Google Tech Exchange

This spring, a group of juniors from Prairie View A&M University’s computer science program is taking part in Google’s Tech Exchange program in Mountain View, California. Shane May-Gunlogson, Kayla R. Butler, and Devyn I. Allen are living and studying on Google’s main campus. Students and faculty members from eleven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), including PVAMU, are represented in the yearlong initiative (Howard University, Florida A&M University, California State University Dominguez Hills, Morgan State University, New Mexico State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Dillard University, University of Texas-El Paso, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Spelman College).

“We’re committed to building a more diverse and representative Google that reflects our users. That’s why, as part of our strategy to do so, we’re continuing to hire and invest in the talent of tomorrow,” said a Google representative.

Dr. Yonggao Yang, professor and department head in PVAMU’s computer science department, said, “If successful, this program will have a very positive impact on PVAMU’s CS program. Students will be more competitive and better prepared for IT jobs.”

Selected students can earn course credits by taking a variety of computer science courses. Member HBCU and HCI faculty members, as well as Google engineers, are leading the classes.

“What’s the benefit to PVAMU? Well, based on information taught in these classes, we will be able to update and enhance our CS curriculum with the newly developed course materials taught at Google’s campus. We also have the opportunity to enhance our CS faculty development by sending our faculty members to Google’s campus to teach and work alongside Google software engineers,” said Yang.