Heads up, female coders: Seattle startup Tune accepting applications for UW house
Tune, the Seattle-based mobile marketing analytics firm, is now accepting applications for its special interest, rent-free house that invites females studying computer science or informational technology at the University of Washington to join a residential community of likeminded women. The deadline to apply for the 2016-17 academic year is March 15.
Tune co-founders Lee and Lucas Brown first came up with the idea for Tune House after living in a dorm for students interested in entrepreneurship during their time at Babson College.
After they graduated and gained experience in the tech world, the Browns became concerned about the lack of gender diversity in the workplace. As a part of the Seattle tech community, Tune decided to take action to close the gender gap by opening the house this past April in collaboration with the University of Washington.
“It’s an opportunity to live in a community setting with like-minded peers who are passionate about technology,” Tune CEO Peter Hamilton told GeekWire last year. “There is a great benefit from interacting with each other in a supportive and collaborative environment.”
More than 50 women applied to live in the Tune House last year and eight were selected — one senior, two juniors, two sophomores, and three freshmen. They received free housing in the 8-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom, and 3-kitchen house located near the UW, as well as free groceries, a new MacBook to keep, and access to a network of professionals and mentors in the tech industry.
Some of the current residents will be staying in the Tune House for next year and some will be leaving, which has opened up a few new spots in the house.
“It’s clear that our company’s development and momentum is directly correlated to the strength of the Seattle community and the amazing talent that has been flourishing here,” Hamilton said last year. “With that in mind, we want to be innovative with how we support and engage the community.”
