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At SoftServe, we believe in the transformative power of education. That’s why the company launched its EmpowerU global initiative that provides life-changing information technology (IT) training and career development to underrepresented communities across four European and Latin American countries.
Since last April, EmpowerU has given military veterans, people with disabilities, and young women the opportunity to kick-start their IT career in Ukraine, Poland, Mexico, and Colombia through its in-house SoftServe Academy.
These free-of-charge educational courses included such topics as an introduction to IT, testing fundamentals, quality control in IT, development operations (DevOps), and databases. EmpowerU is designed for those who are new to IT and includes mentorship and networking support. The program operates globally, with each course tailored to meet unique participant needs.
“Following the inaugural round of courses, we are witnessing an overwhelming response that underscores the program's resonance with both the participants and the local communities,” said Mariia Kucherenko, Director of Corporate Reputation and CSR at SoftServe. “The increasing demand for future courses, coupled with the enthusiastic participation of SoftServe employees volunteering as mentors, stands as concrete evidence of the program's remarkable impact on driving our company's social mission.”
EmpowerU’s initial results were impressive. In Ukraine, in conjunction with partner organization Veteran Hub, a class of 30 veterans and family members successfully completed the SoftServe Academy course titled, “Testing Fundamentals and Introduction to IT.” In Poland, with partner organizations Zakład Aktywności Zawodowej, Fundacja Opieka i Troska, Fundacja Imago, and Fundacja Ponad Schematami, eight people with disabilities completed the quality control course.
In Mexico, with our local partner, 21 young women completed the DevOps course. And 24 young mothers completed the databases in IT course in Colombia. The first round of EmpowerU courses concluded in July 2023.
Plans for the EmpowerU include expanding the initiatives to other nations where SoftServe has a presence, including Bulgaria, Romania, Chile, and elsewhere. SoftServe will also seek out strategic partnerships with global organizations that support the interests of a diverse global community.
“EmpowerU courses not only equip participants with valuable skills but also pave the way for potential future roles within our company, contributing to the diversification of our workforce,” said Natalia Kosenko, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert with SoftServe. “Moreover, we are committed to setting a public example, championing the principles of equal opportunity and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the communities where we operate.”
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