Galvanize, IBM partner to back women, minorities in tech careers

Denver-based Galvanize, an education company focused on data science, web development and entrepreneurship whose locations include Boulder and Fort Collins, on Tuesday announced a collaboration with IBM Corp. to help support diversity in data science and engineering.

As part of the pact, IBM will commit to provide support to female participants in Galvanize programs, from tuition assistance and mentorship to internships and employment opportunities.

Galvanize offers its mix of co-working space and educational programs at 1035 Pearl St. in Boulder and in the renovated former Sunset Event Center at 242 Linden St. in Fort Collins.

In a media release, the company said it is committed to improving representation in the technology industry by women, African-Americans, Latinos, U.S. military veterans and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Its focus is to build partnerships with technology employers who share these goals in order to provide the necessary training and introductions to these employees, the release said.

As part of this collaboration, IBM will serve as the program sponsor of Galvanize Data Science, Along with the new IBM Scholarship for women pursuing careers in data science and engineering, students also will be given the opportunity to apply for internship programs and capstone projects at IBM.

To date, Galvanize has partnered with technology employers and diversity organizations to make technology roles more accessible:

• Silicon Valley Bank is providing $50,000 in tuition assistance for Latinos participating in the Galvanize Full Stack Web Development and Galvanize Data Science Immersive programs.

• The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition are providing $48,000 in tuition assistance for one African-American student in each class of the GalvanizeU-University of New Haven Master’s of Science in Data Science program.

• Galvanize has partnered with Women Who Code and Glassbreakers to provide assistance to female students and reach communities of women interested in technology.

• The Galvanize Diversity Award provides tuition assistance to women, ethnic minorities, veterans and others who haven’t had an opportunity to pursue STEM careers. For example, in the past, Galvanize has provided scholarships to individuals who have not completed a four-year college degree.

• To support veterans, Galvanize provides complimentary membership to its Vets in Tech and Patriot Boot Camp programs, and is beginning the process to apply for GI bill funds in Colorado.

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