Evaluation of a Mentoring Program for Women in an Intensive Course for Web Programming

Abstract

The study presents the results of the evaluation of the Mentoring Program carried out as a complement to the intensive training course in web programming developed within the framework of the Programando Paraguay Project implemented by the Centro de Información y Recursos para el Desarrollo (CIRD) with funding from the IDB Lab. Based on the knowledge of the underrepresentation of women in the technology and information industry, the objective of the Program was to support the professional and personal development of female students, reducing dropout rates and increasing motivation. The evaluation focused on both process (quality) and results (effectiveness) aspects through a documentary review of the Program, pre- and post-mentoring questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. The conclusion indicates that the Mentoring Program included all the steps recommended by the specialized literature. The strategy used to link mentors and mentees, the level of communication, and the content of the sessions are highlighted. Aspects of logistics and programming that can be improved were also identified, and recommendations were made for future initiatives.