Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has partnered with Norfolk State University to create a virtual HBCU boot camp for students to increase tech exposure. The partnership comes at the back of a multimillion-dollar commitment from the company for advancing racial equity and social change in the black community.
Boot camp to enroll 130 students
The program will enroll 130 students who will take part in a 16-week training program from early 2021. The boot camp is open for current students as well as 2019-2020 alumni. It has been divided into three program tracks that include Data science, UX/UI Design, and Java Engineering. Netflix experts are expected to work with online education platform 2U in designing each track. A faculty from Norfolk State University will lead the courses featuring guest lecturers from the technology industry. Netflix’s data science, design, and engineering teams will be mentors.
The company said that it will for the bill for students who will be accepted into the program. Students will also receive course credit for completion of the boot camp. The partnership is expected to offer valuable mentorship to the students to build successful careers and tee up more opportunities.
Netflix pushing form more inclusivity in recruitment
Kabi Gishuru, the Inclusion Recruiting Programs director at Netflix, said that the boot camp aims to equip participants with industry-relevant skills. This will prepare them for the current work environment and also offer valuable and lasting relationships. Gishuru said that as the company continues to invest in building the best service for its members, it is ready to invest in the best teams to support it. He added that creating a space in the industry for each voice will make it even stronger.
Besides the boot camp, the company is also focusing on addressing its gaps. Gishuru said that they are ensuring that recruiters have the necessary skills and knowledge to build diverse pipelines. This will also help them engage underrepresented talent to push back systems within the hiring processes that have historically kept some folks out.