Deloitte Digital To Provide Laptops, Software Programs And Tech Study Materials To Black, Asian, And Minority Ethnic Students
Deloitte Digital has announced a new initiative with The Stepladder Foundation to provide laptops, software, and study materials to UK students enrolling in Stepladder courses.
The Stepladder Foundation is a charity offering flexible approaches to learning for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic young people identified as disadvantaged.
They’ve previously run programs across London, Birmingham, and the West of England- and are now focusing again on Greater London.
They take referrals from schools to recruit, but some participants ‘step up’ and enroll themselves when they hear about the initiative. Their flagship programs last for two years, with Saturday sessions and wrap-around after-school provision with coaching, counseling, tutoring and mentoring, in between.
But Deloitte said this collaboration was inspired by its Black Action Plan and “the firm’s belief that everyone, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or background, should have equal opportunities to thrive”.
The Deloitte volunteers will also be working with Stepladder students to provide advice and guidance on pursuing a career across the technology and creative industries, as well as softer skills and sessions designed to “harness their strengths.”
Alison Jones, CEO of The Stepladder Foundation, told Accountancy Today: “We work with professional organizations like Deloitte Digital to offer real-life career advice and opportunities, opening up a world of life experiences and career skills to extraordinarily talented young people who would otherwise miss out.
“Whatever our students’ backgrounds, our focus is always on them, opening doors, sharing networks, providing academic and pastoral support, as well as everything in between, to ensure that they have the confidence and skills to achieve. The program with Deloitte Digital is put together to help young people succeed.”
While Olivier Binse, design partner at Deloitte Digital, added: “My team and I are excited to have the opportunity to work with Stepladder, growing the charity for the long-term and mentoring these young people for future success.
“Everyone is keen to share their knowledge to boost diversity across the industry and shape its future leaders. Hopefully, it will be a confidence lift to help these young people kickstart a passion for creativity and maybe even a career in technology and digital.”
