TechPrep – Facebook’s Initiative To Encourage Programming As A Career
The overwhelming presence of computers in our lives has driven Facebook to take up the initiative of preparing
The overwhelming presence of computers in our lives has driven Facebook to take up the initiative of preparing programmers and increasing the reach of computer science studies. The TechPrep program is supported by McKinsey and Company and intends to promote computer science and programming as a career option by providing helpful resources for those looking forward to join the field of computers.
On the TechPrep website, Facebook mentions programming as ‘one of the best ways to have an impact on the world’. The program has been created to encourage participation of the underrepresented minorities in programming careers. The TechPrep website has been designed in English and Spanish and it has a number of resources which can be used at different stages of learning computer science. The website also offers assistance to parents who may be interested in building a career of programming for their children.
With the focus of increasing computer awareness among the Black and Hispanic children and their parents, Facebook mentions that research from McKinsey shows that the confidence of using computers in Blacks and Hispanics is 50% and 42% respectively, which is comparatively higher than that of Whites and Asians.
The program can empower parents to guide their children in the right direction when it comes to taking up a career in programming. With the goal of stimulating interest in computer science and programming among people from diverse backgrounds, the announcement of TechPrep by Maxine Williams, Global Director of Diversity in Facebook mentions that through TechPrep, Facebook “hopes to reduce some of the barriers that block potential from meeting opportunity”.
Sources: Steelers Lounge