With your help
We can change one of the biggest challenges facing minority communities, "underemployment."
Together we can raise $25,000 to help:
- Improve a job seeker's quality of life by providing a path to higher-wage jobs and higher learning opportunities.
- Increase contractor's ability to be more profitable.
- Assist aspiring entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams in small business ownership.
Statistics
According to a 2018 report from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, 57 percent of the U.S. workforce is made up of women, but only 26 percent of technology-related positions are held by women. According to another report from consulting firm McKinsey and Company, the situation is worse for women of color, with black, Latina, and Native American women only making up 4 percent of roles in the computing workforce — almost none of which are senior leadership roles — despite making up 16 percent of the general population.
-SD Times
According to the 2014 Diversity in High Tech Report from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the percentage of Black employees in high-tech industries is 7.4%, yet about 13% of the U.S. population is Black. Hispanic employees hold just about 8% of jobs in high tech, but 18% of the overall population in 2019 was Hispanic. Add gender identity to this data and you find that Black, Latina and Native American women received just 4% of computing degrees in 2016. According to Wired (paywall), these numbers have barely moved in some companies in five years.
– Forbes (November 18, 2020)
Client Love!
"I currently work in the construction industry and I had zero experience in IT other than turning on a computer and searching for things on the internet. More often than not, I am surrounded by technology. I needed to learn more about the hardware and software. This class has instilled confidence and wisdom in IT applications while preparing me for better opportunities in the construction and IT industries.
I've gained more than I expected!"
~ Kendall Crayton
"Thanks Ameren IL for sponsoring me and giving me a chance to pursue my dreams in entrepreneurship and Cyber Security. I've learned a lot in this Fundamental IT class. It's taught me stuff that will help align me with my future goals to start my own business in IT troubleshooting and cyber security. This is an amazing program with fantastic workers that help everyone out and make people feel comfortable.
I recommend this program to anyone."
~ Austin Crayton
"I've always had an interest to work in the IT industry. I feel taking this class and getting certified will increase my chances of getting back into the workforce!
Thanks MBDC Peoria, I really feel your organization is an asset to our community!"
~ Gerald Stanley