Lumentum commits to inclusion with internship programme

Lumentum has awarded its first diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB) scholarships to 16 applicants from its 2021 internship program. 

The goal is to increase educational opportunities to diverse students from underrepresented groups in the high-tech sector. The rising cost of tuition for higher education can prove to be a barrier for many students, particularly those who are underrepresented. The annual DIB Scholarship program is a new initiative under Lumentum's broader DIB program to help 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.

Applicants are required to complete a 12-week paid summer internship and be enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree programme in any major. Although not essential to qualify, the company is prioritising students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average 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. 

Chuwanda Thigpen, vice president of talent and chief diversity officer at Lumentum said: ‘Our scholarship program is only one part of our larger commitment to increase diverse representation in education and upcoming talent. 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.’