Lumentum Awards 16 Scholarships in new Diversity Program
First Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) scholarships aim to increase opportunities in underrepresented groups
Pptical and photonics company Lumentum has awarded its first Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) scholarships to sixteen applicants from its 2021 internship program. The goal is to increase educational opportunities to diverse students from underrepresented groups in the high-tech sector.
For many students, a barrier in higher education is the rising cost of tuition, and particularly for underrepresented minority students, it is a disproportionate burden. The annual DIB Scholarship program is a new initiative and part of Lumentum’s broader DIB program formalised two years ago. To provide financial support and increase opportunities to those who need it the most, each recipient is provided with a $10,000 scholarship to their respective university or college.
“Our scholarship program is only one part of our larger commitment to increase diverse representation in education and upcoming talent," said Chuwanda Thigpen, Lumentum VP of talent and chief diversity officer. “We have partnered with several universities to expand opportunities for underrepresented students, including a $30,000 endowed scholarship to the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. Our effort to foster diversity from the very start–during education–is an investment in our culture of innovation and our vision to create a brighter future.”
Lumentum scholarship applicants are required to complete a twelve-week paid summer internship and be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree program in any major. Although not essential to qualify, the company is prioritising students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and are active members in a diversity-focused professional club for women, Black/African- American, Hispanic/Latinx, or another underrepresented group.
Currently, the program is based in the United States but the company plans to expand globally next year. Lumentum’s 2022 DIB Scholarship Program is now accepting applications.
