Seattle, April 28, 2021

Avanade, the leading digital innovator on the Microsoft ecosystem and 15-time Microsoft Partner of the Year, today announced it will bring its global STEM scholarship program to Prairie View A&M University, the second-oldest public higher education institution in Texas and a member of the Texas A&M University system. Around $250,000 in scholarship funds will be made available to individuals specifically from underrepresented communities, to encourage them to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Avanade’s scholarship will provide five students per year with financial assistance, internship opportunities, mentorship, and invitations to attend its global innovation events for hands-on learning. Students will also be given an opportunity for internships to gain professional experience, upon completion of their degrees.

“We’re thrilled to announce our STEM scholarship partnership with Prairie View A&M University,” said Heba Ramzy, Global Corporate Citizenship Lead at Avanade. “Our purpose is to make a genuine human impact. Today, we are providing more young people from underrepresented communities access to the opportunities and benefits of technology and education. One of Avanade’s goals is to improve diversity in the technology sector – and ensure as many students as possible, from all backgrounds, are equipped for the workplace of the future.”

Avanade will also start a mentorship and coaching program for an additional 20 Prairie View A&M students to provide students with the support and guidance necessary to achieve their aspirations. The program will include attendance for both scholars and mentees to Avanade’s week-long “FUEL: Leadership, Innovation and Technology” conference, which takes place each summer.

“We are grateful for Avanade’s commitment to the success of our science, technology, engineering and mathematics students. We applaud its global commitment to achieving a more diverse STEM workforce and to opening more doors for minority candidates. The provision of scholarships, mentoring and internships will greatly enhance these students’ prospects for successful careers,” said Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons.

The Avanade STEM Scholarship Program has been running globally since 2015 and, to-date, has supported over 100 young female students in their quest for STEM careers, helping to close the gender gap in technology. Today, the program has 14 university partners around the globe in countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Japan, Germany, Australia and China.