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

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The scan's executive summary distills its findings into three actions for technology industry contributors: (1) build awareness of underrepresentation and disparities, including advocating for data transparency and accountability measures; (2) advocate for and invest in organizations, policies, and partnerships improving accessibility of technology education, training, and career entry; and (3) continuously prioritize, utilize, and analyze retention strategies to sustain and advance Black learners and workers. The report states that "Advocating for data transparency (e.g., releasing employee diversity data) and accountability measures across every level of the technology learning and workforce ecosystem is essential to building awareness and understanding of these barriers."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Coordination across educational institutions, training providers, employers, policymakers, and other technology industry contributors

Constraints¶

• Actions are framed for the U.S. technology learning and workforce ecosystem

Target Learners¶

• Black learners and workers of all education levels entering or advancing in technology careers

Target Learning Goals¶

• Sustained motivation and persistence in technology career pathways
• Equitable entry, retention, and advancement in technology careers

Claims¶

• Black workers and learners report awareness and exploration barriers to tech careers including limited diverse representation, limited social networks, and limited school exposure [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Co-designed recommendations for employers: equitable hiring practices, inclusive work culture, and continued upskilling support
• Six recommendations for moving toward a data-driven, worker-centered learning ecosystem

Examples¶

-

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