Nas continues to push the progressive movement envelope as he attempts to nurture the technological know-how of minorities. Working with General Assembly, New York’s private school for Technology and Engineering, Nas and partners such as Microsoft, Google, and companies like Hirepurpose, will sponsor scholarships to encourage Blacks, women, veterans and Latinos to work toward careers in technology.
The plan to diversify the tech field, which is currently made up of mostly white and Asian men, is unique. Framed as an “Opportunity Fund," each donor targets a specific demographic. Google will focus on women. Veterans are backed by HirePurpose and Microsoft. While Nas’ QueensBridge Venture Partners will put up money for blacks and Latinos. The initiative launches with $170,000 and each scholarship is worth $8500. 20% comes from General Assembly, while 80% is from the benefactor.
“This is the start of what hopefully will be a contribution to what will be a more diverse and accessible community worldwide,” said General Assembly CEO Jake Schwartz, in an interview with Betabeat. “Being able to sort of create a program where these scholarship students have to tutor, we kill two birds with one stone.”
For more information on this scholarship, check out General Assembly’s website.
