ACT | The App Association members are innovative small businesses and enterprises transforming how we live, work, and play through apps and connected technology. They’re leading the next generation of trailblazers working to solve problems and fill gaps across industries. For our members to continue improving the lives of their customers and clients through safe, secure products, public and private sectors together must invest in our future workforce through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.
The Problem
When looking at the app economy workforce at large, one thing is clear: there is a talent shortage. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the global shortage of software engineers could reach 85.2 million by the end of the decade. Currently, there are about 40 million unfilled technical jobs due to the need for more skilled workers. When you consider that companies worldwide risk losing $8.5 trillion in revenue because of this labor shortage, the realities of our computer science education and workforce development dilemma become even more real.
Our members want to continue driving change and innovation in the app economy and are entirely dependent on the next generation of the workforce to make that happen. Issues around diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce development transcend borders and impact innovation and achievement, regardless of a company’s location or size. The gap in representation and inequities our industry experiences only amplify a worldwide workforce development and computer science education issue that could put the global app economy at a significant disadvantage.
The Solution
Through public-private partnerships, government officials, business leaders, the developer community, and people who use and love technology can act as a united front to create and promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive computer science education and workforce development programs. This means intersectional, inclusive representation that empowers people across all communities.
A study out of Columbia University suggests that LGBTQIA+ people are roughly 20 percent less represented in STEM fields than expected but more likely to report negative workplace experiences than their non-LGBTQIA+ counterparts in STEM and STEAM careers. With this in mind, and in honor of Pride Month, we’re excited to bring attention to some programs and events hosted by groups that aim to empower members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the app economy.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a non-profit professional association for LGBTQIA+ people in the STEM community. oSTEM empowers LGBTQIA+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Donate here.
TH.0 Pride Month 2023 Virtual & Hybrid Hackathon
TH.0 is a peer-to-peer and business-to-business ecosystem that leads hackathons intending to support professionals, businesses, and startups. Their two-day hackathon will take place in North America, the EU & UK, and Latin & South America. It includes keynote speakers, industry leaders, and mentors on hand during the entire hackathon weekend offering support, guidance, and expertise. Learn more here.
LGBT Tech
The LGBT Technology Institute is working to bridge the technology gap for all LGBTQIA+ individuals. They work with individuals and communities and engage in research, education, volunteerism, and partnerships to provide cutting-edge technology and resources to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who are disadvantaged. Donate here.
Bonus: Check out info from our webinar with LGBT Tech, where speakers examined the privacy of verbal communications in disenfranchised communities here.
Encircle, a Utah-based nonprofit, was founded in 2017 to help young LGBTQIA+ people and their families access programs, tools, and resources to thrive. Thanks to some help from Apple, Encircle grew its impact beyond Utah and now provides services to several states in the southwest. Encircle is also a supporting organization of The Out Foundation, another Utah-based organization providing LGBTQIA+ folks with scholarships, events, and additional programming to inspire inclusion. Donate to Encircle here and learn more about The Out Foundation here.
In Conclusion
As a global community of technology creators and users, we are responsible for enhancing resources at all levels of workforce development. We hope to see government officials and business leaders acting as a united front to create and promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive computer science education and workforce development programs. This Pride Month, consider donating time, money, or additional resources to groups that continue to build up members of the LGBTQIA+ community through STEM and STEAM educational efforts.