Oracle goes to school in search of tech diversity

05 Nov Oracle goes to school in search of tech diversity

Fostering diversity across science and technology jobs demands commitment and investment from current industry leaders — and targeting younger hires is crucial.

Following dismal reports about the lack of gender and ethnic diversity at many high-profile tech brands, several Silicon Valley titans have attempted to repair the damage and even turn the tide for future generations.

Oracle got into the game this week, announcing plans to build a public charter high school on its campus in Redwood City, Calif., scheduled to be completed and ready for sessions in fall 2017.

Named Design Tech High School (d.tech), the new 64,000-square-foot facility will be used by 550 students and 30 faculty. Oracle employees are also being tapped to volunteer and teach specific tracks during interim sessions between semesters.

Oracle CEO Safra Catz elaborated further about the project during a special luncheon dedicated to women in finance on Wednesday amid the tech giant’s annual OpenWorld conference.

Many of the tracks taught by Oracle volunteers will be themed around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) disciplines. Students can opt to spend time learning about specific technologies, such as building with Raspberry Pi processors.

In one track open solely to female students, Catz highlighted a potential opportunity for students possibly more interested in art but lacked encouragement to pursue anything related to technology. One middle ground, Catz suggested, could be designing and developing wearable technology.

SOURCE