How the business and tech communities can help erase the digital divide

Much is made of the digital divide, but little has been done to eradicate it. To help solve this problem, we need to get more underrepresented communities into careers in computing and engineering, especially data science. More, and different, perspectives can only help lead to better products and services. At the same time, we can truly advance a Black and brown middle class, and create generational wealth, boosting economic growth and providing an entire new set of industries and opportunities across the nation. It won’t be easy to grow such a culture of tech producers in underrepresented communities, but it is absolutely doable. What could they do? Waive the four-year college requirement for entry-level computer science positions. Set goals and targets for diversity in workplaces, especially on engineering and leadership teams. Companies should take an honest look at barriers in their workplaces that prevent them from retaining diverse talent and then eliminate discriminatory or unwelcoming environments and conditions. Allow a small percentage of company time for employees to participate in mentoring programs that target underrepresented groups. Set up data science/software engineering offices in more regions where there are disproportionate populations of underrepresented groups. Partner with historically Black colleges and universities. Lobby the federal government to subsidize or otherwise make broadband internet access affordable in low-income communities, much like food is subsidized.

[Meka Egwuekwe is executive director of CodeCrew]