For years, I discuss the lack of diversity in IT service and IT support and other tech fields. But one HBU (historically black university) works to change that. So is Google. Let’s see how Google and Howard University encourages more diversity.
Google and Howard University partner to build a leaning campus on Google’s headquarters. Hence, they will call this campus Howard West. Their target is black engineering and computer science majors. But first, they will have to apply. They expect to start with around 30 students this summer. However, they want over 700 to be in the program by 2022. Howard West students will study for three months. Also, private donors will cover their Silicon Valley expenses.
But that’s not all. This program will expand to other HBU’s. Google and Howard hope this new school will help more Blacks get jobs in tech. Furthermore, Howard University’s president hopes this school prepares hundreds of Black computer scientists for the global tech force. Google knows it has to do something. Blacks only make up 2% of Google’s roster. Also, one 1 in 100 Google engineers are black. But Google isn’t the only company struggling with diversity. Just about every Silicon Valley corporation lacks diversity.
But at least Google and Howard are trying to do something about it. I applaud their efforts. Studies prove that companies with more diverse work forces do better than homogeneous companies do. They create better goods, services, and yes, even computer repair (I thought I would sneak that one in). Also, more diverse groups are better at making decisions and solving problems. Google and Howard seem to get it. Well, maybe I’m giving Google too much credit too early. Maybe I’ll wait until more the Google roster is a lot more than 2% black. What is this? Is this 1957 or 2017? Well, this is a start. Will it get the results? And the next question, will other tech companies and HBU’s follow Google and Howard in their footsteps?