It’s been one year since the launch of CSI Companies’ CSI Connect internship program. The initiative resulted from CSI Companies’ leaders winning RGF Staffing’s Global CEO Challenge. Chris Flakus, CEO of CSI, and Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick, CIO, were challenged with the task of introducing a new way of doing business that closes the economic divide and celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Their response was CSI Connect, an innovative internship program that provides students from underrepresented backgrounds with valuable experiences in the tech industry. The first few internship cohorts have been a tremendous success, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment and empowering students to pursue their dreams.
One year and 27 interns later, the CSI Connect vision is expanding into a global initiative. RGF Connect will also provide students with hand on training and introduce them to the tech industry, however, it will also include other initiatives that aim to make positive changes globally, including in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.
CEO of RGF Staffing, Rob Zandbergen, says, “Our company is committed to offering opportunities for life, and the fact is that there are still far too many people around the world who experience persistent obstacles in their search for employment and a meaningful career. I’m excited about the positive impact this will have on many individuals. I’m convinced RGF Connect will create local ripples around the world, which cause a global wave.”
CSI Companies is thrilled to see that what was once just an idea is now being adopted by others that also want to ensure a better future.
CSI Connect Internship Manager, Dominique Carter, says, “To me, this expansion means more diversity, more lives being changed, and more opportunities being created across the world! I attended the RGF Global Conference, so I saw firsthand the impact of the expansion and all the lives that will be touched by the different initiatives.”
As both social programs continue to grow, community support and engagement are more important than ever. By working together and leveraging collective strengths, a more equitable and innovative world can exist.
Learn more about CSI Connect here.
Learn more about RGF Connect here.
