about
The Shaq Quarterman
Foundation
I am Shaquille Quarterman. I was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and raised in Orange Park, Florida. I graduated from Oakleaf High School in Orange Park, then attended the University of Miami (The U) in Coral Gables, FL. After graduating from The U, I was drafted into the NFL where I’m currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While in high school, I could see the pendulum swinging toward the transformation of technology and its involvement in education. Once I got into college, I realized that education and technology were one. The students familiar with using computers and their automated tools were at an advantage. I found myself having to learn course material and how to use automated means to make my learning and coursework deliverables more efficient.
I noticed a trend in my college classmates. Those that were from underprivileged communities were more affected by the digital learning curb. Further studies led me to the term “Digital Divide”. The digital divide is the gap between those that have access to the information highway (high-speed internet and the necessary equipment, training) and those that did not. Further studies educated me on the disparities between minorities and females in the tech industry as a whole. The digital divide is a major component of this disparity. According to one study females represent 47% of the U.S. workforce, but only represent about 12% of tech jobs employees, and blacks represent about 13% of the U.S. population and barely represent 7% of tech jobs employees.
I consider myself blessed to be in a position to give back. As Maya Angelou once said, “When You Learn – Teach” and “When You Get – Give”. My personal mission is to do just that – to Teach and Give. That’s why I established The Shaq Quarterman Foundation, as a means to bridge the digital divide and eliminate any obstacles that might impede potential and achievement. The foundation is committed to doing everything possible to promote growth and greatness.
