Students attend the Grace Hopper conference. (Photos courtesy of College of Computing)

SCI Expands Undergrad Access to Major Diversity Tech Conferences

Emily Smith
College of ComputingSchool of Computing Instruction

The School of Computing Instruction (SCI) is expanding opportunities for undergraduate students by offering scholarships to attend two influential diversity-focused tech conferences: Tapia and Grace Hopper. 

For the first time, SCI extended scholarships to first- and second-year students, ensuring that all undergraduates can engage with industry leaders and explore career paths early in their academic journeys.

This year, SCI awarded scholarships to 10 students for each conference, covering registration, travel, and accommodations. These scholarships provided students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the tech industry.

Exploring Tapia and Grace Hopper: Opportunities for Growth

Bethany Mason, Director of Enrollment at the College of Computing, believes that offering scholarships to all undergraduates helps them develop a strong foundation.

"In previous years, attendees had to be third- or fourth-year students, but providing opportunities for first-year students helps them make connections early on and get excited about their future," Mason said.

Mason coordinated scholarships for two major conferences: the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC). Both events offer students unique opportunities to connect with peers, professionals, and industry leaders while exploring diversity and inclusion in tech.

This year’s Tapia conference in San Diego gathered students from underrepresented backgrounds to foster community and inclusivity. Attendees participated in sessions on programming, professional development, and graduate school panels, with a focus on inspiring more minorities to pursue advanced degrees. 

Students attend Tapia
College of Computing students attend the Tapia conference in San Diego. Photos courtesy of the College of Computing.

"A major goal is to get more minorities on the Ph.D. track," Mason said.

Students attending Tapia gained technical knowledge and broadened their perspectives on inclusivity in tech. According to a post-conference survey, many shared that the event reshaped their networking and career development approach.

Second-year CS major Eris Wang attended Tapia and reflected on how meeting industry professionals and like-minded peers opened doors to new career paths. “I met new friends as well as professionals working in research. I think connections are a great way to talk to others for career advice and find a niche you're interested in,” Wang said.

“The conference also challenged my belief about work in CS and hustle culture—that if you aren't constantly doing something to work towards your career, you're failing. A lot of people I talked to at the conference helped shut down that idea.”

RELATED: Georgia Tech CS Alumna Celebrated for Pioneering Technical Leadership at Grace Hopper

The Grace Hopper Celebration was held in Philadelphia this year. It focused on supporting women and non-binary technologists with sessions on career development, leadership, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. GHC attendees reported positive networking experiences and left the event with practical insights to enhance their resumes, pursue new opportunities, and stay connected with industry contacts.

Students attend Grace Hopper.
Students attend sessions at Grace Hopper to network and learn about opportunities in computing. Photos courtesy of the College of Computing.

For second-year CS major Jade Neal, the event was transformative, helping her see herself more confidently as a woman in tech. 

"Grace Hopper provided a platform for me to connect with and be inspired by a diverse group of successful women in the industry, reinforcing the idea that I belong and can thrive in this field,” Neal said.

“Seeing other Black women excelling in technology was empowering and motivated me to pursue my career goals with even greater determination.”

Jade Neal (left) with other students attending Grace Hopper. Photos Courtesy of the College of Computing.
CS major Jade Neal (left) with other students attending Grace Hopper. Photos courtesy of the College of Computing.

Looking Forward: Supporting Student Development and Diversity in Tech

Through initiatives like Tapia and Grace Hopper scholarships, SCI provides unique opportunities to computing undergraduates.

Beyond conferences, SCI also fosters student growth through programs like Pitch Thursdays, where students can request funding for initiatives and connect with faculty and peers.

You can find information about the next Grace Hopper Conference here. Details on Tapia 2025 are here.