News Summary
The Legacy program, aimed at promoting computer science careers among Black girls, has been terminated due to federal grant cuts. This initiative provided critical support, mentorship, and resources to young women aspiring to enter technology fields. The program’s cancellation raises concerns about the future of diversity in tech and the implications for hundreds of participants who were benefitting from its resources. Despite challenges, former participants remain determined to pursue their dreams in computer science amidst these setbacks.
Birmingham, Alabama – The Legacy program, a federally funded initiative aimed at promoting computer science careers among Black girls, has been terminated due to cuts in federal grants. This program was part of a national effort to increase the representation of Black women in technology fields, where they currently account for only 3% of the workforce and face limited leadership opportunities.
The National Science Foundation announced the cancellation of the $3.5 million grant in April 2023, following an executive order by former President Donald Trump that eliminated race-specific programming. This abrupt decision has raised concerns about the implications for hundreds of young women who benefited from the program.
During its operation, the Legacy program provided mentorship, training, and important resources to high school students in several states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, and Michigan. The program aimed to support 600 students before its planned end in 2028. It was a collaboration among seven universities, including the University of Alabama and Tuskegee University.
Participants like Phanuelle Manuel have credited the program for shaping their career aspirations. With the guidance of mentors, particularly fellow Black women, students developed a clearer vision of their futures in computer science. The program reported significant success, with 72% of initial cohort participants scoring a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests, outperforming national averages across different demographic groups.
Jeff Gray, the program’s primary investigator, revealed that considerable effort—over 300 hours—had been invested to prepare for upcoming summer camps and new programming initiatives. Following the funding cut, Gray sought to realign the program to attract a broader audience by becoming inclusive of all genders and races. Despite these attempts to adapt, the termination of the program occurred less than a week later, leaving many without the promised support.
Impact on Computer Science Education
Alabama ranks among the top five states for computer science education, with increasing enrollment in computer science programs at local institutions. However, the loss of the Legacy program represents a substantial setback in efforts to create equitable access to technology fields for underrepresented groups.
One of the key focuses of the Legacy program was removing barriers to access and fostering a sense of community among participants. By building a strong network of support, young women were empowered to pursue education and careers in technology.
Mohammed Qazi, a faculty organizer of the program, expressed concern about the ramifications of losing future funding, emphasizing that students would miss essential resources necessary for their career paths. The supportive environment cultivated by the program had significant impacts on motivation, self-esteem, and overall success among participants.
Ongoing Aspirations
The Legacy program has fostered lasting connections among participants, many of whom continue to provide mutual support in their educational and professional pursuits. While the program has officially come to an end, its influence on the lives of these young women will remain evident as they navigate their future careers in technology.
The abrupt termination of the Legacy program highlights the challenges faced by initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in technology. Advocates for education and inclusivity must continue to seek solutions to ensure that future generations of Black girls have access to opportunities in computer science and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: College Computer Science Program for Black Women Canceled
- Wikipedia: Computer Science
- WVUA23: DEI Cuts Hit Alabama Program
- Google Search: Diversity in STEM
- USF Oracle: Leaving a Legacy
- Google Scholar: Black Women in Technology
- CIO: 9 Legacy Programming Skills Still in Demand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Computer Science
- Technology Review: Learn to Code
- Google News: Computer Science Education
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