Curated compendia of technology exposure, training, and career programs for Black learners and workers¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (2 review), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The scan assembles curated resource lists (Tables 3-5) of programs, organizations, and initiatives supporting Black learners' and workers' technology pathways. It reports that "JFFLabs, Melanin Tech, and others have curated lists of programs, organizations, and innovative initiatives that promote Black learners' and workers' early technology career awareness, exploration, and identity development through academies, summer camps, afterschool programs and internships." Table 3 lists exposure and exploration resources (e.g., Black Girls Code, The Hidden Genius Project), Table 4 lists bootcamps, internships, micro-credentials, and workforce agencies, and Table 5 lists postsecondary education and training resources (e.g., Year Up, Per Scholas).

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Programs must be accessible and affordable to the historically and systematically excluded learners they target

Constraints¶

• The compendia are a synthesis of existing U.S. programs rather than an evaluation of program effectiveness

Target Learners¶

• Black learners and workers seeking technology career entry, transition, or advancement
• Underrepresented groups seeking bootcamp, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities

Target Learning Goals¶

• Technology career awareness, exploration, and identity development
• Skills and credentials connected to technology career advancement

Claims¶

• Individuals involved in technology exposure and exploration programs are more likely to pursue or enroll in technology-related education and training [+W]
• Comprehensive programs offering wraparound support increase college completion rates, including when replicated in other contexts [+W]

Related Elements¶

• Inclusive Cybersecurity Pathways with Workforce Credentials

Examples¶

• Three strategic actions: build awareness of underrepresentation, invest in accessible pathways, and prioritize retention strategies

Key Sources¶

• Carter, B., Shah, Z., Tinsley, B., LeGrand-Dunn, J., Luke Luna, C. (2023, August). Understanding the supports and skills that enable successful pathways for Black learners and workers into non-four-year degree technology careers: A landscape scan. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/189