December 11th 2024.
In December 2023, something exciting happened for Project Still I Rise, a Dallas-based organization. They entered into a partnership with Google, one of the biggest names in the tech industry. This partnership was a part of Google's initiative called "Grow with Google" Partnership program. For almost a year, from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024, leaders from Google's Black Googler Network, a group that focuses on supporting and uplifting Black employees, led a series of workshops for elementary and middle school students. These workshops covered a wide range of topics, from Google's business solutions to their MakerSuite app, which uses artificial intelligence for creative thinking. The main goal was to introduce students to the world of technology and show them the possibilities of a career in this industry.
As the workshops were coming to an end, an exciting opportunity presented itself. The students were invited to visit Google's office in New York City. This trip was an eye-opening experience for the students. They were able to learn more about the tech industry and the efforts being made towards diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. Members of the Black Googler Network based in the New York office were there to share their experiences and offer guidance and mentorship to the students. This was a great chance for the students to see people who looked like them in successful positions and understand that they too can have a place in the tech world.
It's no secret that the tech industry has been struggling with diversity and inclusion. According to CNBC, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs have been on the decline in recent years. Shockingly, only 35% of minorities hold jobs in the US tech industry, and women represent only 3.7 million out of the total number of tech employees. This is why initiatives like Project Still I Rise and Google's partnership are crucial. By exposing young students to the world of technology and providing mentorship and guidance, we can help create a stronger pipeline for diverse candidates to enter the tech industry.
For Project Still I Rise, this partnership with Google is a dream come true. They believe that it's essential for students to see themselves represented in these types of roles at a young age. This is why they offer programs like robotics and coding camps for students through non-profit organizations. Even with a degree, many diverse candidates still face challenges in the tech industry. This is where mentorship and community support play a significant role. As one of the leaders from Google's Black Googler Network, Williams, said, "You belong here. You can come in and be yourself and add value through your perspective, your skills, and knowledge." This message is crucial for young students to hear, and it's something that Project Still I Rise and Google are working towards together.
In summary, Project Still I Rise, a "High Impact Partner," joined forces with Google in 2023 to offer a three-part series of workshops on tech skills building and pathways to tech careers for elementary and middle school students. This program took place throughout Fall 2023 to mid-2024 in both Dallas, Texas, and New York City. The students also had the opportunity to visit Google's office in New York and learn more about diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. This amazing partnership was first reported on Blacknews.com, and it's a step towards promoting racial equity and economic opportunity in the tech industry.
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