By Matt Andersen
While Black workers accountfor just 5 percent of engineers and architects and 7 percent in computer occupations today, Oracle is looking to help close this disparity gap. Recently, the tech leader granted the Meharry Medical College School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) $500,000 in scholarship funds as a part of its Diversity and Inclusion “Inspire Your Future (IYF)” initiative.
The funds will support 10 Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences students admitted in Fall 2023 and Fall 2024, who will be eligible to receive $25,000 toward their education at Meharry.
“I see firsthand the vigor, interest and raw capabilities that our young Black and Brown students have in the data science fields. But I also see the discouragement that can come when understanding how to finance their degree,” said Fortune S. Mhlanga, Ph.D., dean of the School of Applied Computational Sciences. “The Oracle IYF Scholarship will give these students the ability to not only receive needed financial help, but to expand their professional network and gain invaluable work experience via the internship at Oracle.”
Meharry President James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D. M.D. said, “Oracle’s acknowledgement of Meharry data science students is noteworthy. Having a global organization such as Oracle see the same potential and value that I see in our students should not go unnoticed. This scholarship will provide students with the necessary resources needed to allow them to focus on their education and Meharry’s mission of bringing quality care to the people of underserved communities.”
Meharry’s School of Applied Computational Sciences pursues innovative academic and research programs in data science that serve the health care, business and technology communities. The School offers a Master of Science in data science and a Master of Science and doctorate in biomedical data science.
“Oracle has long partnered with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to build impactful relationships, support the development of a more diverse population of tech talent and to provide opportunity to deserving students,” said Traci Wade, group vice president, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Oracle. “Meharry has provided equity in health care and education for more than 100 years, so we are thrilled to partner with them in bringing more equity to STEM fields and fostering the next generation of data scientists.”
The IYF initiative provides tools and resources for Black talent to thrive in the technology industry. In addition to awarding student scholarships, Oracle provides support to HBCUs through executive sponsorship of their engineering schools, in resident teaching, providing guest lectures and professional development, hosting senior design expos, organizing hackathons and more.
