The Achievers in Technology (AIT) program, initiated by SankofaTech, is a comprehensive four-year scholarship and mentorship initiative. It is designed to cultivate the next wave of technology professionals of African descent in the United States.
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The AIT program addresses several challenges that often deter young people of African descent from pursuing careers in technology. These include a lack of industry knowledge, community misconceptions about the prestige of tech careers, and limited access to resources.
Participants in the AIT program, known as AIT scholars, undergo a rigorous four-year journey. This journey equips them with vital skills and introduces them to a network of peers, mentors, advisors, and accomplished professionals in the tech industry.
Benefits
- The benefits of participating in the AIT program are numerous.
- Scholars receive an annual scholarship award of $500, totaling up to $2000 over the four years.
- Curriculum and Learning Experience:
- AIT offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various technology domains such as coding, cybersecurity, data science, and web development.
- Students engage in hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship sessions.
- The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
- Industry Connections:
- AIT collaborates with tech companies, professionals, and universities.
- Students benefit from guest lectures, industry tours, and networking opportunities.
- Exposure to real-world scenarios enhances their understanding of tech careers.
- Empowerment and Leadership:
- AIT instills confidence and leadership qualities in students.
- Participants learn to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech field.
- They become ambassadors for positive change within their communities.
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Achievers in Technology Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2024-2025 AIT cohort,
- applicants must be entering a U.S. college or university as a first-year student in the 2024-2025 academic year.
- They must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a tech career, such as Software Engineering, Product Management, Data Science, Information Security, Project/Program Management, Networking, Database Administration, etc.
- Applicants must be of African descent and come from a low-income household.
The selection process for the AIT program involves filling out an application form by Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Selected applicants will then be invited for an interview. SankofaTech will notify all applicants of the final decision by July 2024