RESET Scholars

Meet the RESET Project. Together we are resetting the tech culture to Represent Excel and Support Equity in Tech. The RESET Project works to support Black, Latina, and Native American (BLNA) women pursuing computing degrees at UMD. Through the use of career support, community building, and scholarships, we aim to increase the number of BLNA women graduating with computing degrees in hopes of diversifying the tech workforce. This program will be housed in the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing (I4C) at UMD.

The Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing is committed to making computing a field that includes participation of individuals across the intersections of gender identification, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability status. We aim to create a vibrant, inclusive community of students, educators, and researchers coming together to increase the involvement—and success—of underrepresented populations interested in computing.

Our Mission

The RESET Project works to support BLNA women pursuing computing degrees at UMD. Through the use of career support, community building, and scholarships, we aim to increase the number of BLNA women graduating with computing degrees in hopes of diversifying the tech workforce.

Our program is supported by Reboot Representation, a coalition of 21 leading companies committed to doubling the number of Black, Latina, and Native American women receiving computing degrees by 2025. The coalition works to achieve that goal through targeted, philanthropic investments in the often overlooked programs and institutions that make education and careers in computing more equitable.

UMD student studies at the Brendan Iribe Center

Goals

Build a community for BLNA women and their allies to support and encourage them throughout their computing degree and beyond.

Provide opportunities for BLNA women to explore careers in the tech workforce through networking events, mentorships, and career opportunities.

Use scholarships to reduce the financial burden of a college education and address systemic wealth disparities.

This is RESET Scholars

The RESET Project will provide annual scholarships to 20-40 BLNA students through a year-long cohort program with a focus on leadership, academic excellence, and empowerment. There will be two cohorts of students. Students can only receive the scholarship for 1 year.

Expectations

Scholars would need to complete the following:

Attend the RESET Scholars Induction Ceremony
Attend the RESET Fall Kick-off event
Meet regularly with the RESET Excel team to navigate academic success in both 1:1 and small group settings
Commit to at least 1 session of the I4C Industry Mentoring Program (1 of 3 sessions)
Engage in monthly leadership and career prep support including Break Through Tech workshops, Diversity Conferences, technical career talks, and Career fairs.
Attend at least 3 RESET Community Building events per semester
Support the recruitment for the next cohort of scholars
Attend Diversity in Tech Celebration each semester

Benefits

Scholars will receive:

Access to the RESET Excel Team
- Success Coach
- Peer Mentor & Tutor
- UMD Computing & Tech Alumni Mentor in Industry
- UMD Computing & Tech Faculty
Technical Workshop on the latest technology and programming languages
Industry Field Trips and/or Site Visits
Exclusive RESET community building events
Access to the Reboot Representation Coalition
$2000/yr scholarship