Netflix is about that action when it comes to providing the resources necessary to promote diversity.
The streaming giant just announced their first-ever Netflix Virtual HBCU Boot Camp, a program designed for students and recent alumni of Norfolk State University.
To make this happen, Netflix is joining forces with leading education technology company, 2U, who has a proven track record for invigorating hundreds of high-quality boot camps and online programs for colleges and universities.
Launching in January, the 16-week program is open for up to 130 students with a focus on three program tracks — UX/UI Design, Data Science, and Java Engineering.
Students who are accepted will immediately be eligible to receive a Netflix scholarship to cover the entire cost of attendance. At the end of the boot camp, not only will participants receive course credit, but they will also walk away equipped with industry-relevant skills.
All courses will be led by Norfolk State University faculty alongside guest lecturers from the tech industry.
Netflix’s Director of Inclusion Recruiting Programs, Kabi Gishuru leads the team that supports inclusion and recruiting at the company. More specifically, they support recruiters and researchers in their efforts to build diverse pipelines to diversify the workforce at Netflix.
“If we hope to increase black representation in tech, we have to address our current gaps,” said Gishuru.
She also speaks about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“We’re engaging black leaders in different ways, we’re training and equipping our recruiters to spot bias in our interview process,” said Gishuru.
She highlights the story of Michael Chase, a current senior software engineer at Netflix, and a former Norfolk State University graduate.
“The summer after my junior year at Norfolk State University, I was invited to join an IBM networking program where I was paired with a mentor, a first-year software developer at IBM,” Chase said. “Our conversations showed me all the opportunities available after graduation and helped me focus on my desire to code. The program lasted the summer but when it ended, I was able to interview at IBM for what would become my first full-time job after graduation.”
It is programs like this that encouraged Netflix to offer emerging talent with the same opportunities.
“These programs and stories like Michael’s, inspire how we address the low representation of Black folks in the tech industry: by closing in on our own gaps while expanding access to Black students,” Gishuru said. “There’s so much work to do and this boot camp is one piece of the puzzle.”
Enrollment for Netflix’s Virtual HBCU Boot Camp starts today!
For more information on how to apply, click here.
