This past week, Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung launched the Greater Foundation, an non-profit organization that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities.
At the organization’s launch party on Thursday, Nov. 19, Russell Okung and Executive Director Andrew McGee were supported by Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson and other members of the community who are committed to helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders.
By partnering with this great organization, more people will be able to receive life- and career-changing training through scholarships from our Diversity Scholarship Fund. This fund awards scholarships to women, U.S. military veterans, and minorities underrepresented in the tech industry, such as African Americans, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Americans.
Seattle Seahawks Offensive Tackle
Change Through Code
CNN recently reported that out of the best jobs in America, 4 of the top 10 involve coding. Software Architect ranked number 1, with a projected growth of 23% in the next 10 years. In fact, the growth for all coding jobs in America is projected to be double digits over the next 5 to 10 years.
As the technology industry grows, more emphasis is put on creating a more diverse culture. But even as more companies pledge to improve the diversity of their teams, we’ve seen people from different ethnic backgrounds still struggle to start a career in tech. Obama noted this summer that less than 3% of venture capital-backed companies have women CEOs and fewer than 1% have an African American founder.
In partnership with the Greater Foundation, we hope to change that.
Giving Back to the Community
About 18% of all Code Fellows graduates have joined local startups. By providing scholarships to tech minorities, our goal is to empower more students to become entrepreneurs and give back to their communities. While the top 20 social and tech companies in the U.S. still lack diversity on their teams, startups offer an incredible opportunity to create an inclusive, dynamic company from the start.
Both Code Fellows and the Greater Foundation have core values that support the opportunity for inclusion and offer a huge benefit to the community through equipping the next generation with the tools to develop their potential and change their lives.
Learn more about the Greater Foundation and our Diversity Scholarship Fund!
