CGI Establishes New Scholarship at the School of Computing

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Posted on January 28, 2021

Marcomm

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CGI, a global IT and business consulting services firm, has recently established a new scholarship endowment at the University of South Alabama School of Computing. The scholarship is part of a commitment by both CGI and USA to enhance and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the academic sector as well as in the technology workforce.

The CGI Empowerment Scholarship will benefit incoming freshmen computing students with a GPA of 3.0 or better and an ACT/converted SAT score of 23 or better. Additionally, the scholarship seeks to support students who are in the USA service area and who represent underserved communities that may have collectively experienced educational disparities. 

Dr. Alec Yasinsac, Dean of USA’s School of Computing, is honored by CGI’s partnership and the creation of this new scholarship. 

“CGI continues to be an incredible advocate for our students through their participation on our advisory board and their work with our student interns and new graduates,” said Yasinsac. “This scholarship is another example of CGI’s commitment to student success in the important and growing computing fields, to diversity and inclusion in both the classroom and the workplace and to recruiting talented young technology professionals to learn, live, work and impact our local community.”

“Diversity within our student population builds positive academic and social experiences and prepares students for the 21st century workforce,” Yasinsac said. “With its focus on diversity, this new scholarship is a vital recruiting resource and will help to attract diverse and deserving freshmen students into our programs.”

Student applicants will be asked to submit an essay detailing their educational challenges, degree goals and career plans as well as their thoughts on why diversity in the technology workforce is essential and empowering.

By creating the scholarship, CGI strives to assist students who would increase diversity within the student population and who intend to remain in the Mobile area to use their experience and education to make a positive and lasting impact on their local community.

“This scholarship reflects CGI’s ongoing commitment to a diverse student body at the University of South Alabama School of Computing and toward a more diverse and inclusive IT workforce in the state of Alabama,” said Mark Wavra, Vice President, CGI. “This work is vital not only to create more opportunities for young people across the region, but also for ensuring the nation continues to invest in a workforce prepared for the technology-driven challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”

CGI’s $10,000 scholarship endowment gift will be matched dollar for dollar by USA’s Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, doubling the company’s investment in area students. Through this initiative, donor gifts made towards undergraduate scholarships at USA receive the match and students are provided greater access to tuition support.

Representatives from CGI serve on the School’s Advisory Board, mentor computing students through internships and provide job opportunities to graduates. USA and CGI share a mission to expose more students to STEM-related disciplines and career paths, to enhance diversity in the classroom and in the workplace and to empower students to be advocates for new and diverse perspectives across the technology sector.

Dr. Leslie Gamble, Jr., Diversity Coordinator for the School of Computing, assisted in the creation of the scholarship and said “The CGI Empowerment Scholarship is the perfect example of how a collaborative project with a valued community partner, like CGI, can grow and nurture USA’s diverse student population.”

Committed to promoting an inclusive workplace, CGI believes that diversity brings a greater variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences to the workplace and creates a positive environment where all members have the opportunity to thrive. They have partnered with area colleges and universities to provide tuition assistance and scholarships for students, guest speakers for classes and student organizations and other initiatives to support STEM awareness among middle and high school students in order to enhance diversity from the classroom to the boardroom.

“It is important for every student and parent in our area to be aware that, no matter their background, opportunities exist for education and training that can help prepare young people for high-paying, sought-after jobs in the digital age,” said James VanDyne, Director at CGI and University of South Alabama School of Computing Advisory Board member. “We are proud to support our community with resources that encourage women and people of color to pursue rewarding careers in science and technology.”

For more information about the CGI Empowerment Scholarship or to make a tax-deductible contribution, contact the USA Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (251) 414-8064 or email lnharris@southalabama.edu.

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