IBM, Hispanic Heritage Foundation Providing Free SkillsBuild Tech Courses to Latino Students

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 10/25/22

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation has partnered with IBM Education to provide IBM's SkillsBuild education program to Latino high school students free of charge, giving them skills they need to meet workforce demands, according to a news release.

IBM SkillsBuild helps learners develop new skills, with the aim of preparing them for career opportunities in tech fields. The program provides digital content, personal mentoring, and hands-on learning in technology, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills, HHF said in its announcement. "Our collective mission is to provide training and opportunities for our community to make an impact in the tech sector. We are grateful to IBM for allowing us to leverage their expertise and pathways in preparing the Latinx community for jobs that desperately need to be filled," said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF.

Courses, available in both English and Spanish, will include communication and leadership skills, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and others. "I see every day the great opportunity to invest in skilling the next generation of STEM talent from the Hispanic community," said Claudia Cortes Romanelli, director of Corporate Social Responsibility at IBM. "We look forward to working with HHF as part of our commitment to equitably skill 30 million people worldwide."

HHF's mission focuses on education, the workforce, identity, and social impact through leadership and culture. Visit the organization's website to learn more about how it addresses its goals. IBM Education focuses on a personalized and diverse approach to STEM career and workforce readiness through its free programs to public schools, universities, aspiring professionals, and job seekers. In 2021 IBM committed to equip 30 million people worldwide by 2030 with skills they need to meet current and emerging technology career demands, with special emphasis on underrepresented communities. Learn more on the IBM website.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

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