Approach to Tech

Black and Hispanic workers make up only 7–8% of tech roles despite comprising over 30% of the U.S. population.

Structural barriers in STEM education continue to limit access for Black and Latino students—from fewer advanced course offerings in high schools to lower placement rates in gateway classes like algebra and computer science, which are essential to tech and career pipelines.

The future of the digital economy depends on equitable access to tech jobs. Brookings reports that as Black and Latino populations grow, ensuring these communities have access to digital training and employment is essential to sustaining innovation and economic growth.

Employment in computer and information technology fields is expected to increase by approximately 15% between 2021 and 2031—nearly triple the average growth rate of 5% for all occupations. This growth is projected to create around 682,800 new jobs during the decade.

Cybersecurity careers are projected to expand by roughly 32–33% from 2022 to 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. Each year, an estimated 17,300 job openings for information security analysts are expected, driven by increasing demand and workforce turnover.

RCR Wireless highlight an urgent gap: the broadband workforce is shrinking and aging, with labor shortages expected in underserved communities where these pathways are under-promoted and under-resourced.

An estimated additional 119,200 construction and technician workers will be needed over the next decade to address attrition and support routine broadband installation and maintenance (Fiber Broadband Association study