SOURCE: Comcast Corporation
DESCRIPTION:
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is a major challenge for the tech industry – according to a study by Deloitte, women make up only about 25% of technology workers, with even fewer Black (9%) and Latinx (7%) workers holding tech jobs. Increasing diversity not only helps tech companies connect with their customers but also fosters creativity, broadens talent pools, grows the company’s bottom line, and helps historically underserved communities build generational wealth through family-sustaining jobs.
However, there are a number of obstacles preventing underrepresented talent from accessing opportunities in the tech field. Diverse candidates competing for roles require industry-relevant knowledge, networks and connections, unique hard and soft abilities, and insights on navigating the job search and technical interview process – which they don’t always have equal access to. Computer science programs across the country serving students of color often lack the resources to set them up for career success.
“If you’re from an underrepresented population, if you’re coming from a low-income background – the system is not designed for you,” says Michael Ellison, Co-Founder and CEO of CodePath, a nonprofit working to eliminate inequities in tech education. “We have an education system that works for some but fails most. The odds are stacked against you.”
Through an innovative private and nonprofit partnership, Comcast NBCUniversal and Red Nose Day aim to transform the tech field by helping underrepresented talent gain access to quality jobs in the tech sector. Together, the partners recently invested $4.8 million in six nonprofits focused on building a diverse talent pipeline and advancing digital skills for youth and young adult learners.
- $4.8M Invested in six nonprofits by Comcast NBCUniversal and Red Nose Day
With support from Comcast NBCUniversal and Red Nose Day, CodePath will prepare 5,000 underserved young people for jobs in tech by expanding computer science coursework to 10-15 new schools across the United States; supporting 20-45 student leaders with scholarships to help administer the expansion; and by increasing the number of technical internship opportunities to at least 200 students to improve access to high-quality jobs that will help reduce intergenerational poverty.
- 5K CodePath will prepare 5,000 underserved young people for jobs in tech.
- 10-15 CodePath will expand computer science coursework to 10-15 new schools across the United States.
- 20-45 CodePath will support 20-45 student leaders with scholarships to help administer the expansion.
- 200 CodePath will increase the number of technical internship opportunities to at least 200 students.
In addition to CodePath, Comcast NBCUniversal and Red Nose Day partnered with five other nonprofit organizations committed to providing young people from underserved communities with the opportunities to strengthen career pathways in tech and help them achieve economic mobility:
- City Year builds democracy through citizen service, civic leadership and social entrepreneurship and will use our support to develop the skills of children and young adults, contributing to thriving communities.
- Coded by Kids provides equitable tech and innovation to underrepresented youth and will use funding towards building a cradle-to-career pipeline, preparing young people for tech-focused leadership roles.
- Genesys Works facilitates pathways to careers and economic self-sufficiency and will provide high school students with technical and professional skills training, and college and career coaching through our support.
- Per Scholas advances economic mobility and racial equity for young adults, and will use our support providing rigorous training, professional development, and robust employer connections.
- Youth Design Center is a youth creative agency and will provide opportunities to learn marketable tech, design, and communications skills through our partnership.
“Comcast's long-term commitment to digital equity includes a focus on partners that connect diverse talent with education, training, and career development that can accelerate pathways to careers in the tech sector,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation.
These partnerships with high-impact nonprofits, many led by leaders of color, are the building blocks of change and help to create unlimited possibilities.
DALILA WILSON-SCOTT EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation
“Removing barriers to opportunity and forging pathways into rewarding careers is key to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Ayo Roach, Vice President of Grant Programs at Comic Relief US. “We are proud to partner with organizations committed to strengthening the pipeline to meaningful careers in the tech industry for students from underrepresented groups, equipping young people with the skills required for the digital economy. With these critical investments, we aim to provide young people from underserved communities with the tools necessary to break into the tech industry and achieve economic mobility for their communities.”
Through a network of nonprofit partnerships and innovative programs, Comcast NBCUniversal and Red Nose Day are creating lasting change, fostering diversity and inclusion, and keeping communities connected.
To learn more about Red Nose Day, and how you can get involved in helping young people from underserved communities achieve their hopes and dreams, visit rednoseday.org.
Comcast NBCUniversal’s partnership with Comic Relief and CodePath is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
KEYWORDS: NASDAQ:CMCSA, NASDAQ:CMCSK, comcast, Red Nose Day, Project UP
