Facebook has launched a new website TechPrep, geared at getting more people of color prepare for a career in tech space. The social network wants to bring more diversity within the tech space, a field that is currently largely dominated by white males. The female gender and people from other racial backgrounds other than the Caucasians remain largely underrepresented.
Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post that TechPrep “shows parents and students what programming is, why it’s important, and what sorts of jobs are available for those who can code. It guides people to resources to get started; everything from classes to college prep.
Through research with McKinsey, we found that there are very few resources in particular for Black or Hispanic learners, and we wanted to change this. We’ve also put together resources for parents and guardians so they can provide young people with advice and support.
Improving diversity in the tech industry is an important challenge, and we’re deeply committed to at Facebook. Everyone should be able to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Internet. Giving everyone the opportunity to learn to code will create even more valuable tools to serve society.
The TechPrep site already has some video tutorials on programming and others featuring testimonies from people of color talking about how they began learning how to code. There is also a pep talk on the website advising and encouraging people of color that are aspiring to get to code.
Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg and author of the best-seller, Lean In. A book that urges the women folks to empower themselves in the workplace said the following about TechPrep website:
“Learning to code opens up amazing opportunities in an industry that’s only getting more important. Yet research shows 77% of parents don’t know how to help their child get started in computer science. And without enough visible role models to inspire them, many women and people of color feel that tech isn’t open to them.”
Experts forecast that by the year 2020, more than one million jobs will be created out of programming. Based on this fact, The Congressional Black Caucus has taken it upon itself to ensure that people of color do not miss out on this opportunity. They have since embarked on holding much discussion, pushing for legislation and making it possible for people of color to receive training in matter technology.
