3 Trends to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Tech
In the tech industry, there is a major push to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fortunately, leaders from the nonprofit sector are helping tech tackle its lack of diversity in the workforce and become more representative of our society.
Research has shown a number of benefits of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. In addition to increasing employee satisfaction, retention, and innovation, a tech workforce that mirrors the diversity of our communities leads to the creation of tech products and services that address a variety of needs and benefit more people.
With that in mind, here’s a look at three trends, led by nonprofits, for improving tech equity: (1) closing the tech talent gap; (2) mitigating bias; and (3) building professional networks.
1. Closing the “Tech Talent Gap”
Many nonprofit organizations are focused on closing the tech talent gap. These organizations offer education and training programs to help people from underrepresented groups develop new tech skills, connect individuals to quality jobs, and provide entrepreneurship opportunities.
While there are several organizations dedicated to training the next generation of tech leaders, the following examples stand out for their programs, missions, and alternative pathways to technology careers.
AISES
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM studies and careers.
AISES has awarded $13 million in academic scholarships and provides tools, information, and skills to help Indigenous students and professionals.
NPower
NPower’s mission is to move people from poverty to the middle class through tech training skills and creating pathways for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities to launch successful digital careers.
Recent estimates forecast that the total number of new technology-oriented jobs in the U.S. will grow to 13 million by 2025, and NPower is helping build a diverse workforce that will close the skills gap and meet the demands of the digital labor market.
LAYCCA
The LAYC Career Academy provides college prep and career training for high growth occupations to young people between the ages of 16 and 24 in the District of Colombia.
Their Information Technology program provides students with valuable career experience while building credentials within the field. The IT program also assists with externships and job placement.
Girls Who Code
If girls didn’t code, the world would notice. With 8,500 programs worldwide, Girls Who Code is closing the gender gap in technology and changing the image of what a programmer looks like and does.
Girls Who Code has served 450,000 girls through summer immersion programs, clubs for students in grades 3rd through 12th, and college loops.
Cultivating Coders
Cultivating Coders brings coding camps to young adults and K-12 schools in rural, tribal, and underserved inner cities to help prepare them for tech jobs. In 2020, they made online workshops free to benefit students learning from home during the pandemic.
The coding bootcamp primes the next generation of coders to help create a better future for themselves and their communities.
2. Mitigating Bias
Tech’s DEI initiatives aren’t just about changing the composition of its workforce — they’re also about increasing transparency and improving accountability in how we deploy new technologies. Here are a few organizations working directly to reduce the negative impact that bias can have on people’s connection with technology.
Data & Society
Data & Society believes that empirical evidence should directly inform the development and governance of new technology. The nonprofit research organization studies the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation.
Their bias research has focused on diverse topics such as precision dosing in healthcare, “black box” algorithms, and facial recognition.
NFHA Tech Equity Initiative
The National Fair Housing Alliance’s Tech Equity Initiative is designed to eliminate bias in algorithmic-based systems used in housing and financial services because many technologies are not fair for women or people of color.
The Tech Equity Initiative is committed to making sure the technologies that impact our lives are fair. The team even won the Open Data for Good Grand Challenge for an app that streamlines emergency rental assistance distributions for low-income families.
3. Building Professional Networks
Professional technology associations and peer groups provide supportive networks. Individuals from different backgrounds working in technology can connect with one another through conferences, social events, educational programs, professional development, and mentoring. Here are three organizations working to make tech more inclusive.
AnitaB.org
AnitaB.org envisions a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it.
Named after computer scientist Dr. Anita Borg, the non-profit connects, inspires, and guides women technologists in more than 50 countries.
The social enterprise supports women in technical fields, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training them. A full roster of programs, events, and mentorship help women grow, learn, and develop their highest potential.
Lesbians Who Tech & Allies
Lesbians Who Tech & Allies is building a network of colleagues and increasing the visibility of queer, female, trans, gender non-conforming, and POC leaders in technology.
Through their annual summit and community of 70,000 members, people can sharpen their technical skills; learn from experts in engineering, design, AI, and product management; access support and resources; and level up their leadership skills.
RESNA
RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through technology.
RESNA members benefit from networking, information sharing, mentoring, mutual support, volunteerism, and collaboration. The organization makes technology more inclusive by bringing together assistive technology professionals to research and develop new devices and software solutions and standards.
The topic of tech equity doesn’t stop at these three trends. Drop a comment to let us know what conversations you’re having and what opportunities you see to help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.
About RS21
RS21 is a data science company that uses artificial intelligence, data engineering, design, and modern software development methods to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the world.
We believe we reach our full potential only as we come together as our authentic selves. Dissimilar perspectives, diverse experiences, and different backgrounds strengthen our team, our ideas, and our work. At RS21, we seek out dreamers who will share fresh viewpoints and challenge our status quo.
RS21 is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators.
