What is the Next Generation Tech Booster program?
- Bertelsmann and Udacity are partnering to award 17,000 learners scholarships for foundational courses in data science programming, cybersecurity and front-end web development. Bertelsmann is also offering 500 of these 17,000 learners an opportunity to take the related Nanodegree in these fields.
How can I apply for the program?
- You can check the program details and submit the application form here.
What does this program entail?
This program is free of charge and available to all eligible learners who successfully pass the application on our website. The program consists of two parts:
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Part 1: Two-month, self-guided “Challenge” learning journey where students will gain exposure to one of three tracks – AI Programming with Python Fundamentals, Enterprise Security Fundamentals and Agile Software Developer Fundamentals– and build foundational skills in the given track.
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Part 2: Self-guided Nanodegree learning journey where students will pursue one of three related Nanodegrees: Agile Software Developer, AI programming with Python and Enterprise Security.
How can I benefit from this program?
- In the Challenge phase, students have an opportunity to gain exposure to their chosen track and build related skills.
- In the Nanodegree phase, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that are designed by industry experts and to build a skill set aligned to in-demand tech skills.
What does the learner journey look like as part of this program?
- There are two phases to the Next Generation Tech Booster: the first phase is the Challenge phase, and the second phase is the Nanodegree phase.
- As part of the first phase, you will learn about the foundational elements of the track you've selected, a subject that is pivotal to in-demand tech skills. Two of the three Challenge tracks (AI programming and Enterprise Security) have prerequisites that you will be tested on in order to qualify for these Challenge tracks. The Agile Software Developer Challenge track has no prerequisites, and therefore there is no test as part of this track’s application.
- All students must first go through the Challenge phase in order to qualify for the second Nanodegree phase. Students cannot apply to the Nanodegree phase directly nor skip phase one. By applying to this scholarship, you are therefore applying to the Challenge phase and in turn, initiating an opportunity to qualify for the subsequent Nanodegree phase.
- After completing the first phase, you will get the chance to assess what you’ve learned through a Final Assessment. The top 500 students who score highest on this Final Assessment are prioritized for the Nanodegree phase. This is a selective process, so make sure you're ready for that Final Assessment when the date approaches on February 22 to 24, 2024! And throughout your entire journey and across both phases, you will have access to an online community platform, where you will get to connect with other students and tutors for support to help you through any learning difficulties or even to network! This is going to be a fun ride.
What are the eligibility criteria to enroll in the Next Generation Tech Booster?
- Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Submit the online application form
- Be 18 years of age or older
- English-speaking
- Pass the technical assessment in the application (if applicable to their track)
- If you are a Bertelsmann employee, please apply to the Bertelsmann Employee Scholarship, which is exclusive to employees, rather than the Next Generation Tech Booster.
Are there any fees for enrollment?
- No, this is a free scholarship.
What is the duration program?
- The Challenge phase is designed to run from December 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024. However, it is important to note that the program is self-paced, you can finish it in less than the designed duration if you wish. The Nanodegree phase is from March 8, 2024 to July 15, 2024.
What are the prerequisites for enrollment?
You will need access to reliable internet and have knowledge of basic computer skills for all tracks. Additionally, there are technical requirements for two tracks:
- AI Programming with Python
- Learners should have basic calculus knowledge, including how to calculate derivatives. Basic algebra and programming knowledge will shorten the time to mastery.
- Enterprise Security
- Setting up a Linux server and performing system configuration/management (Udacity free course: Linux Server Configuration)
- Setting up an Azure environment and performing cloud configuration/management
- Exposure to networking, cloud, and hardware systems relevant to courses being taught (e.g. if a course teaches on Linux security, students should know the basics of how Linux works)
- Distinguish different hardware components in a network (desktop, server, firewall, etc)
- Explain the relationship between client and server within an architecture
- Identifying the different encryption protocols (AES, RSA, PGP)
- Agile Software Developer
- No technical prerequisites
When can I apply for the program?
- Applications open on October 23, 2023, and will close on November 30, 2023.
How will I know if I am accepted for the Challenge phase?
- We will contact you via email on December 11, 2023. Please make sure to check your e-mail frequently. Please use one email for everything during the program, and make sure to check your spam or promotions folder to see if you received emails from our side.
Is this program online, in-person, or a combination of both?
- This is a fully online program with live virtual Project Walkthrough Webinars. Throughout the cohort, students get to learn through online videos in their classroom and interact with peers, coaches, and instructors on their community platform and in their Project Walkthrough Webinars run by Udacity Tutors.
How can I move into the Nanodegree Phase?
- After completing the entire Challenge course, you will be invited to take a Final Assessment on the Challenge content. The Final Assessment will take place from February 22 - 24, 2024 (48-hour window). Once the assessment is available on February 22, 2024 at 12:00am CET, the link to take the assessment will be sent via email only to those who completed the Challenge phase. Udacity will leave the link open to the Final Assessment for 48 hours, allowing you two full days to complete it.
How will I know if I have been accepted into the Nanodegree phase?
- All students accepted into the Nanodegree phase will receive an email from Udacity on March 5, 2024 informing them of their acceptance. Please make sure to check your e-mail frequently. Please use one email for everything during the program, and make sure to check your spam folder to see if you received emails from our side.
Can I change the email address that I have used to sign-up?
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You should maintain the same email address you used to apply for the Program for the duration of your entire course in order to maintain eligibility for this Nanodegree program.
Can I withdraw/postpone studying after I am enrolled?
- There are no withdrawal or postponing options available in the program. You should only join this program if you are committed to learning and completing it within the defined timeline of the program.
