Description

Over the past two years, Bowie State University’s Computer Science Department has provided internship opportunities to students to address the persistent underrepresentation of people of color in Computer Science. However, many of Bowie’s women scientists reported hesitance applying for internships, fearing rejection and believing themselves to be underqualified. Bowie State seeks support to help break down the barriers its women of color face and empower students in Cybersecurity and AI/Machine Learning through a targeted pathway program. The program seeks to recruit at least ten women students over seventeen months to participate in career development opportunities, soft skill building workshops, industry-led workshops, paid internships, and the opportunity to earn IBM pathways training and certification in AI and Machine Learning. Foundation support will contribute to student stipends and tuition, and stipends for faculty and mentors to develop course curricula.