Creating a diverse and well-trained computational and information science workforce is a challenge facing employers in the public and private sectors.

How can employers reach members of underserved groups and regions with an interest in high-performance computing (HPC)?

has an answer.

This year, they are sending a group of students to the conference from July 9-13, 2017 in New Orleans.

Let me Google that for you

The PEARC17 conference theme, “Sustainability, Success and Impact,” echoes the objectives of its organizers who aspire to develop a self-sustaining program that relies on support from a variety of government agencies and commercial industry partners with a vested interest in a diverse and well-trained IT workforce.

On Wednesday, April 4, Google announced they would be supporting the STEM-Trek Nonprofit student program, boosting the number of students who are eligible to attend PEARC17.

“Google doesn’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefits of our employees, products and community,” says Google vice president Vint Cerf.

“PEARC17 presents a rare opportunity to expose undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars to the latest resources, road maps, and experts who will guide them towards academic and career success.”

At PEARC17, students will have access to technical content, student-centric activities including intensive collaborative modeling and analysis challenge, a session on careers in modeling and large data analytics, mentorship possibilities, and the chance to assist the PEARC team with conference activities.

“We’re grateful to Dr. Cerf and Google for their contribution,” says STEM-Trek Adviser and PEARC17 Student Program Chair Alana Romanella. “I hope their generosity will attract additional supporters so that more students can participate.”

Applications from women, minorities, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Those who are interested in the program .