When it comes to diverse representation in Science, Technology, Education, and Math (STEM) occupations, according to 2018 research from the Pew Research Center, only about 9% of STEM workers are Black, and 7% are Hispanic. Women account for 1 in 5 people in STEM fields. It’s clear that across the board, the tech industry still has a long way to go to create further diversity in experience, race, gender, sexuality, accessibility, education, and more.
We are committed to continuing to build our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices across our company, the industry, and beyond. We’d like to take this time to give the spotlight to some of the incredible organizations working to combat these issues. We invite you all to learn about these organizations, educate yourself on these issues, donate if you can, and be a part of the solution for a more inclusive tech industry.
1. Tech for the People – Tech for The People (TFTP) is an interdisciplinary editorial platform and community for college students highlighting where technology meets social good to emphasize interdisciplinary technology. Their goal is to change the way college students think about interdisciplinary technology by delivering an interdisciplinary publication to create a sincere and robust relationship between technology and all industries. Learn more.
2. National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): NSBE is a professional Society aimed at increasing the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. It is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the country and was founded in 1975. Donate or get involved.
3. Codepath.org: CodePath.org is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit increasing diversity in tech by transforming college C.S. education for underrepresented minorities and underserved populations. Their goal is to eliminate educational inequity in technical careers by providing software engineers with the tools and connections to unlock their most significant career potential. Over five years, CodePath created 30+ courses and taught over 2,000 programmers. Volunteer or donate.
4. Women in APIs: APIDays and their Women in APIs program focuses on connecting API experts with a global community and increasing the number of young women applying to tech careers. They provide coaching, speaking, and mentoring opportunities for women to level up their skills, their speaking abilities, and their networks. Check out our collaboration with them.
5. Code2College: Code2College works to dramatically increase the number of minority and low-income high school students who enter and excel in STEM undergraduate majors and careers. They focus on four core areas, including after-school coding sessions, technical portfolio development, monthly professional development workshops, and summer internship opportunities. Donate today.
6. Lesbians Who Tech: The goal of Lesbians Who Tech is to create a space of visibility and conversation for LGBTQ+ individuals, and get more women, POC, queer, and trans people involved in tech. They are open to the LGBTQ+ community including women, nonbinary, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals in the tech industry. Sponsor them.
7. National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME): NACME is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. Their focus is on enriching society with an American workforce that champions diversity in STEM by increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in engineering and computer science. Contribute time or money.
8. Code.Org: Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. They are the leading provider of K-12 computer science curricula in the largest school districts in the United States. Donate or learn more.
9. QueerTech: QueerTech strives to queer the tech ecosystem by breaking down barriers, creating spaces, and connecting communities to support and empower LGBTQ2S+ people to thrive. They focus on fostering a sense of community for members across the globe, connecting communities through intersectionality, and creating partnerships between individuals and nonprofits. Their goal is to create a global network of members and support systems. Donate now.
10. Blacks in Technology: Blacks In Technology is a global platform for black women and men in technology working to establish standards for world-class technical excellence. They are focused on community, media, and mentorship, providing resources and guidance, and challenging members to develop new standards of innovation. Founded in 2008 and launched in 2012, Blacks In Technology is the largest community and media organization that focuses on Black people in the technology industry. Join the movement.
Helping to bring awareness to DEI organizations that are devoted to building a tech pipeline that is more diverse and equitable for all is just a start. We can all do better, together. At Stoplight, we are committed to diverse hiring and creating a culture of inclusion. Our goal this year is to do more to recruit, attract, and support talented and diverse employees, as well as continue to invest in our current culture and environment that makes Stoplight a great place to work.
