In recognition of Computer Science Ed Week, Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Infosys Foundation USA to host virtual LOFT Coder Summit on December 9

PALO ALTO, CA – In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Infosys Foundation USA will host a Virtual LOFT (Latinx On Fast Track) Coder Summit (LCS) on Wednesday, December 9th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT (1:00 – 3:00 pm ET) as hundreds of young professional coders and students connect for networking, mentoring, career paths, and background on programming.  For more details and to register for this free event, click HERE.  Computer Science Education Week is from December 7-13.

“The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is thrilled to partner with Infosys Foundation USA, who continue to demonstrate their commitment increasing and providing access to high quality computer science education and coding skills in America to all students, including the under-represented,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “We share a vision to move our community and America forward through tech.”

The LCS as part of the CSL initiative includes the development and mobilization of a network of Latino software engineers ready to introduce computer programming to under-represented students across the country. The HHF LOFTech programs including CSL (Code as a Second Language) presents America with the tremendous opportunities for America as well as to bring together students and professionals to celebrate Latinx cultural pride, innovation, and passion for computer programming.

“At Infosys Foundation USA, we’re committed to making computer science education available to every student across the U.S.,” said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA. “Given the challenges our country has faced this year, we’re thrilled to still be able to host the LOFT Coder Summit virtually in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and in the spirit of CS Ed Week, we hope to inspire greater digital equity among students who aspire to pursue careers in tech.”

The effort is designed to bridge a gap between the business community’s need for talent with technology skills and for students to be exposed to computer science.  Among Latino students, those who take Advanced Placement Computer Science in high school are 7 to 8 times more likely to take computer science in college, according to Code.org. In the United States, there are 500,000 unfilled jobs in tech, which is estimated to nearly triple to 1.4 million unfilled tech jobs in the near future yet many students are not learning coding in schools.

The participants of the LCS will be referred to the LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) Network for ongoing on-line instruction and will connect to other students, mentors, networking, resources, STEM-related events and later potential internships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.  Coding will also enable students to be creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs rather than just consumers of technology.  CSL was established in Los Angeles in 2013 and by the end of this year will be in 75 regions, including Puerto Rico and Mexico, reaching more than 100,000 students.

 About Infosys Foundation USA

Infosys Foundation USA is committed to expanding computer science and maker education in the United States, with a specific focus on increasing access to underrepresented communities. The Foundation works with nonprofits, academic institutions, policy makers, educators and experts in the computer science and maker fields to prepare students and teachers for bright opportunities in a digital future. Learn more at http://www.infosys.org/usa/ follow on Twitter @InfyFoundation or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InfosysFoundationUSA.

 About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, innovative leadership, and culture to meet America’s priorities. Through HHF’s program, Code as a Second Language (CSL), tens of thousands of students across the nation are introduced and taught to code. Once they are initiated, they are funneled into a larger network of coders including mentors, workshops, activities through the LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) program for further development, connectivity and ultimately placement into the workforce with Fortune 500 companies (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org and follow HHF on Facebook and Twitter. 

 CSL Manager: Daisy Madrigal – daisy@hispanicheritage.org / Media contact: Nicolás Peña – nicolas@hispanicheritage.org

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