CGI Establishes New Scholarship at the School of Computing
Posted on January 28, 2021
CGI, a global IT and business consulting services firm, has recently established a new scholarship endowment at the 天美影视传媒 School of Computing. The scholarship is part of a commitment by both CGI and USA to enhance and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the academic sector as well as in the technology workforce.
The CGI Empowerment Scholarship will benefit incoming freshmen computing students with a GPA of 3.0 or better and an ACT/converted SAT score of 23 or better. Additionally, the scholarship seeks to support students who are in the USA service area and who represent underserved communities that may have collectively experienced educational disparities.
Dr. Alec Yasinsac, Dean of USA鈥檚 School of Computing, is honored by CGI鈥檚 partnership and the creation of this new scholarship.
鈥淐GI continues to be an incredible advocate for our students through their participation on our advisory board and their work with our student interns and new graduates,鈥 said Yasinsac. 鈥淭his scholarship is another example of CGI鈥檚 commitment to student success in the important and growing computing fields, to diversity and inclusion in both the classroom and the workplace and to recruiting talented young technology professionals to learn, live, work and impact our local community.鈥
鈥淒iversity within our student population builds positive academic and social experiences and prepares students for the 21st century workforce,鈥 Yasinsac said. 鈥淲ith its focus on diversity, this new scholarship is a vital recruiting resource and will help to attract diverse and deserving freshmen students into our programs.鈥
Student applicants will be asked to submit an essay detailing their educational challenges, degree goals and career plans as well as their thoughts on why diversity in the technology workforce is essential and empowering.
By creating the scholarship, CGI strives to assist students who would increase diversity within the student population and who intend to remain in the Mobile area to use their experience and education to make a positive and lasting impact on their local community.
鈥淭his scholarship reflects CGI鈥檚 ongoing commitment to a diverse student body at the 天美影视传媒 School of Computing and toward a more diverse and inclusive IT workforce in the state of Alabama,鈥 said Mark Wavra, Vice President, CGI. 鈥淭his work is vital not only to create more opportunities for young people across the region, but also for ensuring the nation continues to invest in a workforce prepared for the technology-driven challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.鈥
CGI鈥檚 $10,000 scholarship endowment gift will be matched dollar for dollar by USA鈥檚 Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, doubling the company鈥檚 investment in area students. Through this initiative, donor gifts made towards undergraduate scholarships at USA receive the match and students are provided greater access to tuition support.
Representatives from CGI serve on the School鈥檚 Advisory Board, mentor computing students through internships and provide job opportunities to graduates. USA and CGI share a mission to expose more students to STEM-related disciplines and career paths, to enhance diversity in the classroom and in the workplace and to empower students to be advocates for new and diverse perspectives across the technology sector.
Dr. Leslie Gamble, Jr., Diversity Coordinator for the School of Computing, assisted in the creation of the scholarship and said 鈥淭he CGI Empowerment Scholarship is the perfect example of how a collaborative project with a valued community partner, like CGI, can grow and nurture USA鈥檚 diverse student population.鈥
Committed to promoting an inclusive workplace, CGI believes that diversity brings a greater variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences to the workplace and creates a positive environment where all members have the opportunity to thrive. They have partnered with area colleges and universities to provide tuition assistance and scholarships for students, guest speakers for classes and student organizations and other initiatives to support STEM awareness among middle and high school students in order to enhance diversity from the classroom to the boardroom.
鈥淚t is important for every student and parent in our area to be aware that, no matter their background, opportunities exist for education and training that can help prepare young people for high-paying, sought-after jobs in the digital age,鈥 said James VanDyne, Director at CGI and 天美影视传媒 School of Computing Advisory Board member. 鈥淲e are proud to support our community with resources that encourage women and people of color to pursue rewarding careers in science and technology.鈥
For more information about the CGI Empowerment Scholarship or to make a tax-deductible contribution, contact the USA Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (251) 414-8064 or email lnharris@southalabama.edu.
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