Nearly a decade ago our company, an innovation company, journeyed to put a new face on technology by creating new pathways to science, technology, engineering, and math careers with Pathways in Technology Early College High School also known as P-TECH. Diversifying our industry was important then, but even more critical now. The fight against racism and racial inequality is as urgent as ever. Despite much progress since the Civil Rights movement, Black people are still significantly affected by poverty, unemployment, segregated housing, and other injustices in the United States.
At IBM, one way we are taking action in advocating for social justice and racial equality is by advancing education, skills, and jobs. Today, as part of our ongoing efforts, we are pleased to announce the creation of 1,000 paid internships for P-TECH students in the United States from now until December 31, 2021. This commitment is a 10x incremental increase from our most recent internship goals.
Since 2011, P-TECH has been preparing students in grades 9-14 with STEM training, mentorship, and work experience. In a P-TECH school, students earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized associate degree, and gain relevant professional development for future careers. Through P-TECH, thousands of students are forging new paths in STEM jobs, changing the face of the technology industry, and accelerating the transformation of products, services, and offerings. P-TECH currently has a network of 127 schools in the United States.
We aspire to create more open and equitable pathways to employment for all regardless of background. It’s about generating the skills and training that lead to good jobs.
Students will receive ongoing curricula support, community engagement, access to resources, and mentorship. We recognize that equal access to skills and jobs is the key to unlocking economic opportunity and prosperity. At IBM we are committed to educational equity because we understand the power of education and how it can transform lives. The key to this work is bringing industry and education closer together to focus on skills versus degrees.
We will continue the fight to bring new faces to the tech industry that truly reflect the demographics of our communities.
The original article was posted by IBM