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Tech Exchange

Tech Exchange
Dates
January through May
Location
Virtual

About

Tech Exchange is a semester-long virtual academic program for students attending select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in North America. Tech Exchange teaches applied computer science and problem solving skills, while building social capital and community among Black+, Latinx+ and Native+ students at our partner schools (listed below). Students who identify with a group that is historically underrepresented in the tech industry, with a particular focus on Black+, Latinx+ and Native+ folks, are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to take two Tech Exchange courses in the spring of their sophomore or second year, covering Applied Data Structures and Careers in Technology, with the option to take additional electives.

We’re looking for sophomore-level students (graduating in December ‘24 or May ‘25) from select HBCUs and HSIs to spend a semester learning from Googlers and HBCU/HSI faculty. You’ll take 2-4 courses to help prepare you for technical internships at Google and beyond.

Group photo of Google's Tech Exchange

What you'll receive

  • 2 all-expense-paid trips to major Google offices for orientation and the finale
  • A semester of virtual courses taught by Googlers and HBCU/HSI faculty (January-May)
  • One-on-one mentorship sessions with Googlers
  • Connections with students from other HBCUs/HSIs to build a network of your peers
  • Career planning support including: Mock interviews with Googlers, direct connections to Google recruiters, and a streamlined process for applying to Google Software Engineering internships

Additional Information

This program is intended for students who:

  • Attend a partner institution (listed below)
  • Have an expected graduation in December 2024 or May 2025
  • Identify as Black+, Latinx+, Native+
  • Are able to take max 16 hours of course credit (including TechX credit and at home institution) in the Spring ‘23 semester
  • Major in computer science, computer engineering or computing related field
  • Have beginner level experience programming in Python, Java, Javascript, C or C++
  • Will be proficient with the following by December 2022:
    • Using the following data structures when solving coding problems: lists, arrays, hashmaps, sets, stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees..
    • Describing and implementing the following algorithms: recursion, binary search, and merge sort.
    • Describing running time using Big-O notation.
  • Have a desire to join the Google SWE internship program

Partner Institutions

  • CSU Dominguez Hills
  • Howard University
  • Prairie View A&M University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Morgan State University
  • Spelman College
  • Fisk University
  • Morehouse College
  • University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
  • Florida International University
  • New Mexico State University
  • University of Texas, El Paso
  • Hampton University
  • North Carolina A&T University
  • Xavier University

Application process

  • Step 1:
  • Step 2:
    • Study for the Hackerrank assessment using our prep materials and virtual study sessions.*
  • Step 3:
    • Take the Hackerrank assessment during our open window September 15th-27th.
  • Step 4:
    • Acceptance into the program! The team will follow up with next steps if you’re accepted.

*more details on prep materials after you complete the interest form

FAQs

What if I’m not a Black+, Latinx+, or Native+ student but I attend one of the participating universities?

Tech Exchange was designed to prepare more Black+, Latinx+, and Native+ students for roles in the tech industry. However, anyone is welcome to apply to the program.

Who can apply?

You must be an enrolled student at one of the participating universities who meets the prerequisites and is a sophomore level (2nd-year) student graduating in either December ‘24 or Spring ‘25.

As a sophomore, can I apply for both a Google STEP internship and Tech Exchange this fall?

Yes, you can apply to both programs as you’ll be independently considered for each program. The Student Technical Engineering Program (STEP) takes place over the summer between first and second years.

Can new partner universities get involved?

We aren’t introducing any new partners for the ‘23 academic year, but will consider new institutions in future years. Feel free to fill out this Tech Exchange interest form if you are interested in having Tech Exchange at your school in the future.

Please feel free to contact us at tech-exchange@google.com for more information.