For the fourth consecutive year, Perficient has partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to offer free AI Bootcamps to underserved high school students across the United States. Held over the first three Saturdays of November, this initiative works to inspire the next generation of leaders in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, providing them with hands-on training and experience to succeed in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Expanding Reach to Seven U.S. Cities

This year, we proudly expanded our partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation by hosting AI Bootcamps in seven cities: Dallas, Houston, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Fargo, North Dakota. The impact of this program has continued to grow each year, with more students seeking to participate in this hands-on exploration of AI tools and applications. More than 260 high school students applied to participate in a Perficient AI Bootcamp this year.

Participating students explored a broad range of AI concepts, including the ethical implications of AI systems. They examined concerns about fairness, transparency, privacy, and accountability in AI technologies, as well as the societal impacts of AI, such as biases in algorithms and potential consequences on employment and personal freedoms. This exploration gave students a deeper understanding of the need for responsible AI development and thoughtful consideration of its societal effects. One unique part of the curriculum was the ability for students to choose from specialized AI learning tracks such as healthcare, business development, and sports science, which allowed them to explore AI within areas of their own personal interest. As the program concluded, students used their newfound skills and worked in groups to present AI-based solutions to real-world challenges.

Empowering Students Through Mentorship

Throughout the AI Bootcamps, Perficient employees played a crucial role in helping students navigate both the technical and collaborative aspects of AI. More than 100 Perficient colleagues volunteered to be mentors at this year’s AI Bootcamps and guided students through the learning process. These mentors drew on their professional experiences to provide valuable insights into how AI is applied in real-world settings, helping students understand the practical uses of AI technology.

Along with providing technical expertise, mentors helped develop key soft skills to help students build camaraderie within their small groups. Working together on complex AI projects can be challenging, and Perficient mentors facilitated collaboration by encouraging teamwork and effective communication. They emphasized the importance of problem-solving, sharing ideas, and learning from one another to foster a cooperative environment.

Mentors and Volunteers Reflect on Their AI Bootcamp Experiences

We reached out to a few of our colleagues to hear about their experiences from this year’s bootcamps. Check out the valuable insights shared by our mentors and volunteers across the company!

Houston is so proud to be a 3rd-time host for the Mark Cuban AI boot camp. We continue to be blown away by how quickly these young people are at absorbing and adopting cutting-edge technology concepts. I always love witnessing their fast-paced collaboration and the creative and impressive capstone projects that emerge on the final day! It’s been a fun ride – I’m looking forward to next year!
– Renu Hall, Director – Houston

The AI bootcamp in Fargo was an amazing experience. We loved seeing participants grow from curious newcomers to confident creators. It’s exciting to see the next generation of innovators right here in our community!
– Katie Wilson, Technical Architect – Fargo

The kids in our Atlanta bootcamp were just incredible. We were blown away by how quickly they grasped fundamental AI concepts and then rocketed through the practical exercises. In addition to sheer smarts, the kids showed such maturity in working collaboratively in teams on their own AI-centered solution pitches. I’m confident I can speak for the whole mentor crew in saying how grateful we are to have been able to spend time with such a smart and creative group of kids.
– Lisa Hunter, Director – Atlanta

Perficient’s Minneapolis office turned up the fun dial, hosting a Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp that brought a dozen bright young minds together for an unforgettable AI adventure! Picture this: mountains of gummy bears, endless slices of pizza, and a whirlwind of learning that expanded students’ understanding of artificial intelligence. Professionals from a variety of fields journeyed from places as far-flung as Eau Claire (and beyond!) to team up over three consecutive Saturdays. Together, they planned, mentored, and inspired the next generation of AI trailblazers across the Twin Cities region. It was a feast of innovation, teamwork, and—of course—candy-fueled creativity!
– Greg Greenwood, Director – Minneapolis

Looking Ahead

Perficient is committed to advancing STEM education in our communities, and our mentors helped students develop key professional skills that will serve them as they move forward in their careers. By fostering collaboration, teamwork, and presentation skills, our mentor’s ensured students were well-prepared to succeed in the AI Bootcamp and beyond.

With nearly 7,000 colleagues worldwide, our award-winning partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host AI Bootcamps reflects our commitment to mentor and inspire future leaders in AI and technology. We are proud to have closed out our fourth successful year of partnership and are looking forward to growing our involvement even further in 2025.

Six months ago, the Perficient team in Mexico contacted Tec Racing, the Formula SAE team at Monterrey Tec, to discuss a potential partnership as part of Perficient’s Electrifying the Future of Automotive Program. While the team was excited to partner, they were in the middle of a generational change. Their leaders were heading through their final semester and needed to focus on their assignments and graduation.

The Formula SAE team was unable to enter the competition this year, but Perficient was still enthusiastic about supporting the students in other ways. For three years now, Perficient Mexico has been collaborating with the computer science students in the Education Partners program. In this program, companies challenge students to build certain solutions either for the company or for another group. The challenge may be to solve a company problem, to build a POC, or to build a software component.

