Build careers in tech
Join us—whether in Portland, Oregon, or beyond—for a community-driven program designed to bring more people into creating technology for impact. Whether you’re new to tech, looking to transition into the field, or ready to put your skills to work for social good, this program is for you!
We’re building connections through in-person and virtual events, offering online full-stack development courses, and launching the Open Source Fellowship—a year-long, paid opportunity to build real-world applications that support the nonprofit sector.
With a stated goal of promoting the neuro-inclusive workplace – a space for all kinds of thinkers! – neurodiverse individuals are highly encouraged to get involved. Explore what it means to create and collaborate with a neuroinclusive team, and learn workforce strategies to design a workplace that caters to all types of brains!
This collaborative program is brought to you by NTEN and Fuse Change. See all supporting partners below. If you would like to get involved as a partner, write to us!
Whether you want to be a fellow, contribute your expertise at an event, provide mentorship to participants, or receive open-source product support in your organization, there are myriad ways to benefit from and contribute to this valuable new program. Sign up on the right to receive updates about applications, events, and more.
Many ways to get involved!
Events
In-person and virtual events will bring communities together across Portland’s technology sectors—including nonprofit, for-profit, and government. Through speakers, panels, and hands-on workshops, participants can learn, collaborate, and engage in problem-solving to create technology that supports our communities.
Upcoming events
RSVP ahead to stay tuned on the latest updates!
April 4: Introduction to the Open Source Fellowship – Virtual
April 22: Introduction to Open Source Fellowship – Virtual
May 22: Full-stack development in the age of AI – Portland, OR
June: Building an open source movement for social impact – Portland, OR
Online training
Launching in mid-2025, online courses will be available for anyone interested in learning more about open source development, technology product management, and building open source tools in nonprofits. These courses will be integrated into the learning plans for fellows but also available to anyone to take online. NTEN will also open the Open Source in Nonprofits Professional Certificate to recognize individuals who complete a full certificate program of courses.
Open Source Fellowship cohort (apply now!)
This opportunity offers a 12-month, paid Fellowship for a cohort of five individuals to develop open source technology that supports the nonprofit sector. Fellows will collaborate with technology experts, learn from thought leaders, and build a real-world open source product they can showcase to end-users, family, friends, and potential employers.
The Fellowship is designed for individuals who identify with a neurological profile such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Dysgraphia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyscalculia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and others.
Partner with us
Empower aspiring technologists and champion neurodiversity in tech! Whether as a speaker, mentor, employer, or event sponsor, there are many ways to get involved.
Apply to the Fellowship
Read the information below, then submit your application by May 1, 2025!
Who should apply?
- Have some software development experience.
Whether you’re self-taught, have dabbled in personal projects, or gained skills on the job, we value your background—even if you haven’t been a professional software engineer. Familiarity with HTML and CSS is helpful, but we also welcome those interested in product management, DevOps, or UX design. - Be an early-career tech job seeker.
This program is tailored for individuals taking early steps into technology careers. -
Commit to full-time participation.
Applicants must be willing to commit 40 hours per week to the program. -
Agree to state reporting requirements.
The fellowship is funded through a State of Oregon workforce development grant that includes some demographic data reporting. We respect your privacy and will only request this information after you’ve been accepted into the fellowship.
Have questions?
Benefits
Timeline
Application process:
Applications close: May 1, 2025
Applicant interviews: May 3 - 9, 2025
Finalists will be selected by NTEN and invited to interview. All interview questions will be provided in advance and accessibility supports are available to ensure comfort and confidence for all participating.
Fellowship kickoff: June 2-4, 2025 Orientation week to connect, welcome you, and set the tone for the Fellowship year.
Fellowship year:
Agile development sprints: Regular two-week cycles with monthly demos and weekly mentorship check-ins.
Support and leadership development: We’re here to help every step of the way, from hands-on learning to real-world project work.
Regular training: Fellows will participate in live training and workshops as well as self-paced training modules. By the end of the fellowship, all fellows will have achieved an Open Source in Nonprofits Professional Certificate.
Partner on a cohort
Empower aspiring technologists and champion neurodiversity in tech! This program's majority occurs in Portland, OR, so partners based in this region would be preferred. Here are some of the ways we are looking for partnership and support.
- Speakers and panelists
Participate in our range of events as a speaker or panellist. We are especially interested in themes of open source tech, social impact, and neurodiversity. - Mentors
Do you enjoy inspiring aspiring technologists, and have experience guiding the evolution of a technology project from start to finish? Sign up offer our five fellows mentorship and guidance. - Organizations
We are looking for organizations that can support the fellowship by offering event spaces in Portland, OR, sponsoring food and beverages for an event, or offering financial support.
Current partners
Thanks to our partners for supporting the delivery of this program.
