Minorities and women represent only a tiny percentage of technology workers and face obstacles to join the growing field.
We believe that much of our nations talent is hidden in plain sight.
Just3.1 percentof American tech workers, and only about3 percent of Silicon Valley workers, are Black.
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Even Black and Latinx computer scientists from top universitiestend to not get hiredby big tech.
Womens representation in computer jobs hasdecreasedsince 1990.
The dearth of underrepresented groups in tech isnt necessarily due to a lack of opportunities.
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Even amidst a darkening economic forecast, technology firmsare still hiring.
And traditional jobs are increasingly making use of technology as people work from home during the pandemic.
This summers Black Lives Matter protests forced some tech companies to take note of inequalities.
Pivot Technology School COO/President Quawn Clark (left) and CEO Joshua Mundy (right).Jodie Smith / Pivot Technology School
she wrote on thecompany website.
Getting good jobs at companies like Best Buy has been tough for underrepresented groups.
Minorities and women facesubstantial barriersfor tech positions, studies have found.
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Parents and teachers often discourage girls and minorities from pursuing computer-related activities.
Companiesoften silo minoritiesinto less skilled roles.
Peryers Geek Foundation is among the groups trying to beat back these stereotypes.
The organization recruits women and minorities and offers them free training in subjects ranging from IT to web development.
“Its all about helping to break the cycle of poverty.”
Talent Hidden in Plain Sight
The Foundation isnt the only free initiative for technology training, either.
Theres alsoPer Scholas, with locations around the country that offer intense, short programs leading to tech certification.
Business to Business
Some entrepreneurs are starting businesses specifically aimed at educating minorities for tech careers.
Joshua Mundy runs the Pivot Technology School, in Nashville, TN, which is aimed at underrepresented students.
“We think that by charging students they take their education more seriously,” he said.
“They have skin in the game.”
The school partners with local businesses to provide scholarships that pay half the tuition for many students.
“We don’t want money to be a factor,” Mundy said.
Another reason is just about exposure.
And they don’t see themselves in that jot down of position and role."
She still works full-time in technical support for Asurion, a cell phone insurance company.
“I just didnt have the money for a lot of places,” she said.
“Also, Pivot was online and offered a flexible schedule, and with kids thats really important.”
“So they have a lot of those positions available and I’m hoping to one day move up.
Meanwhile, shes working towards her next promotion.