As part of this program in 2024, Perficient Mexico has collaborated with the school to build a solution for the Tec Racing team.

A Collaboration Tool Built for Speed

Our question to Tec Racing team was if they needed a software solution to help with their processes as part of the Formula SAE program. In response, the team asked Perficient for help putting together a tool that limits the problems caused by generations of students coming and going each year. The team needed a way to preserve the knowledge every student accumulates so that it could be referenced by students long after they had left the team. This tool would also need to help them collaborate as well as keep sponsors updated on their progress in building the car.

A new relationship between the Tec Racing team, the computer science students, and Perficient was born.

From this collaboration, six computer science teams worked on their solution proposal. The tools will allow Tec Racing students to have better control of their project’s documentation, to better track tasks, and to give sponsors visibility. As part of the program challenge, the team was required to work on version control, automated testing, and security practices. The project will allow Tec Racing students to collaborate among the group, but most importantly, they will be able to leave documentation for future generations.

Supporting the Next Generations of Computer Scientists and Engineers

Everyone understood that this was a multi-year collaboration. Based on best software development practices, Perficient not only helped to set the vision of the projects but also to lay the groundwork for several generations to work within this project.

On June 13^th the students gave their presentation of those projects, and everybody felt that they had taken a huge step further in the right direction. With this new tool, the Tec Racing team is preparing the next generation of students which, hopefully, will build Monterrey Tec’s first Formula SAE car.

Explore Perficient’s Electrifying the Future of Automotive Program.

Perficient had the honor of collaborating with the Mark Cuban Foundation for a third year to host impactful Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamps for high school students in Dallas, Houston, Detroit, and St. Louis. Our colleagues have a strong passion for making a difference in their communities, and partnering with the Mark Cuban foundation to advance STEM education has been an incredible experience for all involved. Read on below to see how each of our local teams connected with their communities and helped drive the next generation of technology leaders forward.   

Houston 

For the second year in a row, we welcomed an impressive group of 21-24 eager high school students for each of the four weekends of our AI Bootcamp in Houston. Supported by a team of 16 dedicated Perficient volunteer mentors, this experience was more than just an educational endeavor – it was a collaborative journey to shape the future of tech leaders. 

Our passionate mentors, committed to nurturing the potential of the next generation, played a pivotal role in guiding students through the intricate landscape of AI concepts and applications. 

“The program was incredible. From an educational perspective, it was a great opportunity for kids to see the basic theories and principles around AI Design. The kids learned over the course of four days enough to participate in an assignment that gave them an opportunity to pitch their own AI Based Concepts and Solutions. We as an organization were blown away by the kids. They were incredibly smart and driven. I think the consensus from our Houston camp was that the future of technology and AI is in good hands with this young generation.”

–  Alex McBride, Senior Project Manager

Dallas 

For its third consecutive year, our Dallas AI Bootcamp drew the enthusiasm of 28 high school students, each ready to embark on a transformative journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Committed to fostering the next generation of tech leaders, Perficient brought together a team of 13 dedicated volunteers to guide these aspiring innovators through a four-day intensive program. 

The Dallas Bootcamp not only provided a platform for immersive learning but also served as a stage for students to interact with AI pioneers and experts as guest speakers. These luminaries shared their insights, experiences, and wisdom, igniting a spark of curiosity and fueling the students’ passion for AI. 

Throughout the program, students delved into a diverse range of AI tools and applications. This hands-on exploration equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the principles and theories behind AI design. The success of the camp was evident as students with newfound expertise actively participated in an assignment challenging them to pitch their own AI-based concepts and solutions. One notable aspect of the Dallas Bootcamp was the students’ impressive showcase on the last day. With passion and precision, they presented a variety of AI ideas that ranged from groundbreaking solutions to forward-thinking applications. 

“In Dallas, the theme was clear – ‘Accelerating Imagination – AI Unleashed.’ As Perficient and the Mark Cuban Foundation continue to collaborate, these AI Bootcamps stand as a testament to the boundless potential and bright future of AI, driven by the passion and creativity of the next generation.”

-Srini Kotaru, Senior Project Manager

St. Louis 

In St. Louis, Perficient proudly hosted 25 ambitious high school students for its first-ever AI Bootcamp experience. Over the course of several weekends, our dedicated team of 21 mentors and volunteers, each contributing their expertise, worked hand-in-hand with these young minds to unravel the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence. 

The St. Louis AI Bootcamp was a remarkable opportunity for students to dive into the possibilities that AI offers, sparking their curiosity and expanding their understanding of the limitless potential within AI. Our mentors, driven by a passion for nurturing emerging talent, were pivotal in guiding students through the multifaceted landscape of AI concepts and applications. 

As the students immersed themselves in a hands-on exploration of AI tools and applications, they gained valuable insights into the principles and theories underlying AI design. The Bootcamp not only served as an educational platform but also as a space for students to interact with industry experts and pioneers who shared their experiences, igniting the flames of curiosity and a passion for AI innovation. 

