Break Through Tech received $750,000 from Strada Education Foundation to expand its programming to hundreds of students at institutions within the University of Texas System and conduct in-depth research to learn more about how experiential learning opportunities can become a systemic solution for diversifying the tech talent pipeline.
Published
01/11/2024
Break Through Tech received $750,000 from Strada Education Foundation to expand its programming to hundreds of students at institutions within the University of Texas System and conduct in-depth research to learn more about how experiential learning opportunities can become a systemic solution for diversifying the tech talent pipeline.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of scaling and optimizing experiential learning opportunities for students in Texas, and in today’s landscape, forging partnerships like these is imperative. Break Through Tech, Strada, and the University of Texas System share a commitment to offering students as many opportunities as possible to align their education with career pathways. We also share the belief that experiential learning is a game changer for historically underserved communities, particularly as they pursue a foothold in tech careers. The strategic partnership is set to create a ripple effect in the landscape of education and workforce development, with a shared commitment to preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving space of technology.
“Thanks to Strada’s generous support, the University of Texas System partnership, and the momentum behind our mutual interests in advancing this field, we will have the opportunity to bring Break Through Tech’s innovative experiential learning opportunities to students in Texas and to advance our understanding about the impact they have on students as well as employers. We hope this research will change the conversion from a nice to have to a need to have component of the student journey and a clear, optimized pathway for employer engagement,” says Dr. Judith Spitz, Founder and Executive Director of Break Through Tech.
This collaboration between Break Through Tech and the University of Texas System is an important step towards aligning talent with opportunity,” says Archie Holmes, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the UT System. “Together, we will empower our students to not only keep pace with the rapidly evolving tech landscape but also to shape it, ensuring a brighter future for all. We are thankful for Strada Education Foundation’s interest in funding programs that help students connect their education to their career aspirations.
“Strengthening the link between education and economic opportunity is an ‘all hands on deck’ proposition,” says Stephen Moret, CEO of Strada Education Foundation. “We believe that this partnership with Break Through Tech and the University of Texas will put many more students on the path to upward economic mobility in a critical sector, which will create a ripple effect throughout the state and beyond.”
Our work kicks off this month; we’re recruiting student participants and employer partners who want to participate in this unique opportunity to work with a capable, diverse tech talent pool. Contact us at hello@breakthroughtech.org or Get Involved to learn more.
About the Break Through Tech
Break Through Tech fosters gender equity in the tech industry by preparing women from diverse backgrounds to pursue and thrive in tech careers. Founded by Dr. Judith Spitz, former Verizon CIO, Break Through Tech is an initiative of Cornell Tech; we offer programs that bridge academia and industry.
About Strada Education Foundation
Strada Education Foundation supports programs, policies, and organizations that strengthen connections between postsecondary education and economic opportunity in the U.S., with a focus on helping the people who face the greatest challenges. We advance this mission through research, grantmaking, social impact investments, public policy solutions, and Strada-supported nonprofit organizations.
About The University of Texas System
The University of Texas System has enhanced the lives of Texans and individuals worldwide through its commitment to education, research and healthcare for 140 years. With 14 institutions collectively enrolling over 255,000 students, the UT System stands as one of the largest public university systems in the United States. UT institutions annually produce over 66,000 graduates and award more than one-third of the undergraduate degrees in Texas, as well as over 60% of the state’s medical degrees. The combined efforts of UT-owned and affiliated hospitals and clinics resulted in over 10.7 million outpatient visits and more than 2 million hospital days last year. The UT System’s $3.8 billion research enterprise is one of the nation’s most innovative and ranks No. 1 in Texas and No. 2 in the nation for federal research expenditures. The UT System has an operating budget of $29.1 billion for fiscal year 2024 and employs more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, support staff and student workers.