CGI Empowerment Scholarship at USA Focuses on Diversity and Inclusion

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Posted on January 28, 2021 by Keith Lynn

Keith Lynn

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CGI, a global IT and business consulting services firm, has recently established a new scholarship
endowment at the University of South Alabama School of Computing. The scholarship is part of a
commitment by both CGI and USA to enhance and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the
academic sector as well as in the technology workforce.

The CGI Empowerment Scholarship will benefit incoming freshmen computing students with a GPA
of 3.0 or better and an ACT/converted SAT score of 23 or better. Additionally, the scholarship seeks
to support students who are in the USA service area and who represent underserved communities
that may have collectively experienced educational disparities.

Dr. Alec Yasinsac, Dean of USA’s School of Computing, is honored by CGI’s partnership and the
creation of this new scholarship.

“CGI continues to be an incredible advocate for our students through their participation on our
advisory board and their work with our student interns and new graduates,” said Yasinsac. “This
scholarship is another example of CGI’s commitment to student success in the important and
growing computing fields, to diversity and inclusion in both the classroom and the workplace and to
recruiting talented young technology professionals to learn, live, work and impact our local
community.”

“Diversity within our student population builds positive academic and social experiences and
prepares students for the 21 st century workforce,” Yasinsac said. “With its focus on diversity, this
new scholarship is a vital recruiting resource and will help to attract diverse and deserving freshmen
students into our programs.”

Student applicants will be asked to submit an essay detailing their educational challenges, degree
goals and career plans as well as their thoughts on why diversity in the technology workforce is
essential and empowering.

By creating the scholarship, CGI strives to assist students who would increase diversity within the
student population and who intend to remain in the Mobile area to use their experience and
education to make a positive and lasting impact on their local community.

“This scholarship reflects CGI’s ongoing commitment to a diverse student body at the University of
South Alabama School of Computing and toward a more diverse and inclusive IT workforce in the
state of Alabama,” said Mark Wavra, Vice President, CGI. “This work is vital not only to create more
opportunities for young people across the region, but also for ensuring the nation continues to
invest in a workforce prepared for the technology-driven challenges and opportunities of the 21 st
century.”

CGI’s $10,000 scholarship endowment gift will be matched dollar for dollar by USA’s Mitchell-
Moulton Scholarship Initiative, doubling the company’s investment in area students. Through this
initiative, donor gifts made towards undergraduate scholarships at USA receive the match and
students are provided greater access to tuition support.

Representatives from CGI serve on the School’s Advisory Board, mentor computing students
through internships and provide job opportunities to graduates. USA and CGI share a mission to
expose more students to STEM-related disciplines and career paths, to enhance diversity in the
classroom and in the workplace and to empower students to be advocates for new and diverse
perspectives across the technology sector.

Dr. Leslie Gamble, Jr., Diversity Coordinator for the School of Computing, assisted in the creation of
the scholarship and said “The CGI Empowerment Scholarship is the perfect example of how a
collaborative project with a valued community partner, like CGI, can grow and nurture USA’s
diverse student population.”

Committed to promoting an inclusive workplace, CGI believes that diversity brings a greater variety
of ideas, perspectives and experiences to the workplace and creates a positive environment where
all members have the opportunity to thrive. They have partnered with area colleges and universities
to provide tuition assistance and scholarships for students, guest speakers for classes and student
organizations and other initiatives to support STEM awareness among middle and high school
students in order to enhance diversity from the classroom to the boardroom.

“It is important for every student and parent in our area to be aware that, no matter their
background, opportunities exist for education and training that can help prepare young people for
high-paying, sought-after jobs in the digital age,” said James VanDyne, Director at CGI and
University of South Alabama School of Computing Advisory Board member. “We are proud to
support our community with resources that encourage women and people of color to pursue
rewarding careers in science and technology.”

For more information about the CGI Empowerment Scholarship or to make a tax-deductible
contribution, contact the USA Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 251-414-8064 or
email lnharris@southalabama.edu.

About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in
the world. With 76,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-
to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration,
managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients
through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients
digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2020 reported revenue is
C$12.16 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at
cgi.com.

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