“We are investing in the communities that Perficient supports for future generations. It ties in perfectly with our belief system and everything we stand for.”

– Amy Barondeau, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

To top off the excitement of the bootcamps, Mark Cuban himself even popped in to give these future leaders in tech some insight! 

Detroit 

In the motor city, we had 13 students and 6 volunteers. Throughout several weekends, our passionate students in Detroit got the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with AI through hands-on workshops. These workshops helped demystify complex concepts, from building basic models to tackling real-world problems as demonstrated by the students’ final capstone project.

In addition to hands-on experiences, our students had the opportunity to engage with and establish valuable connections with industry experts and thought leaders in AI. These professionals shared insights, stories, and practical advice that helped fuel their passion for AI and data.

“Beyond the technical skills acquired, there is also a sense of empowerment and opening doors to futures yet to be imagined. The students should now view themselves as architects of change and innovators of tomorrow. My hope is that as they take their newfound knowledge back to their schools and neighborhoods, the impact multiplies.”

– Gugu Mabuza, Director CDDO Consulting

Ready to Grow Your Career 

As we reflect on the culmination of Perficient’s collaborative efforts with the Mark Cuban Foundation in hosting transformative AI Bootcamps across Dallas, Houston, Detroit and St. Louis, it is evident that the impact has been profound. 

At Perficient, we are consistently committed to empowering our skilled workforce by providing compelling projects for esteemed clients, fostering personal and professional development through dedicated training and mentorship programs, and embracing a vibrant culture that centers around our people and their inventive contributions to both Perficient and the community. 

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more! 

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Perficient Celebrates 30 New Bright Paths Program Graduates

We are proud to announce the successful completion of our ninth Bright Paths Program cohort and the 30 students who graduated from the coding bootcamp. Since launching the Bright Paths Program in 2020, more than 200 students have graduated from the program with the majority joining Perficient.

Our award-winning Bright Paths Program is designed to advance STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented constituencies and communities, working towards closing the gap in the technology industry. In partnership with Strayer University’s Hackbright Academy and DevMountain, this fully funded coding bootcamp provides students with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to prepare for careers in the technology field. Throughout the bootcamp, students complete software engineering coursework, learn about the consulting business, and connect with Perficient colleague mentors.

Read More: Perficient’s Bright Paths Program is Making a Difference

The program is structured into two parts. Students focus on building foundational coding skills during the first half of the program. This lays the groundwork for the second eight weeks when they pick a specialization to focus on for their capstone project. Students hone their newly acquired coding skills to build applications with a professional design that solve real-life problems. The students in this cohort created applications that ranged from a website to manage dance classes, a mental health journal, a virtual garden, a meal planning log, and other creative and helpful resources.

Students join the Bright Paths Program from a diverse array of backgrounds, but they each have a sense of determination and curiosity in common. By the end of the 16-week program, students build a special bond through the shared experience. This stems from going outside their comfort zones, learning new skills, achieving goals, and gaining a sense of pride.

The ninth Bright Paths Program cohort capped off their experience with a virtual graduation ceremony where select applications were demonstrated to the awe and astonishment from fellow cohort members, Hackbright and DevMountain instructors, Perficient colleagues, and students’ friends and family in attendance. The graduation ceremony was a culmination of the students’ hard work and dedication throughout the entire program. Graduates were individually celebrated with a certificate presentation, and spirits were high as everyone came together to celebrate their achievements and cheer each other on.

Jennifer Kash, a graduating member of this cohort, presented a speech on behalf of all the students about their experience throughout the program. Jennifer gave a clear picture of how students spent their time in the program including daily coding challenges, lectures and demos, labs, and mock technical and behavioral interviews. She also explained how Perficient colleagues visited on Fridays to give insight into the consulting world. Beyond the logistics of the program, Jennifer shed a light on the other challenges and rewards that come along with the Bright Paths Program.

Jennifer said, “It’s scary and vulnerable to learn something new as an adult, but the staff was so kind, patient, and warm. This made it easier to ask for help, and our Perficient mentors also made the experience more comfortable because we had someone to talk to. It was difficult adjusting to something new, but it was all worth it. This group of people always made me feel so supported. We’re all here because we wanted to do and be better, and that’s half the battle.”

Andrea Lampert, Vice President of People at Perficient, also spoke at the graduation ceremony. She provided the graduates with invaluable pieces of wisdom and advice as they continue to pursue a career in technology. Andrea also praised the graduates for their hard work and conveyed how proud and inspired she was by the amount of talent in this cohort.

Andrea said, “As you continue your journey, there are four main attributes I believe you should keep in mind – authenticity, curiosity, initiative, and service. Be authentic and true to you, be curious and continue to learn and ask questions, show initiative and own your career, and lastly, be a good human and always be service-minded.”

