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Through education initiatives, financial assistance, and internship opportunities Intel is paving the way for diverse people to enter and succeed in tech careers like engineering and computer science.
In January 2015, Intel set a goal of achieving full representation of women and minorities in the U.S. workforce by 2020. To that end, the Fortune 100 Company committed $300 million to its Diversity in Technology initiative to improve inclusion across the tech industry.
“Following the success of our other STEM pathway programs and being named a 2016 Top Supporter of HBCU Engineering Schools by US Black Engineer and Information Technology Magazine, we’re excited to kick off the Intel HBCU Grant Program and nurture the next generation of diverse talent that will lead us into the future,” said Barbara Whye, chief diversity and inclusion officer, vice president of Human Resources, Intel Corporation in an official blog.
Each year, USBE magazine surveys the deans of the 15 ABET-accredited historically black college and university (HBCU) engineering programs, and the corporate-academic alliance Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), for the annual top supporters of HBCU engineering schools list.
The Top Supporters survey asks HBCU engineering deans to list corporate and government/non-profit organizations that provide the most support to their schools. Based on the survey results, employers and agencies are recognized by USBE Magazine for having gone above and beyond to strengthen and expand the capacity of historically black colleges and universities to provide quality education.
The three-year, $4.5 million Intel HBCU Grant Program announced in June supports investments in computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering programs, curriculum, and labs, and has three components: scholarships, student experience, and tech workshops.
Florida A&M University is receiving $550,000 from Intel Corp. It will provide for up to 26 junior to doctorate-level students majoring in the targeted areas.
“We are thrilled to partner with Intel to expand scholarship opportunities for our computer science and engineering students,” said George Cotton, FAMU’s vice president for University Advancement.
“This FAMU grant will not only help our talented students to excel academically without the burden of debt but also paves the way for the University to produce more women and underrepresented minorities working in STEM.”
Morgan State University has announced the award of a $750,000 grant from the program to support its efforts to prepare graduates to make immediate contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The program and funding will enable Morgan to attract and enroll students as part of a five-year bachelor’s to master’s degree track. Emphasis will be placed on curriculum, scholarship programs, recruitment, peer mentoring and peer tutoring.
Implementation of the grant began on July 1, 2017.
“With the future success of our nation firmly rooted in the expansion of a workforce prepared in STEM, we are pleased to have this opportunity to partner with one of the foremost names in technology in meeting that need,” said Morgan President David Wilson.
“This initiative, which is consistent with Morgan’s overall mission, furthers our status as a top producer of African Americans with engineering degrees and places the University in an even stronger position to introduce more students to the opportunities of the future...opportunities that require a background in STEM.”
The scholarship support will also have a substantial impact at North Carolina A&T University, which produces more African American engineers than any university in America at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. In addition to scholarships, the grant will fund student programs and labs, workshops and research experiences.
“Intel has provided an outstanding opportunity for our students,” Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. said. “Investments like these enable N.C. A&T to continue the work of preparing our students to meet the global demand for highly qualified STEM leaders.”
“It is an honor to collaborate with our friends at Intel to enhance the competitiveness of our computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering programs,” said A&T College of Engineering Dean Robin Coger. “We look forward to what this support will make possible for our students.”
The first cohort of Intel Innovation Scholars will be announced at the start of the 2017-18 academic year.
Tuskegee University is to receive a $450,000 grant as part of the Intel HBCU Grant Program.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Murphy, a professor in Tuskegee’s Electrical Engineering department, the University will seek to increase its enrollment, retention, and graduation of African-American students studying in the College of Engineering’s electrical engineering program and the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Sciences’ Computer Science program. Funding from the Intel HBCU Grant Program will provide qualifying students with scholarships and networking opportunities among Tuskegee alumni who are practicing professionals in these disciplines.
Other participating HBCUs include Howard University and Prairie View A&M University.
In addition to funding for colleges in the program, Intel’s grant will provide $600,000 for workshops and activities to better prepare HBCU students to enter the competitive, high-tech workforce.
Intel designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Intel also manufactures the world’s first commercially available “conflict-free” microprocessors.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that African-American students are more likely to switch out of STEM majors within their first year of college and only 11 percent of bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields are conferred on African-American students.