On Friday, IBM announced it is expanding its Global University Program to 40 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through a $100 million investment in faculty, guest lecturers, cloud storage, and other components necessary for educating those interested in working in tech. IBM — one of Research Triangle Park’s long-standing tenants — has an established relationship with North Carolina, which is home to 12 HBCUs.
After recent announcements that Google and Apple will be opening major campuses in the Triangle, Code the Dream co-founders Dan Rearick and Daisy Magnus-Aryitey authored an op-ed for the News & Observer to express excitement and concern for the arrival of the tech giants to the region.
One of the ways they suggest growing a diverse tech workforce is investment in our local HBUCs. We appreciate IBM’s commitment to supporting our historically black colleges and look forward to other businesses in the area following their lead.
