For some young women, the first step toward a future in technology may not begin in a laboratory, behind a computer screen or even in a classroom.
It may simply begin with someone giving them the opportunity to ask, “What if?”
What if I could build that? What if I could solve this problem? What if there was a place for someone like me in engineering, technology or innovation?
Through the launch of iGNITEHer, Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation (CBCF) is creating a space for young Bahamian women to explore those questions and discover just how far their ideas can take them.
The launch also marks an important next step in a commitment made earlier this year. In June, CBCF celebrated its relaunch and pledged $1 million toward developing more community partnerships focused on creating meaningful impact for Bahamians. Now, through its partnership with Happy STEM Bahamas, the first fruit of that commitment is beginning to take shape.
iGNITEHer, the inaugural program of the new iNSPIRE Her Academy, will welcome 20 girls entering Grades 9 through 12 in New Providence for a free, 13-week hands-on experience beginning September 12th. Participants will be exposed to coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, engineering, CAD and 3D modelling, with opportunities to apply what they learn as they explore ideas and solve problems.
And they do not need to arrive as experts.
No previous technical experience is required. Instead, the program is built for girls with the curiosity to ask questions and the willingness to learn along the way.
“iGNITEHer is about helping young women see what is possible when they are given the opportunity, exposure and support to explore their potential,” said Amber Carey, vice president of consumer solutions and marketing. “We want girls to understand that technology and innovation are spaces where they belong and where their ideas can help shape the future of The Bahamas.”
Beyond Technical Skills
While participants will spend 13 weeks exploring technology, what they build will go beyond the projects in front of them.
iGNITEHer will connect participants with leading women in The Bahamas through mentorship and development sessions focused on confidence, public speaking, networking and leadership.
That exposure is an important part of the experience. Learning a new skill can show a young woman what she can do. Meeting someone who has already built a career in that space can help her see where it could take her.
Participants will have an opportunity to experience that on an even larger scale at iNSPIRE HER (iHER) 2026 on November 13th.
iNSPIREHER is Cable Bahamas’ flagship annual experience for women and girls seeking inspiration, meaningful connections and opportunities to learn from women who are redefining what leadership and success can look like across industries. Each year, the experience brings together outstanding local and global women who are stepping beyond boundaries and drawing new ones across STEM, business, entertainment and other fields.
This year, the girls of iGNITE Her will not only be in the room to be inspired by those women. They will have an opportunity to take the stage themselves.
“What makes this experience even more meaningful is that the girls will have an opportunity to take what they have learned and created and present it at iHER,” Carey added. “They will be stepping into a space surrounded by accomplished women, sharing their own ideas and demonstrating what the next generation of Bahamian innovators is capable of. That is exactly the kind of confidence, exposure and connection we want iHER to inspire.”
Impact For Years to Come
Maybe the next Bahamian engineer, innovator or technology leader has not discovered her passion yet. Maybe she simply needs the right opportunity to find it. That is what CBCF hopes to achieve through this program.
She already has the potential. iGNITE Her is an opportunity to help her turn it into reality.
Visit cablebahamas.com/cable-cares/ to learn more and apply. Deadline is August 28th, 2026.
What If She Could Build It? iGNITEHer Program Helps Bahamian Girls Turn Potential into Reality
