The F# Software Foundation diversity program aims at increasing the diversity of its membership. In that context, we started supporting members of underrepresented minorities to attend conferences and other community events.

We are pleased to announce that sponsored (i.e. free entrance to the conference) tickets are now available for the following event:

Building Solid Systems in F# workshop, London, Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2018 (1 ticket).

If you consider yourself to be a member of a minority that is underrepresented in technology, we’d love you to apply, by sending an email to [email protected], with the following information:

• Which event you’re applying for.

• Why you consider yourself to be in an underrepresented minority. (You get to define what that means!)

• A little bit about any existing programming or technology background you have.

• If you will need additional assistance with travel and other costs, with an estimate of the minimum you would need in order to attend. There is a small amount of funding available to provide this kind of assistance.

Please also confirm that you will be free and able to attend the event, bearing in mind its location and facilities (see conference web site).

You can find answers to some frequently asked questions below.

Also, please do reach out if you have questions about this program, or suggestions on how we can make it better!

FAQ

Who can apply?

If you consider yourself to be a member of a minority that is underrepresented in technology, we’d love you to apply. Examples of underrepresented minorities would be women, ethnic minorities, and people from an economically or educationally deprived background. We don’t limit it just to those examples though.

How do I apply?

Please send an email to [email protected], with the following information:

• Which event you’re applying for.

• Why you consider yourself to be in an underrepresented minority. (You get to define what that means!)

• A little bit about any existing programming or technology background you have.

• Whether you will need additional assistance with travel and other costs, and an estimated minimum requirement which would allow you to attend. Limited funding exists to provide further assistance.

Please also confirm that you will be free and able to attend the event, bearing in mind its location and facilities (see conference web sites).

Would I benefit?

Conferences generally have talks for a variety of skill levels. Give yourself the benefit of any doubt! We won’t be testing you to make sure you’ve absorbed everything. That being said, it’s worth checking out the flavor of the event, to make sure it fits with your interests.

How will you choose the sponsored delegates?

The members of the F# Software Foundation Board will discuss all the applications confidentially and make a collective decision.

The board will select on the basis of who they think could most benefit from attendance. We'll take into account the applicant's background and the current diversity profile of the F# community.

We may get back to you by email with anything we need to clarify, but we won’t interview you or put you under pressure.

All the board members are good-hearted people - your application will get a fair hearing!

When will I know?

We’ll get back to applicants by the end (UTC time) of January 9th, 2017. We’ll inform both successful and unsuccessful applicants.

What do we want in return?

For you to learn something and have a good time!

It would be great if you could share your experience of the conference with us, privately if you want. But we don’t insist on it, and we’ll assume confidentiality unless you tell us otherwise.
Who will know?

We’ll leave it up to you whether your receiving a sponsored ticket is kept confidential. We’ll assume confidentiality unless you tell us otherwise.

Can I get help for travel and accomodation costs?

We can only help with tickets for the conference itself. It’ll be up to you to get yourself to and from the conference and to sort out any accommodation, food, accessibility provisions or other facilities you might need. Limited travel support may be available, but the majority of the costs and arrangements will need to be handled by you.

If you need any special facilities or arrangements for the conference, please contact the conference organizers directly.