Silicon Valley CEO is high-tech mentor for minorities

Knowling is launching an internship program at his own firm

February 11, 2000
Web posted at: 11:16 p.m. EST (0416 GMT)

In this story: Recognition from the White House Going beyond formal education RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Correspondent Rusty Dornin

SAN JOSE, California (CNN) -- The African-American CEO of a Silicon Valley high-tech company says he rose to the top, in part, because of advice and encouragement -- and now he's working to do the same for others, especially minorities.

"I had mentoring done to me which, in effect, has made me want to mentor others," said Bob Knowling, the top man at Covad Communications.

Recognition from the White House

That mission has earned Knowling recognition from the White House for his service as chairman of a national committee to help get more minorities into high-tech fields.

Blacks make up 10 percent of the U.S. work force -- but only 5 percent of its computer programmers.

Shook, left, says formal education alone was not enough to prepare her to run Covad's Technical Assistance Center

Hispanics comprise 9 percent of the work force -- but only 4 percent of programmers.

"I've been a mentor to white males, Indians, you name it," said Knowling. "If someone wants something out of a career, I will try to provide that level of mentoring."

Going beyond formal education

Melanie Shook, who also is black, has a degree in industrial engineering.

Shook says it took more than formal education to prepare her to run Covad's Technical Assistance Center.

"I really struggle with, personally, not having parents and relatives who have advanced in technology areas or business areas," Shook said. "What Bob was really instrumental in helping me understand, fundamentally, is what it is I need to do to be successful in this type of environment."

An environment, says Knowling, where minorities can flourish -- with guidance from the right mentor.

Knowling will launch an internship program this year at Covad for 30 youngsters who will come back for three summers -- enough time, he says, to get them hooked on high-tech and, he hopes, pave a path for others to follow.

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