The Mom Project has launched an initiative to provide technology certificate scholarships to 10,000 women of color over the next three years to address what it calls a “dramatic backslide” in workplace equality due to Covid-19.
The RISE initiative will offer women of color the opportunity to earn certification in Salesforce Administrator, Google IT Support or Microsoft Learn to boost their earning potential while continuing to work and support their families.
Recent findings show Black women were twice as likely as white men to be out of work or furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Black women are paid just 66 cents to a white man’s dollar, per the Economic Policy Institute. Another estimate from the National Women’s Law Center puts it even lower, at 62 cents.
"Women of color are in the fight of their lives and we can't sit on the sidelines," said Allison Robinson, founder and CEO of The Mom Project. "We know moms are the backbone of the family and investing in her development has the opportunity to transform the trajectory of her family's life for decades to come."
The Mom Project will partner with technology upskilling providers including CareerCircle to provide candidates with one-on-one program support and guidance through the curriculum and future job search, the organization said.
RISE also will offer mentoring and pro bono coaching through The Mom Project's RALLY and Unity programs, along with educational resources for children.
Participants will have all upskilling and mentoring expenses covered, including fully funded technology certificate programs for both entry- and mid-level professionals. Graduating candidates will receive job placement assistance through The Mom Project and its network of program and corporate partners.
Chicago-based The Mom Project also announced it has created a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), MomProject.org.
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