Purpose-Built to Advance Equity

At Jobs for the Future, we see tremendous opportunity for Black learners and workers in tech, an industry where employment is projected to grow 13 percent between 2020 and 2030. However Black Americans are notably underrepresented in IT: Black workers account for nearly 12 percent of the total U.S. workforce but only 8 percent of the tech workforce.

This JFF market scan examines innovative efforts to expand pathways into technology careers for Black learners and workers. The programs, initiatives, and digital platforms we highlight provide individuals with genuine opportunities for economic advancement.

To understand this landscape, we built a list of more than 200 programs, startups, educational institutions, initiatives, and other efforts that aim to prepare, train, and advance Black learners and workers. Our emphasis was on programs focused on helping Black Americans prepare for and advance in technology careers, but we also included programs that focused more broadly on all populations that are underrepresented in the tech sector.

We saw clearly that these efforts operate both within and between traditional educational systems, business and industry networks, and organizational structures. Examples range from K-12 and postsecondary educational programs to workplace initiatives, boot camps, and services offered by startups.

The Innovators to Watch we profile in this market scan distinguish themselves by their potential to deliver transformative solutions that foster economic mobility for Black learners and workers in technology—and to make equitable training and work experiences common.

And all were founded or are led by teams that include Black leaders.