CMD-IT, the national Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in Information Technology, has announced it has received a grant for $20,000 USD from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc. Through the grant, CMD-IT will support the Black Women in Computing (BWiC) Gaming Workshop, part of the Pathways to STEM program, being held at the
ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on September 24, 2017.
The BWiC workshop is a one day family code day that boasts activities that include audiences of middle and high school students (ages 13-18), including their parents. Participants are introduced to computer science principles using a visual art digital design tool for learning Javascript code and how to be a good Cyber citizen.
The workshop's purpose is to increase students' interest in computer science and programming, to promote education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to support historically under-served and underrepresented students with limited opportunities or access to resources. This workshop is geared toward students with no prior experience in computer science or programming and will host 75-100 underrepresented minority students from the Atlanta area.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations, such as CMD-IT, which support and advance public safety programs and technology & engineering education initiatives. This year, programs that served underrepresented and under-served populations, including females, people with disabilities and veterans were prioritized.
"CMD-IT is pleased to co-sponsor with Black Women in Computing and Motorola Solutions the BWiC Gaming Workshop at the 2017 Tapia Conference. Expanding opportunities for students to be exposed to computing is critical to inspiring the next generation of computer scientists," said Valerie Taylor, Executive Director, CMD-IT.
This is the second year Motorola Solutions Foundation, BWiC and CMD-IT have sponsored this workshop. Last year 35 high school students attended the program. "Everyone at Black Women in Computing is thrilled to be doubling the size of the workshop this year. Our workshop not only involves students, but also engages their parents who are invited to attend," said Danielle Cummings, BWiC Chair.
This year, Motorola Solutions Foundation grants will support programs that help over 2 million students, teachers, first responders, and community members across the United States. Each participant will receive an average of 186 programming hours from its partner non-profit organizations and institutions. Programs will support special populations including: females, underrepresented minorities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, people with disabilities, and veterans.
"Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to support the work of CMD-IT. As a leading technology company that supports the safety of communities worldwide, we know how important it is to educate tomorrow's technology professionals as well as enlighten civilians and first responders on today's safety needs," said Matt Blakely, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
For additional information on the Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program, visit:
motorolasolutions.com/foundation and for more information or to volunteer for the BWiC Gaming Workshop at Tapia visit their
website.
