Aimed at Encouraging Minority Student Participation in Tech Sector, Microsoft Matches $10,000 Donation
In a move that combines philanthropy with an effort to engage minority students in the tech sector, Microsoft Corporation has endowed a new Microsoft Applied Computer Science Scholarship Fund at Woodbury. Microsoft has matched $10,000 toward establishing the new scholarship fund for a total of $20,000.
The scholarship is designed to encourage minority students to participate in the tech sector and address proven financial need. In addition to being a member of an identified minority group as specified by the U.S. Census, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and write a brief essay describing his or her goals in the Applied Computer Science program. The university anticipates accepting applications for the Fall 2018 incoming class.
In addition, two Microsoft Hololens Augmented Reality headsets were donated to the Applied Computer Science department. These next-generation devices will enable Woodbury students to pursue the kinds of cutting-edge AR applications that will drive the tech industry for years to come. One Woodbury senior has already actively developed a Hololens project featured at the Applied Computer Science department’s annual Showcase event this past May.
“Diversity is a persistent issue in the tech world, and we see Microsoft’s enthusiastic support of our program as a milestone in helping to address that issue,” said Sue Vessella, MFA, Dean, School of Media, Culture & Design at Woodbury. “With so many companies interested in attracting minority students, the Microsoft Applied Computer Science Scholarship Fund can be a powerful vehicle for identifying and supporting those dedicated to joining the technology workforce.”
About Woodbury University
Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. The university ranks 15th among the nation’s “25 Colleges That Add the Most Value,” according to Money Magazine, and is a 2016-17 College of Distinction. Woodbury is a finalist for the General Community Service Award, a part of the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognition program. With campuses in Burbank/Los Angeles and San Diego, the university offers bachelor’s degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media, Culture & Design, and College of Liberal Arts, along with a Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture. The San Diego campus offers Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees, as well as a Master of Science in Architecture, Real Estate Development. Visit woodbury.edu for more information.