Coding for the Future: New Frontiers for African American Women in Technology

Abstract

In Silicon Valley, diversity in the digital technology industry—or more precisely, the lack thereof—has been a topic of discussion. Increasingly, companies have been challenged to increase the diversity in their ranks. There have been numerous reports and initiatives designed to get minorities and women interested in STEM careers—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is no secret that these jobs are among the fastest growing and yield the highest wages. According to the National Math and Science Initiative, STEM job creation over the next ten years will outpace non-STEM jobs significantly, growing 17 percent as compared to 9.8 percent for non-STEM positions.