Local Students to Gather at Harvey Mudd College for a Day of Learning and Mentorship from Top Technology Leaders

Academic Scholarships Sponsored by Southern California Edison 

POMONA, CALIF.- Transcendence, an Inland Empire-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of under-served youth through collaborative endeavors, is pleased to announce the Inspire Technology Summit for high school students. Sponsored by Edison International, the Summit will take place Saturday, May 10 on the campus of Claremont’s prestigious Harvey Mudd College. The full-day Summit is designed to inspire the next generation of Information Technology leaders and to identify paths for increasing diversity in technology career fields.

“We have a tremendous responsibility to increase the numbers of women and minority groups in technology and math related careers,” said Michael D. Lacy, Board President for Transcendence. “We believe direct engagement between the youth in our community and technology leaders from the corporate world will be a catalyst to enhance opportunities for under-served students.”

Inspire is designed as an active response to data indicating that many minority groups and females are dramatically underrepresented in technology related fields and corresponding leadership positions. The summit will provide inspiration from leaders in technology roles, networking opportunities and resources necessary to excel in technology-driven careers. According to data compiled at Georgia Tech’s College of Computing, in 2013 only 22 percent of  California students taking the Advanced Placement exam in computer science were girls, 1.5 percent were Black, and 8 percent were Hispanic.

Harvey Mudd College (HMC) a private, liberal arts institution of math, science and engineering is the appropriate setting for the leadership summit. HMC educates engineers, scientist and mathematicians to become leaders in their fields and have a clear understanding of the impact their work has on society.

“Diverse teams produce better solutions and given the importance of technology in solving the major problems facing the world, we especially need diversity in tech careers,” said Harvey Mudd President Maria Klawe in stating why promoting technology diversity is important to HMC.

Edison International partnered with Transcendence to be Inspire’s presenting sponsor. Their grant also provides financial scholarships to be awarded to several exception high school students.

“Edison International is proud to partner with Transcendence for the Inspire Technology Summit because our philosophy of giving is that all people should have opportunities to do well,” said Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy & Community Investment for SCE.  “STEM education is a major focus for us because as an energy company, we recognize the skills needed for our future workforce and our country. For that reason, we partner with organizations that promote the inclusion of minority, low-income and underrepresented students in STEM fields.”

Students may register to attend the summit or apply for a scholarship by visiting www.WeAreTranscendence.org or by calling (909) 300-5428.  The summit will start at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. on May 10.  All high school students are welcomed to participate. Minority students, female students, first generation college candidates, and students from local under-served communities are especially encouraged to attend.

About Transcendence

Transcendence is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1986 by Willie and Earlene Thompson. Today, the organization is focused on building communities and enabling the aspirations of youth and their families in underserved areas. This mission is accomplished by collaborating with partners to develop programs with similar objectives. For more information, visit www.WeAreTranscendence.org or call (909) 300-5428.

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