City Announces $750,000 Investments in Organizations To Position Philadelphia as The Most Diverse Tech Hub | Department of Commerce
Summary
The PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub initiative is now in its third year of investments to increase access, economic mobility and opportunity for all, said Mayor Jim Kenney. Alongside our citywide partners, Commerce will continue to fuel the inclusive growth of tech workforces skills and tech-based companies in Philadelphia. The PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub started in 2020 as one of several ongoing initiatives outlined in the Citys Respond, Restart, Recharge, Reimagine plan to drive an inclusive and equitable recovery. Commerce will continue to work towards attracting and retaining companies of all sizes adding to our diverse sectors within the Philadelphia market.Through the PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub initiative, the City sought proposals from organizations, which were evaluated on their ability to deliver innovative programming in three different categories:Organizations that were awarded funding for this focus area will work to retain Black or brown residents in higher-ed and expose those students to tech employment opportunities; create pipelines for trainings and career opportunities for underrepresented populations; connect and place students into paid internships with Philadelphia based companies; establish connections with local colleges, universities and education providers; establish Historically Black College or University (HBCU) initiatives to grow the employer pipeline internships with local and regional HBCUs; expand the number of private sector employers in Tech and Tech-enabled industries that provide internships. The cohort also serves as an innovation lab, and workshop space where organizations can convene to discuss strategies for tech-related jobs of the near term and the future in Philadelphia.In 2018, the City launched a platform for a Tech Industry Partnership.