Report Shows Tech Sector Jobs Lack Minorities
The tech industry is currently the fastest growing sector in New York City, but the majority of people who have jobs in this sector are white, according to a report released Thursday.
Last month, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a distribution of New York City’s tech sector jobs by seven new definitions —which include: Computer Manufacturing, Electronic Shopping, Software Publishing, Data Processing & Hosting, Internet Publishing & Broadcasting & Web Search Portals, Computer Systems Design and Scientific R&D Services
This data shows that currently 62 percent of positions in this industry are filled by white workers. Asians make us the next majority with 16 percent, followed by Hispanics with 11 percent. Blacks make up the lowest percentage of those jobs with 9 percent.
Forman says that one of the reasons for this unequal distribution in the tech industry is the lack of education. “Education is the biggest factor,” Forman said. “We have to make sure that city is equipping students and preparing them with training.”
Forman said that even though some elite schools, such as the Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn Technical High School, are preparing students for careers in the tech industry, the diversity within those schools is also lacking.
Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a ten-year plan requiring all of New York City’s public schools to offer computer science programs to all students.
“I’m glad it’s a ten-year plan,” Forman said. “It has to be done in a sophisticated way and we need to make sure we have qualified teachers to do this.”
One group focused on closing this minority gap is The Robin Hood Foundation, Forman said. It has invested in different tech programs around the city. “There are a lot of players that are interested in this disparity,” Forman said. Two other non-profits he said are working to prepare minority students to be the next generation of coders are Girls Who Code and Coalition Queens.
Since this is the fastest growing industry in New York City, the tech industry has more job positions available then the city can fill. Forman says that it is important that people all over New York City have the opportunity to fill these positions.