Closing the it Gap for Race and Gender

Abstract

Highly-skilled technology jobs like database administrators, systems analysts, and computer programmers are the fastest growing occupation in the United States. The demand for these jobs exceeds the available workforce. A potential source for additional Information Technology (IT) workers is in the populations of women and some minorities like African Americans and people of Hispanic origin which are underrepresented in highly-skilled IT jobs. There is evidence of cultural differences which contribute to the lower representation of some populations. Census data on computer use and ownership provide quantitative indications of differences. Perceptions of African-American college students provide other evidence of differences in values for spending money, gaining technology skills, lack of role models, and inequities in resources. The bridges needed to close the gap in representation in technology jobs include: positive role models, access, skills, encouragement, perceptions, and self-confidence. Increasing the pool of available IT workers will provide opportunities for maintaining a growing economy and world leadership in technology.