Microsoft reveals winners of its Leap Hackathon program set to inspire women into technology
Microsoft has hosted a 16-week program, the LEAP Hackathon to increase technology skills and facilitate learning through challenges in a bid to strengthen the place of women in the technology sector.
The LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program is launched to increase diversity within Microsoft.
Focused on solutions in the health and agricultural sectors, the program provides real-world experience through development and project management apprenticeships and it combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on projects.
32 Female hackers were recognized to participate in the program using a strict recruitment process. This process helped to gauge the abilities of the applicants through 2 rounds of evaluation of the applications.
However, participants of the hackathon received Azure credits while the overall winning group was awarded prizes.
In addition to their support, Microsoft will work with the winning group on an ongoing internship program where they will be mentored and helped to further build and develop their solution and skills.
Quoting a statement from the company:
“We are thrilled at the outcome of this year’s LEAP hackathon! As we continue to work to upskill and educate women across the continent – the endless opportunities and unprecedented innovations this brings is something we are excited to be a part of”.
