Last month, Google offered vouchers to Code School to any women and minorities interested in learning how to code. I applied, because why not? I could use the skills to better my brand and mission. 

Today, I received an email informing me that demand had been high and I would not be one of the people selected. Bu this is a good thing! Women want to learn to code! The demand is high when barriers, like price, are removed. 

While it's disappointing that I won't be receiving free training, they included some wonderful resources that I'd like to share with you.  I'm including the full text of the email below. Enjoy the resources!

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in the Code School learning opportunity sponsored by Women Techmakers. There has been a high demand for our limited number of Code School codes, and unfortunately we are unable to allocate one for you. However, we encourage you to explore Code School for two free days with their Hall Pass initiative. We also recommend the free resources below from some of our favorite online learning resources. All of these resources are free, self-paced, and are great for all levels of experience.

Code School

• Dig into JavaScript Road Trip Part 1 and Try jQuery along the JavaScript Path. When combined with Shaping up with Angular.js, you’ll have a solid start in understanding one of the most commonly used languages.
  
  
• Learn off the beaten path with fun electives Try Git, Discover DevTools, andDiscover Drive.
  
  

Udacity

• Try the CS101 and Programming Foundations with Python (OOP) courses. In CS101 you will learn to build your own search engine or social network, and in OOP you will make mini projects that spread happiness online. Both of these courses will help you build a strong foundation in coding.
  
  
• Jump start your interest in CSS and HTML with Make Your Own 2048. This course will empower you to build really cool things with coding, even if you’ve never coded before.
  
  
• And of course check out Google’s offerings with Udacity covering Android, Cloud, and Web Development courses.
  
  

This Fall, Udacity will also be launching Nanodegrees - credentials built and recognized by industry leaders to advance your career. You will be able to select credentials for Front-End Web Developer, Back-End Web Developer, iOS Developer, and Data Analyst. Stay tuned to Udacity for more information.

Khan Academy

• Take-on Intro to JS: Drawing and Animation to learn JavaScript, the most popular programming language in the world. You will work with the ProcessingJS library to make drawings, animations, stories, and games. Once you’ve completed this course make sure to check out the What to Learn Nextpage.
  
  

Google

• Watch our DevBytes, Compressor Head, and other great learning series’ on theGoogle Developers YouTube channel. Produced by the Google Developers team, you’ll find segments are produced regularly on topics that are relevant to Google and hot in the industry.
  
  

We also encourage you to join online and offline communities that can help you practice the skills you’ve learned, and will provide a supportive community while you pursue your areas of interest:

Google Developer Groups - In-person, local meetups for developers who are interested in Google’s developer technologies like Android, Google Cloud Platform, Chrome/HTML5, Google Maps API, and more. (533 chapters across 103 countries).

Women Techmakers - Inspiration, community, and collaboration for women making an impact through technology.

Girl Develop It - Empowering women of diverse backgrounds from around the world to learn how to develop software (29 chapters across North America).

Women Who Code -  Is a global non-profit dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers (41 chapters across 13 countries).

Pyladies - A group of women developers worldwide who love the Python programming language (27 chapters across 12 countries).


Thank you again for your interest in learning with Google,


-The Women Techmakers team

Last week, Young Professionals in Energy Bay Area hosted a wonderful panel on Building a Software Business in Smart Grid at Morrison & Foerster. 

The takeaways were:
1. Say no to VCs - since they'll be after you each quarter about performance 
2. Don't try and sell to utilities - Utilities are slow moving and dependent on the regulatory cycle.
3. IT will torpedo your idea - Convincing the IT department of any company is crucial.
4. Go overseas - Markets overseas can be more open to smart gird technology because electricity is more expensive or countries are building out their grid for the first time. 

Thank you to all the panelists and YPE for putting on the event. It was part of a 3-event series, so see you at the next one!

Some great jobs from Green Jobs Network LinkedIn Group:

CA - Oakland  
CEO, Build It Green 
http://bit.ly/greenjobs9361

 CA - San Francisco 
* Global CSR Program Associate, HandsOn Bay Area 
http://bit.ly/greenjobs9362 

* Health Policy Advocate, NRDC 
http://bit.ly/greenjobs9386 

CA - Los Altos 
Grantmaking Operations Coordinator, David & Lucile Packard Foundation 
http://bit.ly/greenjobs9365 

More can be found on greenjobsearch.org
Happy searching!

How To Ask To Pick Someone's Brain -- Without Being Annoying

Could Climate Change Affect Your Next Happy Hour?

Manipulative narcissists thrive at the office. Humble employees tend to stay at the bottom of the org chart.

Why solar advocates are suing Ameren and KCPL-Is the utility math fuzzy or does solar cost too much?

Why Aren't Men Asked If They Can 'Have It All'?

Three more reasons Google is serious about disrupting the grid

From an amazing game of Cards Against Humanity last week:

















For the latest stories on energy, gender diversity, and sustainability, check out my Twitter feed.