Facebook is looking to tackle Silicon Valley’s diversity problem.
The company announced yesterday that it would be launching TechPrep, a new website dedicated to providing training and resources through lessons, games and meet-ups for Black and Latino youth, and their parents, who are either looking to break into the industry or just want another skill to add to their resume.
“After looking closely at the data, we realized that one challenge is a lack of exposure to computer science and careers in technology, as well as a lack of resources for parents, guardians and other who want to learn more,” reads a press release. “In the U.S., this lack of access is prevalent in a number of underrepresented groups including Black and Hispanic communities.”
Congressional Black Caucus Launches Initiative to Diversify Tech Industry
Despite the underrepresentation, Facebook employees found that 50 percent and 42 percent of Black and Latino learners, respectively, are confident in their abilities working with computers. However, many parents—particularly lower-income adults—admit that they don’t know where to begin when it comes to helping their kids pursue an education in computer science.
“Parents and guardians are influential figures in students’ lives,” the press release reads. “By exposing people to computer science and programming and guiding them to the resources they need to get started, we hope to reduce some of the barriers that block potential from meeting opportunity.”
Visit TechPrep.fb.com to learn more information.