MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) computer science students joined their peers from various institutions to mark the close of the seventh annual Google Tech Exchange cohort. The program, hosted at Google's South Lake Union campus in Seattle, Washington served as the grand finale for a semester-long virtual academic initiative. This unique program was specifically designed to equip students of color and underserved groups with the necessary skills and resources for successful careers in the field of computer science.
The Google Tech Exchange program, a long-standing collaboration between the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI) and Google, offers a range of benefits, including virtual classes, one-on-one mentoring, career planning support, and milestone trips to Google offices. By equipping students with applied computer science skills and problem-solving techniques, the Tech Exchange program ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of the tech industry.
Throughout the program, UTEP students were accompanied by Dr. Daniel Mejia, a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, who served as their faculty advisor. Mejia's guidance and expertise played a crucial role in supporting the students' learning journey and fostering their growth during their participation in the Tech Exchange program.
"Participating in the Google Tech Exchange program has been a transformative experience for our students," said Salamah Salamah, Ph.D. Computer Science department chair. "Under the guidance of Dr. Mejia, they have not only gained invaluable technical knowledge but have also formed connections with industry professionals and peers from diverse backgrounds. This program opens doors and creates opportunities that will shape their future."
Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., College of Engineering Dean, also expressed his enthusiasm for UTEP's involvement in the Tech Exchange program, stating, “We are proud to partner with Google to provide our students with access to this exceptional program. The Google Tech Exchange not only equips our students with the necessary skills but also instills a sense of confidence and belonging in the tech industry. This experience, combined with the guidance of our faculty, will undoubtedly propel our students towards success."
UTEP joined forces with sophomore students from 11 HBCUs and five HSIs, including prestigious institutions like Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. The collective talent and determination of the participants were on full display during the closing ceremony in Seattle.
In total, 180 students from HBCUs and HSIs had the privilege of participating in this year's Google Tech Exchange program. The program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity underscores Google's dedication to fostering a more representative technology industry.
As the seventh annual Google Tech Exchange program concludes, UTEP and its students express their gratitude to Google for providing such an invaluable opportunity. The College of Engineering looks forward to continued collaboration and participation in future iterations of the Tech Exchange program.
Prospective students interested in applying for the upcoming Tech Exchange program can look forward to the opening of applications later this fall. For further information and updates, please visit https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/programs/tech-exchange.