Tech Inclusion Solution: Day 31: Creating Tech Outreach & Educational Programs In New Markets

Photo: Tech Inclusion 2015 Happy Hour

100 Solutions to Diversity and Inclusion in tech.

Since the inaugural Tech Inclusion Conference in 2015 we have received and granted over 100+ scholarship applications to attendees. For each scholarship application we ask one simple question “What solutions would you like to see for diversity and inclusion in tech?” Below is a series leading up to the 2016 Tech Inclusion Conference of “100+ Solutions to Diversity and Inclusion in tech”. The Theme for Tech Inclusion 2016 Conference is Inclusive and Sustainable Innovation and will be held October 26th — 27th at the Innovation Hangar in San Francisco. Tech Inclusion Conference is presented by Google for Entrepreneurs. The conference will feature a career fair, a startup showcase and an tech innovation demo hall. Early Bird tickets are on sale now.

Solution: Creating Tech Outreach & Educational Programs In New Markets

I would like to see more outreach. Although there are numerous campaigns and initiatives to reach out to students/people of color that are interested in tech, these are mainly based by geographic location. Locations in which tech is booming such as the Bay Area, Seattle, and other big metropolitan areas benefit the most. As a current college student, I have seen many wonderful opportunities that I could’ve been a part of, but have been determined ineligible due to where I live and where I go to school. As I try to help other determined students in my hometown, an agricultural town, many opportunities are crossed off. I am ultimately so blessed to have the opportunity to attend Pomona College and to have participated in many events and workshops, but that has not come with restrictions and an ever growing paradox of tech inclusion.

As I continue on my tech journey as a first generation Latino with indigenous roots, I have learned much about my background, but I have yet still to find a way to find my own voice to communicate the needs and potential of the communities I come from. As I continue to participate in the tech world, I hope to become a voice for students and people like myself and have an impact in the chances we have to become successful. In predominantly agricultural areas, there are so many people with dreams and ambition that cannot be matched that I have experienced first-hand, and tech and other industries need to actively reach out and effectively engage with these people: farmworkers, immigrants, students, but nonetheless dreamers, innovators, and the future.

Diversity and Inclusion In Tech Solution Submitted by Edwin

Interested in sponsoring?

This is a unique chance to meet diverse engineers, entrepreneurs, designers and more! Contact us for more information.

Interested in volunteering?

We need volunteers to help make this an amazing event. Sign up to be a volunteer on our community site: http://community.techinclusion.co/

Interested in a scholarship?

Apply for a scholarship on our community site: http://community.techinclusion.co/

About Change Catalyst:

Change Catalyst empowers diverse, inclusive and sustainable tech innovation — through education, community engagement and mentorship. Change Catalyst is a Certified B Corp, winning the “Best for the World”​ award for community impact in 2014 and “Best in the World”​ overall in 2015.

Tech Inclusion:

Our Tech Inclusion programs explore and develop innovative solutions to tech diversity and inclusion. We partner with the tech community to solve diversity and inclusion together through conferences, career fairs, strategic consulting and training. Our work spans the full tech ecosystem, including: Education, Workplace, Entrepreneurship and Policy.

The Change Catalyst Team

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Follow all 100 Solutions to Diversity and Inclusion in tech in our Tech Inclusion Medium Publication here.

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