By Una Pulizzi, President of Kyndryl Foundation and Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Kyndryl

In an era of rapid advancement, we are all tasked with keeping up with an evolving technological landscape.

That work necessarily begins with people. Whether it’s through formal training programs, mentorship initiatives, or experiential learning opportunities, there is no downplaying the importance of ensuring we remain resilient and equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

For example, there is no more urgent issue than cybersecurity — which has become a global concern among private- and public-sector organizations, governments and the population at large. According to a Kyndryl survey, 92% of organizations said they experienced an adverse cybersecurity event in the past two years that compromised or disrupted their IT systems.

Cybercriminals act on a variety of motivations, from profit to disruption of commercial and civic operations, to political and economic manipulation. They target those that they deem vulnerable. Organizations that are unprepared to defend against and recover from cyberattacks — an approach that combines cybersecurity with business continuity and disaster recovery — will be vulnerable to data theft and institutional paralysis.

The need for a more skilled workforce to help combat these threats that are costly to businesses has never been greater, so addressing the tech inequities in underserved communities around the globe is an opportunity that benefits us all.

That’s why the Kyndryl Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that work with historically underserved communities to build cybersecurity skills and advance career development in security and related disciplines. It’s an approach that embraces the idea that tomorrow’s skilled professionals should bring diversity of thought and experience. And it makes sense. Security is not necessarily about the credentials a person obtains — it's about an ability to think about risk in a different way. That’s how you outsmart increasingly clever bad actors. In addition to skills development, the Foundation’s grants will enable our nonprofit recipients to become more cybersecure and resilient.

We launched the Foundation in September 2023, just two years into our journey as an independent company. The Kyndryl Foundation’s grantee selection process is rigorous. We received excellent applications this year and made 11 awards across two categories: Growing an Inclusive Cybersecurity Workforce and Preparing Nonprofits to be Cyberattack Smart. We awarded grants to organizations in Australia, Czechia (Czech Republic), Hungary, India, Japan, Poland and the U.S.

Congratulations to our new partners.

The 2024 Kyndryl Foundation award recipients

Alba Regia Műszaki Felsőoktatásért Alapítvány (Hungary): Alba Regia Műszaki Felsőoktatásért Alapítvány promotes culture, education and skills development in technology. It also supports students pursuing higher education in cybersecurity and related technologies.

CodePath (U.S.): CodePath is reprogramming higher education to include a more diverse generation of engineers, CTOs and company founders. It delivers industry-vetted courses and career support to students from underrepresented communities.


Czechitas (Czech Republic): Czechitas operates nationwide to bring diversity to the IT industry and foster digital proficiency in women and the next generation.


Data Security Council of India (India): DSCI focuses on data protection and establishing best practices, standards and initiatives in cybersecurity and privacy. It is committed to making cyberspace safe, secure and trusted.


Girl Security (U.S.): Girl Security promotes cybersecurity career paths for girls, women and gender minorities (ages 14 to 26) from underrepresented communities.


NPower (U.S.): NPower provides digital career opportunities for historically underserved young adults and military veterans, enabling economic prosperity by helping them succeed in the digital economy.

NPO Sodateage Net (Japan): NPO Sodateage Net helps support youth economic independence through a range of employment programs, awareness activities, parental-involvement initiatives and career guidance.

Avsi Polska (Poland): AVSI Polska — which is associated with the AVSI Foundation (Association of Volunteers for the International Service) — works to improve economic and social conditions through human capital development.

NPO Support Center (Japan): The NPO Support Center addresses critical societal issues by creating networks among nonprofits, governments, corporations and foundations.

Sdružení VIA (Czech Republic): Through a mix of technology programs, Sdružení VIA connects technology to socially beneficial activities to create a more equitable world.

 

University of Technology Sydney (Australia): A leading public university, UTS offers nearly 350 undergraduate and graduate courses across traditional and emerging disciplines as part of its commitment to advancing the economic prosperity of the communities it serves.

Where we go from here

Each year, the Foundation will evaluate its focus areas to ensure alignment with Kyndryl’s Corporate Citizenship priorities, the needs of the communities we serve and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The Kyndryl Foundation plans to build on its global footprint.

The Kyndryl Foundation develops and expands Kyndryl’s philanthropic vision. As a purpose-driven company, Kyndryl aims to embrace innovation in the grantmaking process and support new models that promote lasting, positive social change.

Visit www.kyndryl.org for more information on the Kyndryl Foundation’s sustainability and social impact priorities.

Una Pulizzi

President of Kyndryl Foundation and Global Head of Corporate Affairs