Scrum Training for All: Introducing CAVU’s Diversity Scholarship

The lack of diversity is endemic in the tech industry. After many years of preaching the gospel of diversity and inclusion, companies haven’t made much progress. A recent report from Zippia reveals that minorities, particularly women and people of color, remain severely underrepresented in the tech industry.

In numbers, women only hold 25 percent of tech jobs in the US and earn three percent less than men. Meanwhile, Latinx and Black Americans account for eight and seven percent of the US tech workforce versus 62 percent of white professionals.

That said, companies like Google and Facebook (now Meta) have reported positive progress in hiring a more diverse workforce, albeit slowly. Put another way, minorities can now strive to earn skills that will give them a competitive advantage over their peers, knowing that they stand a better chance of landing a tech job than they had a few years ago.

And CAVU, a benefit corporation, is making this easier for them by offering diversity scholarships to increase access to much-needed tech skills training.

Overview: CAVU as a Benefit Corporation

Being the first benefit corporation in Alabama, CAVU has set itself on a course to help members of underrepresented communities receive the digital skills training they need to reach their full potential.

Currently, CAVU offers four short-term courses dedicated to providing Scrum training—an essential skill in driving teams to work smarter and faster. These courses are as follows:

• Registered Scrum Master (RSM)
• Scrum@Scale Practitioner
• Registered Product Owner (RPO)
• Scrum Bootcamp

With its audience in mind, CAVU offers its Scrum training classes at the cost of a gym membership—ranging from $19.99 to $249.99 per month.

But that’s not all.

Committed to leveling the playing field, CAVU is also offering a diversity scholarship, ensuring that employees, who would otherwise be unable to get the professional development training they need, could do so with CAVU.

CAVU’s Scrum Training Scholarship for Diverse Talent

CAVU believes that professional development can redefine your life and should be available to everyone, especially members of underserved communities. CAVU is offering $100,000 in scholarships to qualified applicants over the next six months to make this possible. This offer is also expected to roll over into 2023.

“We have a history of partnering with the national center for women and information technology (NCWIT) and Innovate Birmingham to offer full scholarships to our students. Our social platform connects our active students and people already working in Agile—an opportunity for students to network and earn job placements,” Christopher Sims, CEO of CAVU, said.

Who Can Apply for CAVU’s Diversity Scholarship?

This scholarship assists applicants from the following communities:

• Low-income
• BIPOC
• LGBTQ+
• Women+ (identifying, non-identifying, and non-binary)

The scholarship covers 100 percent of CAVU’s membership, course fees for one year, 20-hour instructor-led training, up to 52 hours of coaching, access to community and on-demand course resources, and two certificates of completion.

How to Apply for CAVU’s Diversity Scholarship in 4 Steps

• Step 1. Fill out an application showing your proof of eligibility (tax returns, etc.)
• Step 2. Complete a video screening interview.
• Step 3. Complete a pre-work assignment consisting of a four-hour on-demand course and essay.
• Step 4. Join an upcoming cohort and begin your journey.

Why Should You Apply for a CAVU Scholarship?

Earning an Agile credential can place you ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing a job. In fact, IBM argues that learning Agile can equip you with multiple skills to develop a career portfolio rather than a career path. Put simply, you wouldn’t just be training for a single job; you’ll be investing in multiple career opportunities, including leadership roles.

The training that CAVU implements is practice-oriented. Students receive hands-on training that they can apply to practical projects almost immediately. Ben Podbielski, a professional heavyweight lifter turn Scrum Master, attested to CAVU’s teaching methodology.

“They use a lot of reinforced learning, and the collaborative environment makes the material stick,” he said.

Another CAVU alum, Hakeem Lipscomb, shared how his life has changed after CAVU, shifting from being a quality assurance engineer to becoming a Scrum Master: “I feel way more challenged at work and more fulfilled in the everyday aspects of this role. Each day brings its own challenges, which really keep you on your toes as a Scrum Master. There’s never a dull moment.”

There are a lot of benefits of becoming a Scrum Master that this article may not be able to cover all. However, if you aim to advance your career or break into the tech space with ease, earning a Scrum credential can help you achieve this faster.

Grow Your Tech Career with CAVU

CAVU offers you an opportunity to gain some of the most sought-after tech skills, putting you in front of multiple career opportunities. In addition, almost every major tech company is beginning to appreciate and implement the Scrum methodology, making this a great time to earn your credential and stay ahead of the competition.

To begin your journey towards becoming a Scrum Master or Product Owner, reach out to CAVU and start your onboarding process today.