Hampton, VA — Leon Burns, President and CEO of Open Technology Group, is proud to announce a significant milestone in his ongoing journey of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the field of technology, with a $100,000 scholarship commitment to students in the James T. George School of Business at his alma mater Hampton University. 

The launch of the transformative “DEIB in Black Analytics” Scholarship, represents a substantial 4-year, $100,000 commitment, providing $25,000 annually to support the academic journey of deserving students.

“Since the start of my career, it has been my mission to bridge the gap between corporate and community through a push for DEIB by providing valued opportunities for those who might be overlooked,” says Burns.

“I have always resonated with the quote by Ernie Fletcher that ‘education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation’ and it’s an indescribable feeling that I can make these words come to life by giving back to students at my Home by the Sea.” 

Each year, the initiative will benefit five exceptional students at Hampton University, with each recipient receiving $5,000 for the academic year. To be eligible for this prestigious award, candidates must be a full-time junior or senior with 3.0 or higher GPA.

“We are grateful for illustrious alumni, like Leon, who make it a point to give back to their fellow students, especially in such an impactful way,” says Information Systems Professor Dr. DeShea Simon.

Burns has consistently demonstrated his commitment to breaking down the social barriers that have historically constrained Black and Brown people in the field of information technology. His belief is clear: “collective efforts by diverse populations can make a more significant impact than government funding alone.”

“Leon’s commitment to creating opportunities for the underrepresented in tech will not only set the students selected for this scholarship up for success but also inspire and open doors for others aiming to pursue careers in information technology,” added Dr. Ziette Hayes, Dean of Hampton University’s James T. George School of Business.   

Leon is looking forward to speaking with scholarship applicants and selecting awardees during National Mentoring Month in January 2024, as a component of the scholarship is also to receive guidance, expertise and resources from the CEO himself. 

Learn more about Leon Burns and his committed work in DEI here.

For more information about Hampton University’s School of Business, please visit their official website.