Education Women and Minorities in High-Tech Careers

Women and minorities are underrepresented in technology-related careers. Lack of access, level of math and science achievement, and emotional and social attitudes about computer capabilities may be some of the factors that cause women and minorities to avoid high-tech careers. According to the American Association of University Women, the number of women graduating in computer sciences and information technology is decreasing despite the increased need for workers in these areas (Friedman 2000). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 7.2 percent of all computer scientists are African American and 2.6 percent Hispanic (Bruno 1997). Because employment in todays workplace requires increasingly sophisticated technological skills, educators must find ways to recruit and retain all types of students in math, science, and technology (MST) courses. This Digest presents a number of ways that schools and teachers can attract women and minorities to high-tech careers and prepar