mentors, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals. These interactions will provide valuable insights into careers in tech and foster connections within the industry. Additionally, collaboration with NTT Data Tohoku will enhance the program's offerings in the Tohoku region, further emphasizing the commitment to inclusivity.

Event Details

• - Format: In-person workshops at universities and online sessions accessible nationwide
• - Fees: Free of charge
• - Content: Web creation, IT role model introductions (varies by university)
• - Target Audience: Female and non-binary university and graduate students (all majors and years welcome)
• - Organizer: Waffle NPO
• - Collaborator: Kindrel Japan
• - Partners: NTT Data Tohoku (Tohoku University, Tohoku Gakuin University)

Scheduled Events (Spring-Summer 2025)

• - May 9: Fukui University (In-person) - Completed
• - June 11: Tohoku University (In-person)
• - June 12: Tohoku Gakuin University (In-person)
• - June 20: Seisen Jogakuin University (In-person)
• - June 27: Online
• - June 30: Tsuda University (In-person)
• - July 2: Online

Universities, municipalities, and educational organizations interested in hosting similar programs are encouraged to reach out for collaboration opportunities.

For more information, visit the official Waffle website.

About Waffle

Waffle is a non-profit organization committed to empowering women and transforming societal structures. It offers various educational programs, including a free web development course for middle and high school students, Japanese support for international app development contests, and free programming training for university students. In addition, Waffle actively works on policy proposals, such as those targeting economic reform and structural inequality, and has been recognized with the SDGs Partnership Award at Japan's SDG Awards 2020.