Alabama State University News November 23, 2020 ASU, IBM Form $2 Million Partnership to Help Close Gap in STEM Alabama State University and IBM (International Business Machines) announced a joint educational partnership that includes access to the IBM Skills Academy focused on digital learning and technology skills. Through IBM’s existing academic initiative, the company will make available software and cloud technology estimated in the millions of dollars. The monies are in-kind. Dr. Carl Pettis, ASU’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said the partnership is one step closer to closing the diversity gap in STEM by preparing the next generation for the high-tech workforce. "It is my hope that this partnership is the start of a fruitful collaboration between Alabama State University and IBM. We want our students, faculty and staff to take full advantage of the (digital) badges that are being offered and for them to make the most of this experience to better prepare themselves for tomorrow," Pettis said. Digital badges are received once individuals complete training modules. They can add the digital badge to their resumes. Kenley H. Obas, coordinator of the University’s Applied Technology Program, said the partnership is an education and research initiative aimed toward driving more diversity and inclusion in the workforce. “This partnership will position ASU students to play a significant part in what will drive innovations for the future,” Obas said. “They have access to training for an ever-changing STEM field.” The Pew Research Institute says black workers only make up about 9 percent of the STEM workforce. IBM officials said they are looking to change this number by partnering​ with​ ASU and several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. One major component of the partnership is the virtual IBM Skills Academy. The academy will address topics such as high-capacity quantum computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cyber security, design thinking, data science, analytics and research projects. President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. pointed out that the IBM collaboration gives ASU students a competitive advantage in their pursuit of cutting-edge careers in science and technology. “This partnership is opening doors to new opportunities for our students and will ultimately help to bridge the digital divide. The initiative is designed to educate and empower the first generation of quantum computing students and researchers. Giving students and staff access to IBM’s technology will help to position the University as a leading institution for science and technological education,” Ross said. Historically, IBM has partnered with ASU in recruiting top students such as ASU alumna Annette Quarles, who most recently was promoted to Vice President of Development, Digital Business Automation at IBM, and ​a​lumni Janet Sutton and Simuel Sippial who collectively committed more than 50 years of service to IBM before their retirement. This newest initiative allows that partnership to continue and become more expansive. Obas said students and faculty are already tapping into IBM’s fast-growing technology resources. “Through the program, students are interacting with IBM officials and learning about new technologies and innovative careers the company has to offer,” Obas said. “They are being exposed to new technologies that aren’t necessarily being taught in the classroom. As a faculty member, there is a global, three-week workshop I’ve signed up for later this month. These IBM learning and technology resources provide the University with access to industry resources for academic enhancement.” Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs – Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/