She concluded her speech by wishing the graduates well on their journey. She said, “You have all shared an experience that will continue to shape you. I encourage you to stay connected and help each other along in your journeys. Perficient promises to challenge, champion, and celebrate our people, and I hope you felt that throughout your journey.”

We are excited to welcome several program graduates to Perficient as new colleagues, and we extend our kudos and congratulations to all of the latest Bright Paths graduates as they embark on their careers in technology.

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter,  TikTok, and Instagram.

We are proud to announce 30 new Bright Paths Program graduates, marking the successful completion of our first national cohort open to students across the United States. These graduates displayed innovative thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and above all, hard work and dedication.

The Bright Paths Program is designed to advance STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented constituencies and communities, working towards closing the gap in the technology industry. Throughout the 16-week coding bootcamp, students completed software engineering coursework, learned about the consulting business, and connected with Perficient colleague mentors. In partnership with Strayer University’s Hackbright Academy and DevMountain, this fully funded coding bootcamp provides students with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to prepare for careers in the tech field. Since launching the Bright Paths Program in 2020, more than 180 students have graduated from the program with the majority joining Perficient.

READ MORE: Perficient’s Bright Paths Program Brings Ingenuity and Community to the Forefront

Students focused on building foundational coding skills during the first half of the program, and by the second half, they chose a specialization to work on for their capstone project. Prior to the virtual graduation ceremony, students were given the opportunity to share and demonstrate their applications with their peers. Some highlights include a software tracking application for restaurants, a pet adoption application, and a Marvel project that allows users to find out more about their favorite comics and characters. Each graduate conceptualized and created a unique application from start to finish.

Mentors, instructors, and other supporters joined the virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate the students for their impressive accomplishments. The ceremony was complete with inspiring speeches and a certificate presentation where each graduate was individually recognized with a shoutout. The graduates took pride in their hard work and proved their commitment to learning and building both technical and consulting competence.

“I learned how to work with deadlines and ask for help,” said Hoyoung, a Bright Paths Program graduate. “The best part was I never had to struggle alone. There was always someone willing to jump in and help as we were learning challenging new concepts. We really bonded over the last 16 weeks, and I’m honored that I got to work with them and proud to call them friends.”

Tim Porter, a director from Perficient Lafayette Delivery Center, gave a brief speech during the ceremony congratulating all the students for their efforts. He said, “You can’t have a technology career without a complete and utter commitment to learning. Learning to learn is something you have built out of this. The industry changes constantly and nothing approaches the rapid change of the technology industry. That is both a hard thing and an opportunity. You guys have taken the first opportunity, so congratulations on doing the hard thing, building your competence, and learning to learn.”

Gaby Perez, talent acquisition manager and Perficient Bright Paths facilitator, closed the ceremony with a brief reflection of her time spent with our Bright Paths students. She said, “16 weeks flew by. Be proud of yourselves for this amazing accomplishment. Your varied backgrounds and skillsets really makes this cohort such a unique one. I had a lot of fun spending time with you every week, and I hope that you walk away with a renewed sense of energy to tackle either a new career in tech or continue your learning.”

Perficient is committed to making a difference in our communities, and we are excited to see our Bright Paths Program continue to create more opportunities in the technology industry. Perficient makes a promise to challenge, champion, and celebrate every colleague. Included in that commitment are company-wide initiatives like Growth for Everyone, which enables and encourages colleagues to chart their own career path. Perficient offers valuable resources to continue learning, map out professional goals, and understand the full potential of a career in technology. Our hope for these Bright Paths graduates is that they continue to expand the foundation they have built and make a positive impact in the tech space.

Our second national cohort is now underway and set to graduate later this year. We are excited to welcome several program graduates to Perficient as new colleagues, and we extend our kudos and congratulations to all of the latest Bright Paths graduates as they embark on their careers in technology!

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter,  TikTok, and Instagram.

Perficient is excited to announce the expansion of our collaboration with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamps for high school students in Dallas, Houston, Detroit, and St. Louis. The AI Bootcamp training sessions hosted by Perficient will introduce students to the concepts of AI through educational seminars, interactive lessons, and lab exercises.

READ MORE: Perficient is Dedicated to Advancing STEM Education

This is the third consecutive year Perficient has partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to host AI Bootcamps for free to underserved students. We have expanded our efforts to include Detroit and St. Louis, while continuing to offer programs in Dallas and Houston. In partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation, we will work together to provide food, transportation, and access to laptops for students at no cost throughout the duration of bootcamp.

Over the course of the bootcamp, Perficient mentors will help students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they interact with AI in their daily lives, and the ethical implications of AI systems such as TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, self-driving cars, and more. Perficient colleagues are passionate about making a difference in our global communities by advancing STEM education, and we’re so happy to have a partner in the Mark Cuban Foundation that shares in that commitment.

EXPLORE MORE: Perficient Publishes 2022 Community Impact Report

The Mark Cuban Foundation is striving to introduce more students to AI Bootcamps in additional cities, with a goal of seeing 1,000 aspiring technology enthusiasts graduate from the program. They are well on their way to reaching this goal with more than 900 students completing the program since 2019. Perficient is honored to help support this initiative, and together, we’re training the next generation of AI leaders.

