We humans possess amazing capabilities and boundless potential. But the opportunity to develop that potential to its fullest varies dramatically based on a host of external factors that can include access to education, family resources, healthcare, challenging work, infrastructure, and more.
As a global, knowledge-based learning organization, Cognizant cares deeply about unlocking human potential—and not just within our own company. All 290,000 of us are united in our purpose to engineer modern businesses to improve everyday life for people everywhere. We want to provide people with the tools and opportunities to take control of their own potential.
In recent years, we’ve demonstrated social responsibility through the focused work of our foundations and through the unstinting volunteer efforts of our associates across the world.
Now, in response to the health and economic crises caused by the protracted COVID-19 pandemic, we want to apply our technology and business expertise to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems and inequities.
Today, Cognizant is announcing a five-year $250 million initiative to advance economic mobility, educational opportunities, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and health and well-being in global communities. We will build on the work that Cognizant has led for decades and strive to create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities as they emerge from the pandemic.
Our philanthropic funding and in-kind contributions will be used globally to provide equitable educational opportunities to equip students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.
We will work toward greater economic mobility for all people by enabling communities to have the resources, opportunities, and infrastructure needed to thrive. We’ll also invest in improving the health and well-being of individuals and families to make certain that communities are healthy and can achieve their fullest potential.
Our $250 million initiative builds on the $100 million investment we made to launch Cognizant U.S. Foundation in 2018 and on our longstanding investments in Cognizant Foundation in India over the last 15-plus years. To date, our foundations have partnered with over 300 organizations, providing more than four million people with educational and economic opportunities.
In parallel, more than 166,000 of our associates have volunteered through our Outreach program over the past five years. I’m inspired by their generosity as they give their talent and time to so many worthy causes and organizations.
One of the many things I love about Cognizant is that we are a caring and compassionate organization. Empathy is part of our culture. We reach outside of ourselves to take care of colleagues, clients, and communities. We believe our role in society goes well beyond creating value for investors.
My commitment to our foundations’ efforts stems, in part, from my experience of the life-changing benefits of access to education. Education transformed my life, enabling me to leave Ireland for the first time at age 20, experience the world’s diverse people and cultures, connect with life-shaping mentors, and build my aptitude for a career in business.
As the Irish poet William Butler Yeats said so well, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Once lit, that fire can be the means for accomplishing everything else. And that’s why I’m proud of the investments we’re making to create equitable access to opportunity for all.
This year you will see Cognizant and its foundations expand grant-making efforts to new global markets, introduce new philanthropic programs to advance D&I in partnership with our Affinity Groups, and present new opportunities for our associates to contribute their time and skills to people and communities in need.
We are resolved to intensify our social responsibility efforts and, in keeping with one of our values, create conditions for everyone to thrive.