Diversity and inclusion have rightly become more of a focus in recent years. Several companies have begun diversity and inclusion initiatives, some being more effective than others. Although as a college bookstore you may be less able to mimic the large initiatives corporate companies have implemented, it is helpful to learn what diversity trends are in the technology industry. Microsoft is a great example of a company that has a variety of great diversity programs for employees, as well as scholarship programs to promote diversity outside of Microsoft.
Blacks at Microsoft (BAM)
Founded in 1989, BAM, has led investment in programs like the BAM scholarships and Minority Student Day, an outreach event it hosts annually to educate students on careers in the tech industry. BAM also partners with community organizations across its 15 chapters.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
The BAM Scholarship was created to enable Black and African American students to attend college and pursue a career in technology. The goal is to empower future generations to do and be more.
Learn more about the BAM Scholarship
GLEAM
The Global LGBTQI+ Employees and Allies at Microsoft (GLEAM) employee resource group, provides support, advocacy, networking opportunities, external outreach to community non-profits, and promotes education within Microsoft. GLEAM also actively helps to attract, retain and develop LGBTQI+ people and raises awareness about the LGBTQI+ community to increase ally engagement.
Learn more about Pride at Microsoft
Disability at Microsoft
Representing employees with conditions such as hearing loss, blindness, visual impairments, ADD, mobility disabilities, and dyslexia, the Microsoft Disability employee resource group drives internal visibility and collaborates with product teams to design, develop, and build accessible, inclusive products.
Disability ERG Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry.
Learn more about Microsoft Disability Scholarships
Military at Microsoft
Military at Microsoft advocates for current and former military members, spouses, and supporters worldwide. The group works closely with Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) to provide transitioning service members and veterans with critical technology career skills.
Learn more about Microsoft’s work in the veteran community
Asians at Microsoft
Representing 17 ethnicity groups, the mission of the Asians employee resource group is to accelerate the advancement of Asian employees at Microsoft, increase the community’s influence, and build a network of camaraderie and support within the community and with allies.
Families at Microsoft
The Families employee resource group provides resources, shared experiences and information, and serves as a voice of support for our diverse families across Microsoft. Signature events include Bring Your Kids to Work Day and the annual MS Adoption Fair.
HOLA
The Hispanic/Latinx employee resource group (HOLA) serves as a resource for promoting products and services to Hispanic and Latinx communities and organizations worldwide. The group also helps inspire future Hispanic and Latinx employees and advance the careers of current ones.
HOLA at Microsoft scholarships
HOLA is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of Hispanic and Latinx employees and encouraging students to pursue a career in technology.
Learn more about HOLA Scholarships
Women at Microsoft
Women at Microsoft actively helps to attract, retain, and develop women around the world. Its programs focus on sparking girls’ interest in technology careers, supporting women-focused initiatives and organizations, and providing career and professional development resources for women once they are employees at Microsoft.
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
The Women at Microsoft Scholarship seeks to empower and enable high school women and non-binary people to go to college, realize the impact technology has on the world, and target a career in the technology industry. Non-binary people, those who are gender fluid, and women of transgender experience are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about the Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Indigenous community
As the ninth and newest employee resource group, Indigenous at Microsoft strives to honour, share and celebrate Indigenous cultures within and beyond Microsoft while shaping inclusive technology to empower future generations.
Source:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/inside-microsoft/default.aspx
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