READ MORE: Students Complete Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps Hosted by Perficient in Dallas & Houston

Students do not need any prior experience with computer science, programming, or robotics to apply and attend. The bootcamps are open to a limited number of high school students living in or around one of the four cities. Parents and students interested in attending the Perficient-hosted AI Bootcamp in Dallas, Houston, Detroit, or St. Louis can learn more about the program and find applications on the Mark Cuban Foundation website. The bootcamps will be held over four Saturdays beginning this October.

LEARN MORE: Perficient’s Award-Winning AI Practice

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Perficient and Our Global Colleagues Are Making a Difference in Our Communities

Perficient and our colleagues have always been passionate about giving back and making the world a better place. With more than 7,500 colleagues and locations around the globe, we recognize that our opportunities to make a positive difference are immense. Across our company, you can find individual acts of kindness, coordinated team-based activities, and everything in between. That generosity has inspired the creation of a new resource to celebrate our efforts.

Our first-ever Community Impact Report is a collection of stories, activities, and results that captures just some of the differences we made in 2022. Individually and collectively, we’re committing our time, talent, and resources to building stronger and healthier communities. This Community Impact Report is designed to celebrate the many things we do to help our communities thrive.

Read the report now to learn more about our commitment to our communities.

Guided by our two corporate giving pillars – advancing STEM education and improving health and wellbeing – the report details some of the ways we gave back in 2022. Read the report to learn how we:

• Contributed nearly $200,000 to meaningful causes through our Perficient Gives Charitable Match Program;
• Enabled more than 150 people to kick-start their careers in tech through the Perficient Bright Paths Program;
• Fought food insecurity during Hunger Action Month with Feeding America;
• Partnered with Make-A-Wish to surprise a child with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Walt Disney World;
• Our global teams gave back to their local communities in unique ways;
• And much more!

READ MORE: See How Perficient is Making a Difference in Our Communities

With so much good happening across our global company, this report offers just a glimpse into the generosity found at Perficient. You can find even more acts of kindness and colleague insights on the Life at Perficient blog.

At Perficient, we believe that any act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, has the potential to make a difference. Together, we’re building a better world.

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

In honor of National Robotics Week on April 8-16, Perficient reaffirms our commitment to inspire people of all ages and genders to pursue careers in robotics and other STEM fields. We previously discussed how our partnership with the Brazilian robot building team, RioBotz, and their BattleBots competitor, Minotaur, allows us to interact with STEM enthusiasts on a global scale. We also want to acknowledge and celebrate some of the other ways Perficient contributes to advancing robotics education and enthusiasm.

Perficient Gives

The Perficient Gives charitable match program offers colleagues the opportunity to make donations to eight organizations that are matched by Perficient. Each organization was carefully chosen based on its alignment to the two pillars of our corporate giving philosophy – advancing STEM education and improving health and wellbeing. FIRST Inspires (FIRST) is one of the organizations Perficient colleagues can choose to support. FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a global robotics community and the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. Their mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build their skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Read More: Perficient Donates $80,000 to Advance STEM Education and Improve Health and Wellbeing

Through their programs and equity and diversity initiatives, FIRST hopes to close the gap on projections showing a potential lack of millions of engineers in a generation and the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM fields. They are helping prepare young people for the future and inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM and robotics. FIRST offers a full progression of programs starting from Pre-K through high school, providing a space for all students and volunteers to educate, innovate, ideate, and learn from one another.

The Perficient Gives charitable match program was introduced in 2022, and Perficient and our colleagues have donated more than $14,000 to FIRST Inspires so far. The Perficient Giving ERG also hosted a “Get to Know” event to educate our colleagues on FIRST’s mission and how each of us can get involved. The event featured female leaders from FIRST in addition to a panel of alumnae who gave colleagues an overview of the important work FIRST is doing to help shape the minds of today’s youth to be tomorrow’s tech leaders. The panel of FIRST program graduates provided a firsthand account of the impact the organization had on their education and career paths.

Perficient proudly supports FIRST Inspire’s mission, and our colleagues share a commitment to giving back to our communities, making a difference, and advancing STEM education. We strive to inspire, educate, and empower the youth to pursue careers in technology through our support of FIRST Inspires.

Perficient’s Techie Masters

Perficient is proud to sponsor Techie Masters, a robotics program providing hands-on education to young women located within the rural community of Valparaíso, Colombia. With our support, Techie Masters is enabling a group of ambitious young women to compete in robotics competitions and become future tech leaders.

We partnered with the Girl Powered Program to provide the team and its instructor with the materials, hands-on education, and training resources necessary to build a fully functioning competitive robot. The team recently geared up for a practice competition after several weeks of building, learning, and trial and error. The Perficient Techie Masters won that competition and is currently preparing for the 2023 national competition where the team will compete against other Colombian youth robotics teams. The winner will earn the honor of representing Colombia in an international competition taking place in Dallas, Texas.

