To increase the number of Black students entering the technology workforce, 2U and Netflix has partnered with Norfolk State University (NSU) to launch three online boot camps.
Black employees make up only 7.4% of the high-tech sector compared to 68.5% of White employees. Additionally, at leading Silicon Valley technology firms, Black professionals represent less than 1% of executives, according to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“If we really hope to increase Black representation in the tech industry, we need to address our current gaps while expanding access to Black students,” said Kabi Gishuru, director of inclusion recruiting programs at Netflix. “This starts with being intentional about building future talent pipelines. These boot camps are just one step in that direction, but we can’t do it alone.”
The 16-week boot camps will focus on the areas of applied data science, advanced Java programming and UX/UI design. NSU faculty and guest technology experts will teach participants industry skills while also applying the curriculum to real world challenges within the sector.
“You may study these kinds of things in school but to have a chance to go through a four-month boot camp where you are basically grappling with some of the same real world challenges that Netflix does,” said David Sutphen, chief strategy and engagement officer at 2U. “That is the other component of this that I think is really useful because like anything else in life, it is one thing to learn something in the abstract and it is another thing to have to learn how to apply that.”
The boot camps will take place live in the evenings beginning in January. Enrollment is currently open to both NSU students and recently graduated alumni. Other qualifications vary among each program.
Another aspect of the boot camp is mentorship. Netflix staff will work with students one-on-one to provide them with more industry skills and knowledge. Additionally, advisers from 2U will also assist students by offering networking and career assistance through portfolio and resume reviews as well as interview training.
