Reboot Representation Tech Coalition, UNCF Partner to Support Black Women Pursuing Computing Degrees
UNCF and Reboot Representation Tech Coalition announced today the launch of the Black Females moving Forward (BFF) in Computing program.
Reboot Representation has a goal of doubling the number of Black, Latinx and Native American women receiving computing degrees by 2025, and the organization has provided UNCF a $423,000 grant to assist with helping African American women succeed in the field.
“Reboot’s partnership with UNCF and the establishment of Black Females moving Forward in Computing will help to attract more Black women to computing through academic support, network building, career planning and scholarships,” said Dwana Franklin-Davis, chief executive officer of Reboot Representation. “Together, Reboot and UNCF are laying the groundwork for doubling the number of Black women achieving computing bachelor’s degrees.”
The program will build a community and provide academic support for African American women majoring in computing degree programs. It will leverage an innovative online platform that provides access to high impact tutorial webinars in key domain areas offered by professors and professionals with Ph.D.s in computer science. In addition, the women accepted into the program will be paired with virtual mentors from the industry that will be key to providing continued exposure for them to the computing world and career options and serving as a resource during summer internships.
“We have an extraordinary opportunity to move the needle for Black women pursuing degrees in computing by providing academic supports and mentorship,” said Dr. Chad Womack, senior director of STEM initiatives and HBCU innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship at UNCF. “This initiative will grant participants access to a vast network of resources.”
The application for the program is now open. To be considered for participation in the BFF in computing program, applicants must be female of African descent; enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university (with preference given to HBCU students); classified as a freshman or sophomore at the time of application; have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and majoring in or planning to pursue a major in a computing field. Students may apply to the program on UNCF’s website.
After successful completion of the 2020-21 program year requirements, the participants will be considered for continued academic and professional development support, and eligible to compete for a $5,000 scholarship for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.
“It is a surreal experience to see my life come full circle having started my career as a computer engineer and now partnering with Reboot on behalf of UNCF to double the number of women achieving their education and career goals in computing,” said senior director of student professional development programs, Taliah Givens. “The Black Females moving Forward in Computing program is an innovative model among the professional development opportunities offered through UNCF. We look forward to working closely with the leaders of Reboot towards the success of this program, which undoubtedly means success for our students.”
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.
About Reboot Representation Tech Coalition
Reboot Representation is a coalition of leading tech companies working to double the number of Black, Latinx, and Native American women receiving computing degrees by 2025. Without this effort, the number of underrepresented women of color receiving computing degrees would not double until 2052, which carries with it a high cost for the sector and society.