The Techie Masters were also provided the opportunity to travel to the Perficient Medellín office to get an inside look at what a career in technology looks like. They even received a special message from Team RioBotz!

Through this program, participants are encouraged to overcome new challenges through teamwork while discovering the benefits that STEM brings to their lives and their communities. Perficient’s Techie Masters are empowered to turn an interest into a passion and realize their potential of achieving a bright future in technology.

We produced a mini-series on YouTube that follows the journey of the Techie Masters as they prepare for their national robotics competition. Watch below:

Perficient is dedicated to furthering STEM education, and specifically robotics, not just during National Robotics Week, but all year-round. Our colleagues are passionate about making a positive difference on the world and bettering the communities in which we live and work. Perficient’s commitment to FIRST Inspires and Techie Masters, as well as our partnership with Team RioBotz and Minotaur, help lead us to our goal of advancing STEM education for all around the world.

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

BattleBots is the most popular robot fighting competition in the world, and Perficient’s partnership with RioBotz and their BattleBots competitor, Minotaur, allows us to interact with STEM enthusiasts on a global scale. The seventh season of BattleBots premiered in January, and Minotaur entered the ring on a mission for redemption and revenge. Minotaur has defeated the competition with ferocity, going three for three for total knockouts this season. 

Minotaur’s incredible momentum has been exciting to watch and has enraptured our colleagues and Minotaur fans. Winning all three of their battles so far this season has added to the contagious fanfare as Minotaur continues their journey toward winning the Giant Nut Trophy. In honor of National Robotics Week on April 8-16, it is the perfect time to reflect on our favorite Minotaur moments from this season. We previously discussed some of the other ways Perficient advances robotics education and enthusiasm.

Here’s a look back at our three favorite moments from Minotaur’s impressive season performance as we anticipate their next battle on April 27!

1. Defeating the Reigning BattleBots Champion, Tantrum, During the Season Premiere Main Event

All eyes were on Minotaur during the BattleBots season premiere main event showdown. Minotaur had something to prove, and they did not hold back against Tantrum. They were relentless with their drum spinner and went shot-for-shot with the world champ. Minotaur had Tantrum spinning and on its head after back-to-back massive power blows. The battle lasted one minute 20 seconds, ending in a Minotaur win by KO. 

This massive win has continued to set the tone for Minotaur’s season. The bull was able to knock Tantrum down a peg, giving BattleBots fans a real show. It was also a record-setting win as it broke Team Minotaur’s four-season losing streak during their season opener battle. 

Discovery shared part of Minotaur’s exciting match against Tantrum via a Twitter video. Take a look at those slow-motion blows:

Boop.

Minotaur vs. Tantrum
#BattleBots pic.twitter.com/7TZXt96Je3

— Discovery (@Discovery) January 6, 2023

2. Surviving the Heat to Beat Free Shipping

Minotaur proved that if you thought it was just pure luck that they won their first battle, you would be sorely mistaken. Team RioBotz and Minotaur demonstrated skill and grit as Daniel Freitas, the expert Minotaur driver, put his driving abilities to the test against Free Shipping. Daniel’s impeccable maneuvering and decision-making during the battle made all the difference and led to another TKO win for Minotaur during the February 2, 2023, BattleBots episode. 

Minotaur took the offensive and played to their advantage of being smaller and lower to the ground to stay grounded and aggressive throughout the fight. Sparks went flying and flames burst from Free Shipping as Minotaur’s powerful drum spinner fought to defeat its competitor. The fire made for a visually captivating battle as viewers watched the bots go head-to-head. By the end of the match, Free Shipping even lost a tire.  

This battle showcased how Team Minotaur is competing at the top of their game and working to keep their undefeated season intact. Check out that highlight reel:

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A post shared by BattleBots (@battlebots)

3. Epic Win From Behind Against Cobalt

What began as a rough start for Minotaur quickly turned into a legendary comeback for the raging bull. Minotaur did not bow down to Cobalt and endured significant blows and highflying aerials in the beginning of the match. Despite being catapulted several feet into the air, thrown all around the ring, catching on fire, and being turned on its head, Minotaur persisted and fought back.  

In the ultimate turn of events, Minotaur started to gain some momentum and ripped away Cobalt’s two long forks, causing the opponent to lose the upper hand. The battle went down to the wire lasting two minutes 54 seconds, ending in a Minotaur TKO win. This hard-fought battle gave BattleBots fans a run for their money! 

BattleBots shared a video on their Instagram. Watch the battle footage below: 

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A post shared by BattleBots (@battlebots)

BattleBots is the perfect fusion of science and sport, bringing together STEM enthusiasts around the world to watch the global phenomenon of fighting robots. Perficient is proud to be a part of Minotaur’s remarkable journey, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Tune into Discovery Channel and Discovery+ streaming platform to watch Minotaur face Witch Doctor on April 27. 

