In conjunction with the Microsoft Store, we were thrilled to recently host the 27th annual Minority Student Day, an event put on by Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) to motivate local students to pursue careers in technology. BAM is an employee resource group that plays a key role in promoting career leadership development among its members. They also recruit the best and brightest to Microsoft.
“New York’s BAM chapter has made it our mission as well to find ways to share as much as possible of the technological concepts with the youth of today,” says Alfred Ojukwu, BAM chair and technology solutions professional for Surface. “We feel this a vital part of their learning and embodies the heart of Microsoft’s mission statement, empowering every person and every organization to achieve more.”
At this year’s event on February 9th, we were excited to welcome more than 350 registrants. Invited were various educators and students from middle school to college across school districts in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. BAM members led student groups through targeted 30 to 60 minutes learning sessions.
In one session, students learned how to create an “elevator pitch” to market themselves and create a personal brand. In another, students explored coding during bite-sized Hour of Code sessions using Minecraft, Blockly, and Javascript code. In other sessions, students learned about digital advertising, the future of search and Cortana, and blockchain technology.
Students also toured our Microsoft Technology Center and explored technologies hands-on such as Microsoft 365, Surface Hub, and A/V integration in the Microsoft Envision Center and Microsoft Interactive Center.
In mentoring sessions, students heard from our young employees who came to Microsoft through the MACH MBA program. Students who took part in last year’s Minority Student Day and were chosen to attend a six-week BAM summer mentorship program also shared their experiences.
Many thanks to all attendees, including the day’s key speakers, each with a unique message to share: Cedric Curry, Quiessence Phillips, Tanya Blocker, Darrick Dunk, Lee Moulton, and our own Laura Clayton-McDonnell.
BAM is excited to continue fostering the education and career development of these students, empowering a future workforce through technology.
“Each and everyone of us can make a difference in the lives of young students building their careers in technology,” Alfred says. “These are the youth that we should continue to motivate, as they are the face of tomorrow’s workforce.”
BAM consists of more than 800 members worldwide and maintains chapters in New York, New England, Atlanta, and beyond. Learn more here.
Learn more about Microsoft’s initiatives driving diversity and inclusion in tech for students here.