Diversity and inclusion

There is power in diversity. Innovation thrives when everyone belongs and is supported.

BU Spark! is committed to promoting and cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just environment within Spark! and across the Boston University Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences. Integrated within various aspects of the Spark! experience, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) programs ensure that JEDI principles are fostered at all levels.

Spark! Ambassador Program: JEDI track

Spark! Ambassadors on the JEDI track support Spark!’s efforts to advance JEDI principles through the various JEDI programs, including the DEI in Tech Collective, DEI training, and the DEI in Tech course. These ambassadors assist students in building DEI skills to be effective change agents, provide education opportunities, and monitor the culture climate among students.

DEI in Tech Collective

The DEI in Tech Collective is comprised of representatives from university entities focused on computing and data science in the technology sector. Recognizing the significant representation and inclusion disparities in these fields within and apart from Boston University, the Collective is an opportunity for unification around efforts to educate and address inequity issues in our industries.

Learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in tech

CDS DS291: Spark! Exploring DEI in Tech

In this 2-credit workshop, you will explore topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in the tech sector. This workshop implements the theory of practice of DEIJ across the technology sector, allowing you to gain a foundational understanding of key concepts like intersectionality, inclusive dialogue, and how to initiate DEIJ efforts in your communities. You will apply this framework to better understand issues of DEIJ in the tech sector, academia, business, and other domains from AI to hardware. You will complete a final project using an intersectional lens to asses a problem you’re passionate about and develop solutions. Since its creation in Spring 2022, this course has taught over 40+ students, received $4,000 in funding, and hosted various industry leaders from Snap Inc., Intel, Data4BlkLives, and many others. See our BU Today Article to learn more.

DEI Student Consulting Group

The DEI Student Consulting Group initiative provides education opportunities and consultation services to the Spark! community. Primarily working with the Ignite Student Council, the Group creates semester-long training programs for the Council as well as for Spark! staff. Currently, the Group provides three trainings. including Foundation of DEI, Action, Data, Community, and Universal Design Thinking. The Group also provides digital resources, including a Blackboard Ultra training module for students.

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