Impact Focus: Gender Equity in Tech
Along with intern training and placement, our Launch program takes a deeper dive into increasing gender equity in tech.
Increasing our impact through Launch
Over the last seven years, the Launch program has grown exponentially and helped jumpstart the careers of 600+ students with 200+ company partners. We are excited to continue to increase our impact by putting a focus on an issue we care about: improving gender equity in tech.
Why gender equity? Women are underrepresented in both leadership and technical roles; and women-led companies receive only 2% of venture capital funding compared to male-led companies. We are now focused on how the Launch program can contribute to make the playing field more even. Learn more about why gender equity is important to us.
Why gender equity? Women are underrepresented in both leadership and technical roles; and women-led companies receive only 2% of venture capital funding compared to male-led companies. We are now focused on how the Launch program can contribute to make the playing field more even. Learn more about why gender equity is important to us.
How Launch helps bridge the gap
Launch provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities dedicated to closing the gender gap. In addition, we support companies committed to gender equity and educate students on these issues.
We commit to:
- Increase the gender diversity of our intern candidate pool, particularly amongst women
- Increase the number of women-led and founded companies who partner with Launch
- Partner with companies and founders that are demonstrating a commitment to improve gender equity at their organization
- Increase empathy and awareness among students for challenges related to gender equity and solutions to create change in their future careers
2024 Impact Focus Results
48%
of Launch company partners are women-focused (women-founded, women in leadership).
80%
Women made up 80% of the Launch Data Science program in 2024, up from 71% in 2023.
46%
Women made up 46% of the Launch Software Engineering program in 2024, up from 32% in 2023.
What this means for Launch students
Students of all gender identities are welcome and encouraged to participate in the program. The criteria that we look for is a genuine interest in learning about issues surrounding gender equity and learning how to affect change in future careers.
All students in the Launch program are trained on gender equity and bias, which enables them to carry this knowledge into their future careers to have a positive impact on company culture and leadership.
We know that diversity goes beyond identity. There is value in having different perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds on every team.
All students in the Launch program are trained on gender equity and bias, which enables them to carry this knowledge into their future careers to have a positive impact on company culture and leadership.
We know that diversity goes beyond identity. There is value in having different perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds on every team.
Spreading awareness through Forge-sponsored events
Gender Equity x Tech Panel
Forge brought together a group of industry leaders to discuss gender equity in tech and offer guidance on building a successful career in the field. The evening kicked off with a 30-minute panel discussion featuring accomplished women from Rho Impact, Capital One, and CCRi. With their distinctive career journeys and functions in the industry, this unique blend of perspectives provided students with a comprehensive view of the tech landscape at different career stages. Following the panel, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics through interactive breakout sessions led by each panelist. These sessions covered a range of subjects, from breaking into software development to mastering salary negotiation. Attendees were able to connect with experts, ask questions, and gain practical insights for their professional journeys.
Forge brought together a group of industry leaders to discuss gender equity in tech and offer guidance on building a successful career in the field. The evening kicked off with a 30-minute panel discussion featuring accomplished women from Rho Impact, Capital One, and CCRi. With their distinctive career journeys and functions in the industry, this unique blend of perspectives provided students with a comprehensive view of the tech landscape at different career stages. Following the panel, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics through interactive breakout sessions led by each panelist. These sessions covered a range of subjects, from breaking into software development to mastering salary negotiation. Attendees were able to connect with experts, ask questions, and gain practical insights for their professional journeys.
Women @ Work: The Glass Ceiling and the Broken Rung
Presented by Forge, The Galant Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce, HearstLab, and Venture Lab at The University of Pennsylvania, the event featured a panel discussion with a group of women graduates from UVA and Wharton who have made significant strides as investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. The panelists shared their journeys of overcoming challenges and navigating the glass ceiling in their respective fields. Their diverse experiences offered invaluable insights into breaking barriers and achieving success in the competitive world of business. Attendees gained practical advice and motivation from these women, who exemplified how determination and innovation can lead to accomplishments that defy the odds.
Presented by Forge, The Galant Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce, HearstLab, and Venture Lab at The University of Pennsylvania, the event featured a panel discussion with a group of women graduates from UVA and Wharton who have made significant strides as investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. The panelists shared their journeys of overcoming challenges and navigating the glass ceiling in their respective fields. Their diverse experiences offered invaluable insights into breaking barriers and achieving success in the competitive world of business. Attendees gained practical advice and motivation from these women, who exemplified how determination and innovation can lead to accomplishments that defy the odds.
Company partners that support our impact focus
