Digital Accessibility Bootcamp
Accessibility is a Fundamental Right
In today’s tech-centric world, the impact of our creations extends far beyond visuals and lines of code.
AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp is a 3-month summer experience offering students the opportunity to learn to design and build digital solutions that break down barriers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with the digital services that shape our daily lives.
What Will You Gain?
AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp provides students the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning, build practical experience, and interact with their peers and AFB’s own digital inclusion experts.
Practical Learning: This summer experience focuses on the foundational principles of digital inclusion in design and development as well as how to use assistive technology, such as screen readers. You’ll apply these skills immediately by completing weekly assignments and mini-projects, and receive direct feedback from AFB’s digital inclusion practitioners.
In-Demand Skills: Through interactive modules, practice activities, and assessments, you will produce a collection of work demonstrating your ability to apply accessibility and inclusive design principles that can be added to your professional portfolio. You will also be able to earn digital credentials which you can integrate into your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn accounts to showcase your skills.
Mentorship and Networking: You will learn from and work directly with AFB’s team of accessibility and digital inclusion specialists, the same experts who help organizations across the US invest in their accessibility practices.You will also have opportunities to meet digital inclusion and tech professionals from across the industry through guest lectures and discussions.
What to Expect
This summer learning opportunity runs approximately 13 weeks and is designed for students committed to participating actively on a regular weekly schedule.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Fully remote experience available to participants from anywhere in the United States.
- Incentives: $3,000 scholarship award to be used for educational expenses, payable in two installments ($1000 at the program midpoint and $2000 upon successful program completion.)
- Welcome Kit: Receive an iPad for hands-on experience with iOS accessibility features (yours to keep when you complete the program) and an exclusive program t-shirt.
- Learning: Unlimited access to the Udemy Business catalog while an active participant for additional professional development.
Commitments:
- Dedicate about 20-25 hours per week to focused participation in learning activities, including:
- 15 hours per week on a set engagement schedule, weekdays only, selected from a set of options provided prior to the program start date.
- 5-10 hours per week, scheduled flexibly, for independent work and individual practice using assistive technology.
- Engage fully in all aspects of the program, including coursework, independent practice and projects, guest speakers, and discussions with peers and AFB’s Digital Inclusion team.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer running Windows or Mac OS for a seamless remote learning experience.
Bootcamp Selection Criteria
AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp participants are selected through an application and interview process. To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a college or university program at the undergraduate or graduate level (Spring graduates may participate in the Bootcamp during the summer immediately following graduation.)
- Be studying Computer Science, UX Design, or a related field
- Be authorized to work in the United States and live at a US address throughout the summer
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or equivalent
Applications
Applications for the Summer 2027 Bootcamp are now open through December 4, 2026!
Submitting an Application
Applications for the next Summer term are accepted each fall. The written application will require you to respond to about five short essay questions about your experiences and interests. We value well written essays that share stories and specific examples from your experience and strongly encourage all applicants to share their authentic voice without the use of artificial intelligence.
Video Interview Process
Each written application will be reviewed by our team, and selected candidates will be invited to submit a video interview. Detailed instructions for the video interview will be provided to selected candidates; however, you can expect to be asked to:
- Record yourself on camera answering about 5 interview questions to be provided (max. 8 minutes).
- Use the device of your choice to record the video (i.e. smartphone, webcam on laptop or desktop, etc.)
- Submit only one video containing your responses to all questions. Tidy videos are greatly appreciated, but no advanced video editing or effects are required.
Important Dates:
- Applications Accepted: October 5 - December 4, 2026
- Video Interview Submission Period: January 2027
- Acceptance Notifications: February - March 2027
- Bootcamp Duration: May 24 - August 20, 2027
Find Frequently Asked Questions | Contact the AFB Programs Team | Download the Digital Accessibility Bootcamp Flier (PDF)
Interested in Leveling Up?
Upon successful completion of the Digital Accessibility Bootcamp, you will be eligible to apply for the Work Study internship program. Learn more about our Digital Accessibility Work Study and how to apply here. (Limited seats available.)