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Perficient Celebrates the Graduation of Our Sixth Bright Paths Program Cohort

Perficient’s Bright Paths Program in Dallas recently concluded, and we are proud to announce the graduation of 26 dedicated students from the program!

The Bright Paths Program is designed to advance STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented constituencies and communities, working towards closing the gap in the technology industry. The latest program featured our first cohort in the Dallas area. During the coding boot camp, students completed software engineering coursework, learned about the consulting business, and connected with Perficient colleague mentors.

In partnership with Strayer University’s Hackbright Academy and DevMountain, this fully-funded coding boot camp gives students the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to prepare for careers in the tech field upon completing the program, such as entry-level software engineers and quality assurance (QA) testers. Qualified graduates are offered a job at Perficient, where new Perficient colleagues will have the opportunity to partner with the world’s largest enterprises and biggest brands. Since launching the Bright Paths Program in 2020, more than 150 students have graduated from the program with the vast majority joining Perficient.

The program is structured into two parts with the first eight weeks focused on building foundational coding skills. During the second eight weeks, students pick a specialization and work on their capstone project. This gives students the opportunity to develop a web application using all the skills they have acquired throughout the program.

The graduates’ presented their applications during the recent graduation ceremony in three breakout tracks:

1. JavaScript Web Development (JS & React)
2. Java Software Engineering (Java)
3. Data Analytics (Python)

Each student demonstrated their capstone project to their peers, Perficient leaders and colleagues, Bright Paths alumni, and even friends and family attending the virtual graduation ceremony. Projects ranged from a plant nursery application, to a data analysis of world happiness, an application to coordinate and style socks and shoes, and everything in between.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of the students’ hard work and dedication throughout the program. Graduates were celebrated for their impressive innovation and creativity with inspiring speeches and a certificate presentation where each graduate was individually recognized. Spirits were high as everyone came together to celebrate their achievements and cheer each other on.

Students came from different backgrounds with personal experiences that motivated them throughout the program. Each of these ambitious individuals demonstrated curiosity, innovation, and ingenuity throughout their time in the program.

Recent Bright Paths graduate, Asel Williams, reflects on her time in the program:

“Bright Paths has broadened my horizons, and now I am able to plan, design, build, test, and deploy web applications independently. Acquiring this knowledge feels like having a superpower, which has helped boost my self-confidence! Thanks to Perficient, I am now able to develop full-stack applications. I am very grateful for this investment in my future.”

Perficient Colleagues Volunteer to Mentor Bright Paths Students

As students progressed through the program, they received the support of a Perficient mentor. With a one-to-one mentor and mentee match, students had the opportunity to choose their mentor. Mentor sessions occurred weekly through virtual meetings to provide guidance for work readiness, interview prep, and career transition advice.

READ MORE: Perficient Colleagues Make a Difference as Mentors

Having a mentor who is already a Perficient colleague introduced students to the organization and everything that being a consultant entails. Mentors offered tips for success for their future as a developer in the consulting world. They also provided encouragement and support through every step of the program.

Nykema Parker, senior project manager at Perficient and co-lead of the Bright Paths Dallas cohort said:

“Leading the Bright Paths Program in Dallas has been one of the most rewarding contributions of my career. Our mission is to expand the expertise of each colleague and create more opportunities for career growth in the communities where we live and work.”

Launching the Bright Paths Program on a National Scale

Perficient recently announced two upcoming national coding boot camps across the U.S. The first cohort begins in April, and the second will begin in June. Applications are still open for the second cohort, and anyone interested can visit the Bright Paths Program landing page to learn more about the program and apply.

Perficient is committed to making a meaningful difference in our local and global communities. We can’t wait to see how our Bright Paths graduates in Dallas grow their careers in the tech industry and beyond!

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter,  TikTok, and Instagram.

Our newest Detroit and Minneapolis Bright Paths Program cohorts recently concluded, and Perficient is proud to announce the graduation of 50 dedicated students from the program!

The Bright Paths Program is designed to advance STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented constituencies and communities, while closing the gap in the technology industry. The latest program featured our third cohort in Detroit and our first in Minneapolis. Courses for our graduating class began in summer 2022.

In partnership with Strayer University’s Hackbright Academy and Devmountain, this fully-funded coding bootcamp allowed students to learn the necessary skills to become entry-level software engineers, quality assurance (QA) testers, and other tech positions upon program completion.

A Graduation Full of Innovation, Ingenuity and Creativity

On this day of celebration and graduation, all 50 graduates showcased the skills they developed throughout the 16-week program by presenting their individual, custom-built applications to an audience of their peers, educators, and Perficient mentors. Each graduate chose a specialized track halfway through the program, and their capstone application project was developed around their specialization and knowledge obtained throughout all 16 weeks.

