Photo via: Howard University
Google is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to diversifying the pipeline of tech talent.
Last year, the company partnered with Howard University to offer a three-month residency program called “Howard West” for students interested in engineering careers. Now, the tech giant has expanded that program to a full academic year and inviting students from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to participate.
“Howard West is an extension to our commitment to produce industry-ready Black computer science graduates who will enter the workforce with the added invaluable knowledge gained by working alongside the leading experts at Google,” said Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick on the school’s website.
Google engineer Howard Sueing said last year’s pilot program exceeded many expectations and that “students and faculty noted both rigor and immersion in life at Goggle as the program’s most compelling aspects, and the Googlers involved felt there was a true exchange of knowledge, culture and understanding.”
Approximately 100 rising juniors from Howard and other soon-to-be announced HBCUs will participate in this year’s one-year program. The residency includes workspace at Google’s Mountain View campus in California, a generous stipend to cover housing and other expenses, and full access to Google’s resources including gyms, micro-kitchens and the company’s Gbikes.
In the pilot program last year, 26 students participated, 14 applied for internships after and four received offers.