Apply today for the opportunity to participate in an immersive three-day experience in Washington, D.C. focused on The Future of Tech Talent, sponsored by Campus Life in partnership with FIU in Washington, D.C.

TOPIC

Technology occupations, including cloud computing and information security, are growing faster than any other sector. FIU is responding to these shifts by bridging technology research and skills-training and offering digital badges in “essential 21st century skills” including artificial intelligence and data interpretation. A transformative gift by the Knight Foundation and innovative industry partnerships with AWS and SoftBank are preparing more FIU graduates to take and create jobs in the Miami technology and startup sector. These fields, however, are less diverse, especially at senior levels; fewer than 15% of employees at several major tech firms identify as Black or Hispanic. This Fly-In aims to develop understanding of and solutions to the public policy barriers to diverse student populations entering and succeeding in technology careers by exploring Congressional funding and federal initiatives, innovations in higher education, and the hiring and talent management practices of the private sector.

FORMAT

The Fly-In will take place in person in Washington, D.C. COVID protocols, including mask mandates, will be determined by current university policies as well as those of the individual jurisdictions and sites where Fly-In meetings and activities will take place.

This experience is aimed at helping develop a students' individual advocacy and communication skills, expose students to DC based on internship and career opportunities, and provide exclusive opportunities beyond tourist sites to see how Washington, D.C. really works. Selected participants will have the opportunity to meet FIU alumni and other network partners within federal government, think tanks, corporations, and advocacy organizations with deep insights and on the topic. The Fly-In will also include a visit with one or more Congressional offices, a National Dialogue, featuring participants from outside of FIU, and a Policy Hack, where students craft a policy proposal in groups, based on what they have learned.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Fly-In will take place over three days, November 16-18, 2021.