Mentorship and skills training are two levers by which aspiring technologists can launch their careers. Volunteer-run civic hacking group Code For Philly’s new fellowship program offered both, with a focus on reducing barriers for those underrepresented in the industry.

The Comcast-funded program commenced with a presentation Wednesday evening from the members of its first cohort. Each of the three fellows — Ioannis Sporidis-Foster, Sara Gormley and Robert Richey, who beat out around 100 other applicants — received a $1,500 stipend over eight weeks for project-based work, as well as mentorship from local pros.

Code For Philly Co-Director Marieke Jackson said the fellowship aimed to boost the fellows’ entry into the tech industry. Fellows were expected to work on their project 10 hours each week, and a willingness to learn and a high capacity for collaboration were essential.

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