Is it just us or does it seem like there is a big push for students to explore careers in STEM (science, technology, education, and mathematics)?
Does the same opportunity exist for students of color?
The illustrious HBCU based in our nation’s capital, Howard University, is taking the initiative one step further by teaming with Google to create a campus dedicated to coding:
We’re partnering with @HowardU to open #HowardWest, a new campus in Mountain View for Black computer science majors: https://t.co/Z1z1UMozBJ pic.twitter.com/v9VXLQ1A3N
— Google (@Google) March 23, 2017
According to sources, Howard West will offer a three-month residency for juniors and seniors in Howard’s computer science program where the students will receive college credit and a housing stipend. Most importantly, this new campus opens the door (pun intended) for more engineers and tech professionals of color at Google. Diversity research shows that Black professionals are the least of their workforce, accounting for only 2 percent.
The Best Coast just got better! ✊ We’re SO excited to welcome @HowardU #CS students to the ‘Plex: https://t.co/r5QFIy1zqK #HowardWest pic.twitter.com/tVrvPDwabJ
— Google Students (@googlestudents) March 23, 2017
TELL US: What are your thoughts on this partnership? What other ways can we encourage more youth of color to pursue careers in technology?