At GLCO, we have zero tolerance for discrimination, prejudice, and racism of any kind. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all who fight against racial injustice.
We have a responsibility to contribute to eradicating systemic racism through our business platform. We understand that this is a problem that will not be solved overnight. However, we are listening, learning, and are committing to drive meaningful change.
Systemic racism is a widespread problem in our society with many layers and should be challenged at its core. Our commitment to driving meaningful change starts within our company and will be an ongoing review. We plan to do our part by creating educational and job opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color marginalized by systemic and institutionalized racism. #BlackLivesMatter
To that end, GLCO will:
1. Create an annual GLCO BIPOC Scholarship program in partnership with a local high school to create college education opportunities for underserved youth. The Scholarship will be open to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the Optical field and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients will be guaranteed an internship at GLCO. Our goal is to increase diversity in the optical field, create long term career opportunities, and reduce the financial burden that BIPOC disproportionately face pursuing post-secondary education.
2. Create a paid internship program to support career development in BIPOC communities. This program will offer interns the opportunity to learn how to design and develop an eyewear collection, gain hands on optician training, and learn about business operations. Internships will have specific curriculum and learning goals such as communications, project management, customer service, adjusting and fitting frames, and assisting our licensed opticians in our optical labs.
3. Implement Diversity and Inclusion training to ensure that we are equipping GLCO team members with the tools and resources to foster inclusion and allyship.
4. Review hiring practices to increase diversity and maintain a dynamic workforce that reflects the fabric of our society.
5. Expand GLCO’s PTO program to include two additional paid holidays (Juneteenth and MLK Day) and one paid day of service for employees to volunteer with organizations that invest in the advancement of BIPOC.
To that end, GLCO will:
1. Create an annual GLCO BIPOC Scholarship program in partnership with a local high school to create college education opportunities for underserved youth. The Scholarship will be open to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the Optical field and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients will be guaranteed an internship at GLCO. Our goal is to increase diversity in the optical field, create long term career opportunities, and reduce the financial burden that BIPOC disproportionately face pursuing post-secondary education.
2. Create a paid internship program to support career development in BIPOC communities. This program will offer interns the opportunity to learn how to design and develop an eyewear collection, gain hands on optician training, and learn about business operations. Internships will have specific curriculum and learning goals such as communications, project management, customer service, adjusting and fitting frames, and assisting our licensed opticians in our optical labs.
3. Implement Diversity and Inclusion training to ensure that we are equipping GLCO team members with the tools and resources to foster inclusion and allyship.
4. Review hiring practices to increase diversity and maintain a dynamic workforce that reflects the fabric of our society.
5. Expand GLCO’s PTO program to include two additional paid holidays (Juneteenth and MLK Day) and one paid day of service for employees to volunteer with organizations that invest in the advancement of BIPOC.