Galvanize Announces the Reverend Jesse Jackson Scholarship in Data Science
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 27, 2015 -- Galvanize today announced its new partnership with Reverend Jesse Jackson and The Rainbow PUSH Coalition to provide tech scholarships for African Americans in tech. One student per cohort at GalvanizeU – Galvanize’s accredited data science program – will attend on a full scholarship. RainbowPush’s mission is to empower African Americans and people of color in technology, pursue economic justice, civil rights and racial equality. This new initiative with Galvanize will help them directly address these issues from within the tech industry.
“There is no talent deficit in the technology industry – there’s an opportunity deficit. African Americans are sorely under-represented in this space, and that’s why programs like GalvanizeU are so important. This scholarship program will expand opportunities for students, and we’re excited to be part of it,” said Reverend Jesse Jackson
Last year, several major Silicon Valley technology companies responded to Rev. Jackson’s appeal and publicly released their workforce diversity data. On average, only about 2% of their workers are African American. However, more than 4% of all new computer science or computer engineering degrees were held by African Americans. Galvanize and The Rainbow PUSH Coalition aim to address this disconnect by providing more scholarships for industry-integrated educational programs such as GalvanizeU.
GalvanizeU is a first-of-its-kind data science program where students work alongside large tech companies, rising startups, and other students at Galvanize’s San Francisco campus. Throughout the year-long program, students will build strong relationships with industry partners, learn in-demand skills, and build life-long connections within the technology community. Galvanize’s faculty and staff will work closely with hiring partners and students to ensure job placement after graduation.
“At Galvanize, our goal is for all our students to receive an amazing job offer after graduation,” said Jim Deters, Galvanize CEO and co-founder. “We’re thrilled to partner with longtime civil rights advocate Reverend Jesse Jackson to provide these life-changing opportunities to even more people in our community.”
Galvanize will work together with Reverend Jesse Jackson, the RainbowPUSH Coalition, and other diversity advocates such as BUILDUP and the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) to select students for this scholarship. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, and interested candidates can apply at galvanizeu.com.
About The Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Founded by Reverend Jesse Jackson, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change. Their mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights. Its digital connections initiative aims to expand the participation of African Americans and people of color in all dimensions of the technology industry. See more at: http://rainbowpush.org
About Galvanize
Galvanize is a community of technology campuses that provides life-changing opportunities for entrepreneurs, tech workers, and students by combining education, experience, and industry under one roof. Since launching its first campus in Denver in October 2012, Galvanize has expanded to San Francisco, California, and Boulder, Colorado, with more campuses scheduled to open throughout the U.S. in 2015 and 2016. Each campus offers training and education opportunities, tech-focused events and a variety of workspace options. To learn more about Galvanize and membership, visit http://www.galvanize.com.
Mark Saldana, Galvanize, http://www.galvanize.it, +1 909-855-4344, [email protected]
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