CloudNOW Launches Inaugural STEM Scholarships Underwritten by Google and Accenture

Fund to enable women studying technical fields to advance their learning at both accredited and alternative vocational institutions

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--CloudNOW, the executive consortium for the leading women in cloud and converging technologies, today announced the launch of its first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarship Fund. The fund is made possible by grants from Google and Accenture, with the goal of enabling the next generation of leaders in overcoming social and financial inequities.

"We know that diverse organizations are stronger ones, and to get there, CloudNOW and our amazing partners are supporting the next generation of leaders."

CloudNOW will award the scholarships to women committed to studying technology at a traditional university or an alternative vocational institution (coding bootcamps, accelerator programs, etc). The first funds will be applied towards students studying in the U.S. with an international fund anticipated to follow in 2018. In total, Google and Accenture have donated $20,000 for the pilot phase of the CloudNOW Scholarship Fund. Funds will be divided between multiple applicants to be selected on a basis of merit, leadership potential, and need.

"The CloudNOW Scholarship Fund will contribute to a greatly needed shift in the tech industry as we work together to combat inequality and work towards social justice," said Jocelyn DeGance Graham, CloudNOW Founder. "We know that diverse organizations are stronger ones, and to get there, CloudNOW and our amazing partners are supporting the next generation of leaders."

"This is the type of initiative that will provide the technology industry with a vast new infusion of skills, talent and leadership that is way overdue," said Vint Cerf, who is widely considered to be the "father of the Internet" and currently is resident at Google. "Technology has always been driven from a grass roots level up and shown that the best minds, when given a chance, can change the world. This scholarship is concrete step in leveling the technology playing field."

"The cloud is playing a pivotal role in how the world's leading enterprises transform their business operations, so it's especially important that we spotlight the new skills and methods needed for a successful Journey to the Cloud. Accenture is committed to initiatives like this scholarship, which help nurture the next generation of innovative and diverse technology talent, while removing barriers to employment," said Jack Sepple, Senior Managing Director, Accenture Cloud and Accenture Operations Group Technology Officer. "We are proud to partner with CloudNOW, not only to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers, but to provide them with the guidance and support that opens doors to learning and career opportunity."

CloudNOW will be announcing the academic programs selected to receive scholarship funding later this month. To learn more, or participate in our upcoming international STEM fund contact Jocelyn DeGance Graham: jocelyn@cloud-now.org.

About CloudNOW

CloudNOW is a non-profit consortium of the leading women in cloud computing, providing a forum for networking, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and economic growth. To learn more, visit us at cloud-now.org.

Source: CloudNOW Launches Inaugural STEM Scholarships Underwritten by Google and Accenture