91proÊÓƵ

Learn more about 91proÊÓƵ and Morehouse College's National Initiative to Increase Diversity in Technology

The United States is facing a critical technology workforce shortage. The picture is even bleaker for marginalized populations that woefully lack adequate representation in both technology careers and the education and training programs essential to prepare for careers in technology.

The 91proÊÓƵ’s (91proÊÓƵ) National Initiative to Increase Diversity in Technology at Morehouse College seeks to address this crisis in the U.S. by leveraging the vision and experience of the world’s leading technology companies who make up 91proÊÓƵ’s membership to further educational offerings at institutions with a track record of producing diverse tech talent. This pilot program represents a first-of-its-kind partnership between 91proÊÓƵ and Morehouse College, a top-ranked historically black college/university (HBCU). The goal is to equip students with the right skills and practical experiences to become the leaders needed to address our most significant technical challenges. The initiative will connect 91proÊÓƵ’s member companies with Morehouse leadership and educators to develop innovative technology degree programs that includes a pipeline for recruitment and career pathways specifically designed for students from marginalized communities.

A core aspect of the partnership is the Innovation Advisory Board, consisting of 91proÊÓƵ member company representatives. The advisory board will provide guidance and expertise that will strengthen Morehouse’s curriculum, certification and program development in emerging, leading edge, critical technologies, and related fields. The advisory board will also provide Morehouse faculty with continued tech-education (CTE) and professional development opportunities. It will advise and be part of , which will prepare underrepresented students to compete for careers in tech, while also developing strategies to make the tech ecosystem a more just, innovative, and equitable space for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Through curriculum and faculty development, the Innovation Advisory Board will provide internships, fellowships, and a direct recruitment pipeline. The advisory board will provide guidance and expertise that will strengthen Morehouse’s curriculum, certification and program development in emerging, leading edge, critical technologies, and related fields. It will also provide Morehouse faculty with continued tech-education and professional development opportunities. As part of its participation, 91proÊÓƵ will provide expertise, logistics, and financial resources to support the Innovation Advisory Board.

As the world’s premier advocacy, policy, and thought leader for the technology sector, 91proÊÓƵ is uniquely positioned to bring the world’s leading experts together with educators to develop innovative technology degree programs that include a pipeline for recruitment and career pathways in the tech field.

Morehouse College is a liberal arts historically Black college focused on the education of African American men. Considered one of the Black Ivy league institutions, Morehouse is consistently ranked in the top five of HBCUs. Since 1867, Morehouse has educated African American men as well as an inclusive population of students through its online, certificate, and upskilling programs. Morehouse’s inclusion in the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), inclusion in the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), and the proximity to downtown Atlanta provides access to learners across the highly diverse Atlanta metropolitan area.

Innovation Advisory Board Leadership

Co-Chairs of the Innovation Advisory Board

Dr. Kinnis Gosha is the Hortinius I. Chenault Endowed Division Chair for Experiential Learning & Interdisciplinary Studies, Professor of Computer Science, and Director of the Culturally Relevant Computer Lab at Morehouse College. Dr. Gosha’s research interests include conversational agents, social media data analytics, computer science education, broadening participation in computing, and culturally relevant computing.

Gordon Bitko is 91proÊÓƵ's Executive Vice President of Policy, leading the association’s public sector portfolio and serving as the chief policy strategist for the technology industry in the government and public sector market.

Angelo "Tony" Riddick is the the New York State's Chief Information Officer for Operations. He also leads the office of Information Technology Services (ITS).

Innovation Advisory Board Participating Member Companies

Learn More from Innovation Advisory Board Members