Petrarch once said, "Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure". And we as a society believe quite strongly in diversity, it is the core of our harmonious existence; even research proves that diverse companies produce 19% more revenue. Most companies today give considerable weightage to being diverse and inclusive, one of them being IBM.
IBM, a highly innovative and research-focused company has always been inclusive in its approach with its ingenious programs like "creating new pathways to science, technology, engineering and math careers with Pathways in Technology Early College High School also known as P-TECH".
"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.", they wrote on their website.
And with the same thought, IBM has announced to provide 1000 internships for the United States P-TECH students instead of the 150 they used to earlier.
"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." announced the company.
P-TECH is a unique program by IBM, where students from grade 9-11 are prepared with STEM training, mentorship, and work experience. The students earn a high school diploma, a two-year associate degree and work experience, and ample opportunities to enter the tech field. STEM, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics field has lead the global innovation bar but it is also a field where still minorities are much unrepresented and IBM steps to endeavor this issue with their 1000 free internships program.
"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. We will continue the fight to bring new faces to the tech industry that truly reflect the demographics of our communities.", IBM writes on P-TECH programs announcing the new internship opportunities.