Why is Google investing $150 million dollars to hire more people from the margins?
Minorities need access to online economic benefits. Vice President for Google People Operations Nancy Lee revealed that the search engine giant aims to link the great digital gap between the minorities and the economic opportunities the Internet provides.
"We also want more underrepresented communities, including women and minorities, to share the benefits of the web, and to have access to the economic engine it provides. The Accelerate with Google Academy helps business owners get online, grow and drive economic impact," Lee said.
Google have been collaborating with the entertainment industry to break the myths about computers and the tech industry. They founded Made with Code to clearly explain the gender-agnostic nature of being a computer scientist, and encourage more women to program.
"And since research tells us that to inspire more girls, we need to show them that computer science isn't just for boys, we started Made with Code-and we're working with the entertainment industry to change the perceptions around CS and what it means to be a computer scientist."
Googlers need more perspectives. The company wants to get more employees who can provide tech solutions with a broader reach. Google's past hiring programs have been centered on American universities that don't necessarily have the most diverse graduates. Case in point: only 7 percent of the student population in 200 top universities is Hispanics. To expand their reach, Google would scout more students from new campuses this year.
The company wants to promote a democratic corporate culture. The tech titan aims to build a work environment that nurtures justice and equality where each employee can embrace their uniqueness, ensuring personal growth and mutual respect.
In accordance with this vision, Google will start Diversity Core where 500 Googlers would collaborate to enable the workplace more conducive and tolerant to diversity. Moreover, the company is planning to formally devote 20 percent of all of their employees' workload on diversity initiatives.
