Report Calls for New Pathways and Policies to Advance Latine Representation in Tech Industry
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Kapor Foundation, a leading organization focused on addressing racial inequity in the technology sector, released a new report titled, The State of Tech Diversity: The Latine Tech Ecosystem, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, SomosVC, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). This report, a first of its kind in providing a comprehensive data analysis from K-12 computer science (CS) education to venture capital funding, exposes systemic challenges faced by the Latine community across the tech pipeline and offers policy recommendations for systems change.
- In the Latine Tech Ecosystem report, the Kapor Foundation, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Somos VC, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute examine Latine representation across K-12 computer science education, post-secondary pathways, the tech workforce and VC funding.
- While 78% of Latine students have access to foundational CS courses, reflecting increased advocacy efforts, only 21% of enrolled course participants are Latine.
- Even as Latine students are underrepresented within tech bootcamps (8%), the report finds apprenticeships show the most progress: in the past five years, Latine talent in tech apprenticeship roles has surged by 133%.
- While recruitment strategies are crucial for bringing Latine talent into the tech industry, it's equally important to effectively employ strategies to retain and advance Latine talent in their roles, given the need for more culturally informed, responsible tech products and economies.