How the Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship is Empowering Students of Color in Tech
The field of technology has long been dominated by white men. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness about the lack of diversity in tech. The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship was established in response to this issue, and it has been successful in empowering students of color in tech.
Introduction
According to a 2020 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, Black and Hispanic students make up just 18% of undergraduate students studying computer science and engineering. The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship aims to address this disparity by providing opportunities for underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in technical fields.
The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship
The Xerox Corporation established the Technical Minority Scholarship in 1987. The scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to minority students who are pursuing technical degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level. The program has provided more than $6 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be of African American, Asian, Pacific Island, Native American, Alaskan, or Hispanic descent
- Be a full-time student enrolled in a four-year institution
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Be pursuing a technical degree in science, engineering, or computer science
- Be enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college or be a graduate student
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship provides recipients with financial assistance to cover educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and books. In addition to financial support, the program also provides recipients with access to mentoring opportunities, networking events, and professional development workshops.
Impact of the Scholarship
The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship has had a significant impact on the lives of its recipients. Many scholarship recipients have gone on to successful careers in the tech industry. For example, Michael Bent, a Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship recipient, is now the Director of Engineering at Google. Other recipients have gone on to work at companies such as Microsoft, Intel, and IBM.
The scholarship program has also helped to increase diversity in the tech industry. By providing opportunities to underrepresented minority students, the program has helped to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Conclusion
The Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship is a valuable program that is making a significant difference in the lives of underrepresented minority students pursuing technical degrees. The program provides financial assistance, mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development workshops. By empowering students of color in tech, the program is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.
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