In April of 2022, LightEdge expanded their team to the Southwest region by joining forces with NFINIT, a San Diego based company that specializes in data center, cloud, security, connectivity, and managed services to deliver intelligent outcomes for a variety of clients. The acquisition of NFINIT has reaped many benefits for LightEdge including their new internship program.
Following a year long process to develop the framework, the internship program began last year with two interns and has grown to four interns in only its second year. The goal of the program is to provide professional opportunities to underserved and underrepresented youth in the IT industry. Additionally, they are striving for equity access to computer science classes and other related courses.
Kevin James, Senior Manager of Support at NFINIT, works with Art Lopez, a former computer science educator in the San Diego school district, to identify and select students who meet the criteria to be eligible to apply for the internship. Each intern receives training, the resources to complete a project, and presents their findings at the end of the program. The internship program runs for 3-6 months. Students have the option to choose the length of their course, but the full 6 months is highly encouraged. The program provides an overall life learning experience by setting them up for success in the future through interacting with other staff members and customers, along with other skills.
The mission of the internship program is to provide equity access and computer science education opportunities to underserved and underrepresented students including women and people of color, among other groups. Many of these children are first generation students and will be the first of their families to attend college. The internship program is offered to students who have recently graduated high school and are looking for real-world experience in IT or computer science.
“Kevin along with his team at NFINIT have truly changed the lives of children with this special opportunity,” said Art Lopez.
LightEdge is passionate about our DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives as we believe that diversity drives innovation. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. Providing youth from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life with the opportunity to gain professional experience in the IT industry is something we are proud to be part of and support in the coming years.
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