AOL furthers commitment to diversity and inclusion

American media technology giant AOL is bolstering its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion with the creation of a nonprofit private foundation which will be focused on creating opportunities for women, girls and underserved youth, particularly in the technology sector.

The AOL Charitable Foundation will provide its first grants to support the work of four nonprofit organizations focused on fostering young women’s leadership, empowerment and access through education and technology across the US.

These include Girls Who Code where the Foundation will support the 2015 Summer Immersion Programme that pairs intensive instruction in Computer Science with engaging, career-focused mentorship and exposure for young girls.

The New York Academy of Sciences will also feature, with AOL supporting the ‘1,000 Girls - 1,000 Futures’ programme which provides a pipeline of women professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“AOL’s mission is to simplify the internet for consumers and creators and we are now going to simplify the ability for underserved women and youth to innovate and succeed in a digitally enabled economy and society,” commented Tim Armstrong, AOL chairman and ceo.

“The launch of the AOL Charitable Foundation is the culmination of more than 50,000 hours of community service work and endless time supporting service groups in the world across AOL’s 4000+ global team. We love making a difference and will make a difference here.”

AOL itself boasts a strong roster of female leadership including chief financial and administrative officer, Karen Dykstra; president, BBG Ventures, Susan Lyne; chief marketing officer, Allie Kline; and executive vice president and general counsel & corporate secretary, Julie Jacobs.