Changing the Game for Minorities in Technology: CSI Connect

Florida is rich with unique geography, history, and culture. It has a large population of minorities and like many other states in the U.S., struggles with ongoing disparities in education and job opportunities. Against the backdrop of these disparities, CEO Chris Flakus and CIO Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick of CSI Companies, located in Jacksonville, Florida, are working to provide job opportunities and career development support in the tech industry for college and high school students who are relatively disadvantaged in the region. Here's an introduction to CSI Connect, an initiative launched in 2021, while leveraging their expertise in human resource development cultivated as a staffing company.

Following your dreams: the pursuit of something bigger

Today, the internet feels ubiquitous. With internet access, a person can work from their computer, quickly look up information, stream videos, and connect virtually with friends and family. But, in reality, not everyone has this luxury. According to a survey by USA Fact, 25-30% of Black and Hispanic families with children do not have a computer at home, and about 20% do not have internet access at home. According to Chris, some of the local youth basketball team players in Jacksonville, Florida have shared that they do not have computers at home and watch TV exclusively.

“Many of these students dream of becoming an NBA player," Chris said. “ Youths are influenced by what’s around them, so if they’re watching music shows or sports on TV, they’ll likely be influenced to become a famous musician or athlete. It is aspiring and exciting —and we’ve all once had similar dreams. Of course, only so many of us achieve these aspirational dreams. That’s why it’s important for students to build strong baseline skills and have awareness of other career paths that complement their interests.”

Jacksonville has become a tech hub in recent years. The tech industry is a seller's market in Jacksonville, making it easy for people with basic IT knowledge to find work in the area. However, due to lack of exposure and representation, many underserved youths will not realize these opportunities.

“Many of these youths don’t have internet access nor do they see the adults that are close to them maintaining professional careers.” Melissa said.

Structural and systemic problems also persist. Because of academic and financial difficulties, some students are unable to attend state colleges and universities with good IT programs and facilities. Many black students choose to attend HBCUs*. However, according to a report, many HBCUs had been underfunded for decades—which contributes to the disparity of black students having exposure to IT degrees and careers.

Empowering students to pursue careers in the tech industry

CSI Connect is currently providing two types of support for students in Jacksonville. The first program brings in five interns each year from two partnered local colleges. CSI Companies’ interns are provided a laptop and the opportunity to work in the CSI Companies' Jacksonville office alongside the employees.

“We want our interns to experience working on a team and get a feel for the tech industry,” said Chris. “It’s our hope that through this experience they’ll feel empowered and motivated to work in an environment like this after graduation."

Interns who do particularly well during the program are encouraged to apply for a full-time career at CSI Companies or one of our clients after graduation. At the time of publishing this article, two students have already been hired full-time.

The second program is for high school students and started in January 2022. CSI Companies has partnered with a local high school to open the CSI Tech Lab in the school’s renovated media center. CSI Companies has offered to provide IT education and career support to five students interested in IT.

“We call the students the 'Jackson 5' named after their school, Andrew Jackson High School. The details of the program are still being worked out, but we plan to provide long-term support so that all five students can attend college and then continue their careers in the IT industry," said Melissa.

Supporting children in becoming future leaders and role models

Chris and Melissa are both intrinsically motivated to help youths find value in their talents and explore their interests.

“I've always been intrigued by the different circumstances of students on the youth basketball team," said Chris. “They are all so talented and driven—but I think some kids simply lack the information, opportunities, and adults to talk to in order to broaden the possibilities of their future. CSI Companies wants to be a resource for today’s youth, and provide them with opportunities and confidence needed to succeed in any professional setting.”

Melissa, who is now an influential leader in the IT space, reflects on her journey and shares her hopes for tomorrow’s generation.

“The tech industry is still a male-dominated industry. As a woman and a person of color, I’ve often felt alone at the table. But that's why I want to be a role model for others. I want to tell them, ‘You can do it too.’ When they grow up and look back, I couldn't be happier if they said. ‘I’m here now thanks to CSI, Chris, and Melissa'”

“CSI Connect has the potential to change the economic gap, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and influence new ways of working,” said Chris. “I'm sometimes tempted to rush for results, but I believe that our commitment and consistency with this program will yield success in the years to come. Twenty years from now, we are hoping the students we are currently helping will become role models for the next generation.”