The Linking Interested Females to Technology (LIFT) program at Miami Dade College supports diverse women transitioning into computing careers. It serves 70 community college students, including 35 pursuing associate degrees in computer science who transfer to four-year universities and 35 completing bachelor’s degrees in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and information systems technology. LIFT provides up to two years of tailored support, emphasizing early academic development for associate degree students and focused guidance during the final academic years for those completing bachelor’s degrees. Key components of the program include mentorship, technical interview preparation, accelerated STEM coursework, and opportunities for internships and research.

Program effectiveness is assessed using pre- and post-survey data collected from 2022 to 2024, which highlights significant improvements in diversity, inclusion, and community building. Key outcomes include enhanced perceptions of family support, a stronger belief in computing’s societal contributions, and expanded access to mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, focus group data with STEM professors identified the benefits of LIFT’s concurrent course approach, which integrates calculus and physics with computing-related applications. This method has been shown to improve student engagement and success, particularly when educators collaborate effectively, align course content, and tailor instruction to meet the diverse proficiency levels of students. Applying math and science concepts directly to computing disciplines further enhances students’ understanding and practical skills. LIFT’s comprehensive and scalable model contributes to national efforts to increase the number of women of color earning computing degrees by 2025, advancing equity and representation in the technology industry.

Keywords: Community college, computing education, broadening participation, educational equity, experiential learning, mentorship, self-efficacy, STEM learning community, women of color, women in computing.