Through a series of grants, the Foundation will introduce computer science education to an additional 725 underrepresented and minority students across nine states
Palo Alto, CA - December 6, 2016
Infosys Foundation USA today announced numerous grants to extend its on-going efforts to reduce the digital divide in America by helping underrepresented populations gain greater access to computer science education. The Foundation will commemorate Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) with multiple grants to support events across nine states with participation expected from more than 700 students.
The events are free workshops focused on inspiring and empowering underrepresented students and minorities, young adults and educators across the U.S. to become creators of technology, not just consumers. Among the diverse groups that will participate are students living in rural or inner-city environments, students with autism, and minority students including Black, Hispanic, and Native American.
"The future is being written in code. In a world that is increasingly being reshaped by digital technology, computing skills are becoming as foundational as science and language arts, no matter what career a child decides to pursue,” said Vandana Sikka, Chairperson of Infosys Foundation USA. "By continuing to support learning events like these, as well as helping teachers with high quality training, research, curriculum and standards, the Foundation is working to ensure that every child in the U.S. has the opportunity to learn these computing skills, regardless of their circumstances."
The following organizations are receiving grants to host free CS-focused workshops in various cities and states throughout CSEdWeek and the weeks following:
Along with its sponsorship of these programs, Infosys Foundation USA will also be renewing its partnership with Code.org, providing financial support as well as extensive resources, professional development training and social outreach programs for educators across the country.
Speaking on the partnership, Hadi Partovi, Chief Executive Officer, Code.org said, “The work we’ve accomplished at Code.org wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Infosys Foundation. Thanks to their support, millions of students have been introduced to rigorous computer science, and thousands of schools are changing curriculum to embrace this 21st century field."
Infosys Foundation USA is focused on bridging the digital divide in America by supporting high quality computer science education and coding skills with a particular focus on underrepresented communities. It aims to give children and young adults the skills they need to become creators, not just consumers, of technology. In pursuit of this mission, the Foundation has partnered with internationally acclaimed non-profits and institutions like Code.org, New York Academy of Sciences, DonorsChoose.org, and the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, Infosys Foundation USA committed a million dollars to the Infy Maker Awards to inspire makers across the U.S. to demonstrate creative excellence in making projects with genuine impact.
Learn more at http://www.infosys.org/usa/ follow on Twitter @InfyFoundation or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InfosysFoundationUSA.
For further information, please contact: PR_Global@infosys.com