Two nonprofit organizations are partnering to increase opportunities to increase diversity in the state’s tech workforce.
Currently, only 7 percent of those working in Indiana’s tech industry are Black. InnoPower, a community development organization, and TechPoint, a nonprofit that works with tech employers, will present a series of grassroots gatherings geared towards developing Black talent in Indiana.
InnoPower CEO Emil Ekiyor said early exposure to tech careers is important.
“How do we normalize the conversation about tech so kids, and parents have access and really believe that they can get a high wage career in tech,” Ekiyor said. “We have to go and understand what kids have been exposed to in middle school, in high school. If these things don't exist, then we really can't expect for this 10th grader today to be able to be prepared to compete for a tech job in 2030.”
Three “designed thinking” sessions will be held in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Gary.
Indianapolis
Tuesday, Dec. 6 - P30 Indy, 3039 N. Post Road
Gary
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - John Will Anderson Gary Boys & Girls Club, 2700 W. 19th Ave.
Fort Wayne
Thursday, Dec. 15 - Job Works, 7230 Engle Road, Suite 213
Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Terri Dee at tdee@wfyi.org.