The graduates’ application presentations were split into five breakout groups:

1. Web
2. QA
3. Data
4. Java A
5. Java B

All students came from different backgrounds, many with personal experiences in careers or life that sparked the inspiration to initially apply to the program. With the ability to create a completely custom application, some students took their inspiration further and developed their application around their background, and others showcased personal interests, or even an idea they’ve always dreamt of, but never imagined successfully executing within just 16 short weeks.

Applications during the ceremony ranged from fashion blogging platforms and in-depth storefronts to deep-dive analyses of the impacts COVID-19 has had on marginalized groups in the United States. Other applications included a recipe-sharing platform, healthcare coverage analysis, how music has changed over time, world populations, and seemingly everything in between. As each student presented their work, the knowledge and skills gained from this full-time bootcamp were on full display. For each presentation, comments from Perficient mentors and fellow cohort graduates endlessly praised the impressive work put into each application.

Once the presentations concluded, all attendees gathered again in the main meeting room where multiple speakers commended each graduate for their hard work and commitment, and where graduates received their certification of program completion. Many who spoke in this final portion of the celebration described our Bright Paths Program as “intense, but life-changing and inspiring.”

Words of Wisdom

As graduates embark on a new life journey and career path, it’s important they recognize the weight this achievement holds. Applying to the program and fully immersing into the experience shows the investment each graduate made in choosing to pursue a lifelong career in an ever-evolving, thriving industry.

One of the most repeated pieces of advice in this celebratory conclusion was for graduates to stay on top of and continue advancing their skillsets. There’s always something new to learn, and in order to take ownership of a career in technology, it’s important to be your own biggest cheerleader and challenge yourself to continue growing.

Perficient’s People Promise outlines our commitment to challenge, champion, and celebrate every colleague. Included in that commitment are company-wide initiatives like Growth for Everyone which enables and encourages colleagues to seek out their professional growth. Within these initiatives and promises to our colleagues, there are seemingly endless resources to continue learning, map out careers, and understand the full potential of a career in technology.

Congratulations to our most recent Perficient Bright Paths Program Graduates! The ingenuity, passion, and dedication each student brought throughout the program prevailed in the applications they developed, and we can’t wait to see their career grows in the technology industry and beyond.

READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?

At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.

IT’S ROBOT FIGHTING TIME! The fighting robot Minotaur is preparing for battle, and Perficient will be there cheering it on every step of the way! Today, Perficient announced our partnership renewal with the Latin American robot building team, RioBotz, and their BattleBots competitor, Minotaur. Perficient will serve as Minotaur’s primary sponsor bringing worldwide visibility to an audience of highly engaged STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) enthusiasts.

BattleBots, the most popular robot fighting competition in the world, is a fusion of science and sport. In renewing our partnership with RioBotz and Minotaur, we’re making an investment to build brand awareness on a global stage while showcasing all the great career opportunities available at Perficient.

The next season of BattleBots will begin broadcasting to fans on Discovery Channel and the Discovery+ streaming platform worldwide in early 2023. As we prepare for the upcoming season, let’s take a look back on Minotaur’s epic performance last season.

Minotaur’s Journey from Fiery Start to the BattleBots World Championship

Perficient’s global colleagues united behind Minotaur to witness the fierce competition unfold throughout the sixth season of BattleBots. Whether or not they were fans of BattleBots before, thousands of Perficient colleagues were quick to form a passionate community to cheer on Minotaur and the RioBotz team.

READ MORE: Why Perficient Partnered with the Fighting Robot Minotaur.

Despite erupting in flames during the first battle of the season, the mighty bot’s incredible strength and endurance continued throughout the rest of the season and impressed commentators, fans, and Perficient colleagues alike.

Following its fiery debut, Minotaur remained undefeated the remainder of the regular season. Here’s a rundown of Minotaur’s performance:

• Loss – a fiery battle that went to Sawblaze
• Win – slayed the Dragon Slayer
• Win – sent Deep Six flying with a TKO
• Win – compromised Bloodsport’s weapon
• Win – ended defending 2020 World Champion End Game’s chance for the crown

Minotaur and the RioBotz team entered the BattleBots World Championship tournament as a 16 seed and swiftly dominated their initial competitors to ascend the tournament bracket. However, during the quarterfinals match, Minotaur lost by a controversial decision that sent shockwaves throughout the BattleBots fandom and Perficient colleague community.

Although Minotaur was unable to bring home the Giant Nut Trophy, their grit and determination inspired Perficient colleagues and fans around the globe.

Perficient’s Fighting Robot Minotaur Prepares for Battle Once Again!

“We’re so excited to continue our partnership with a global technology consulting leader like Perficient. Our first season together was one the RioBotz team will never forget,” said Carlos Souza, RioBotz team lead. “Engineering relies on constant improvement, and the team has continued making adjustments to Minotaur during the off season. We’re eager to return to the BattleBots arena with Perficient by our side and show what the mighty Minotaur can do.”

We can’t wait to cheer on our favorite fighting robot, Minotaur, and Team RioBotz this season on their journey to take home the Giant Nut Trophy!