Innovators Advancing Black Talent in Tech and Digital Careers [REPORT]
March 4, 2022
Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems, released a new report identifying 14 trailblazing organizations working to increase the number and proportion of Black Americans in high-earning technology careers. Developed with support from Comcast NBCUniversal, the report—Purpose-Built to Advance Equity: Expanding Opportunities in Tech for Black Americans—is rooted in an analysis of more than 200 startups, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other programs focused on the development of Black talent in technology.
“To disrupt historic patterns of occupational segregation in technology, we cannot ignore the systemic barriers to access and advancement that begin in K-12 schools and persist in communities and in the workplace,” said Michael Collins, vice president at JFF and a lead author of the report. “The most successful models are not only helping Black talent build skills and secure employment, but also making long-term investments in mentorship, social capital, and networks that enable Black professionals to access—and sustain—careers in technology.”
Despite the explosive growth of new tech jobs, Black professionals continue to be underrepresented in the industry, comprising 12.4 percent of the U.S. population, but just 7.4 percent of the tech workforce. Black women combined account for just 3 percent. According to a recent JFF survey of more than 1,000 Black adults, more than 6 in 10 not working in digital or IT would consider a career change to work in the sector. However, more than half reported they were unsure where to start (55 percent) or felt they lacked the financial resources (51 percent), skills (52 percent), or industry connections (45 percent) to launch a tech career.
JFF’s report identifies new models of career preparation, technology training, and career advancement that are working to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology sector. To assemble the findings, a team of researchers analyzed the work of more than 200 companies and organizations, assessing them based on innovations, program outcomes, and their ability to help Black talent and leadership in tech jobs and industries.
“This analysis provides a new level of insight into high-impact models of education, training, and career development that can accelerate pathways to careers in tech for Black talent,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, executive vice president and chief diversity officer of Comcast Corporation. “Just as importantly, this report provides recommendations for how policymakers, companies, and communities can help create the conditions for Black professionals to advance in technology careers – from career entry to leadership.”
The analysis was conducted with the guidance and insight of an advisory council of Black leaders in venture capital, technology, philanthropy, and education. Based on the evaluation of the current landscape of programs, the report identifies 14 “Innovators to Watch,” all of which are Black-led or founded, and focused on helping Black Americans advance in tech careers and industries.
With JFF survey data suggesting that 55 percent of Black Americans reported never having a career mentor, many of the organizations identified through the scan also have a dedicated focus on providing mentorship and support from other technologists of color.
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