These nonprofits are striving to increase the representation of black employees in the tech industry, which currently stands at 7.4%.

While tech jobs are increasingly popular due to their high pay and benefits, Black talent remains underrepresented in the industry. Women make up 26.7% of the tech workforce, with Black women accounting for only 1.7%. Additionally, Black professionals as a whole only account for 7.4% of the tech workforce, according to a 2021 report from AnitaB.org.

Jobs for the Future, a national nonprofit, released a report titled "Purpose-Built to Advance Equity: Expanding Opportunities in Tech for Black Americans." The report, developed with support from Comcast NBCUniversal, highlights organizations working to change demographics in the tech industry. The report is based on an analysis of over 200 startups and educational institutions that are dedicated to developing Black talent in tech.

Over 60% of Black adults surveyed by JFF do not currently work in digital or IT but are open to changing careers. However, over half of those surveyed are unsure of where to begin or lack the financial resources, skills, or connections needed to start a tech career, highlighting the importance of accessibility to resources in the tech industry.

According to Michael Collins, vice president at JFF and a lead author of the report, these obstacles are "systemic" and begin with youth.

To disrupt historic patterns of occupational segregation in technology, we must address the systemic barriers to access and advancement that start in K-12 schools and continue in communities and workplaces. The most successful models are not only helping Black talent acquire skills and secure employment but also making long-term investments in mentorship, social capital, and networks that allow Black professionals to access and sustain careers in technology.

Survey respondents emphasized the importance of positive representation and mentorship in motivating more Black students and workers to pursue careers in tech. According to JFF, 55% of Black Americans have never had a career mentor, and among those who did, only 7% have had mentors who share their racial background.

"When we see people who resemble us in ads and recruiters, we feel welcomed. However, when all the ads and recruiters are white or men, it sends a negative message. Thankfully, groups like Girls Who Code exist," stated a male respondent.

JFF emphasizes the significance of education in Black individuals pursuing tech careers. According to a survey, 39% of participants said that free online educational resources would aid them in transitioning to digital and IT-based careers. Moreover, approximately one-third of respondents indicated that they would take career/technical education courses (33%), participate in workforce development programs (31%), and/or engage in community-based learning opportunities (31%).

JFF and Comcast NBCUniversal have identified 14 "Innovators to Watch" in their new report for their work in promoting Black talent in technology. These organizations provide resources such as career preparation and technology training to help foster economic mobility for Black learners and workers in technology. Additionally, they all have Black leaders and/or were founded by African Americans and have headquarters across the country.

The nonprofit Black Girls Code, which provides software development training to girls aged 7 to 17, is among the organizations highlighted in the report. BGC has influenced 30,000 students through their coding clubs, summer camps, and workshops, and has 15 chapters across the globe, from the U.S. to South Africa. With a mission to teach one million girls to code by 2040, BGC has collaborated with major corporations, such as Deloitte, Google, and IBM, and offers career preparation assistance to alumni and their peers.

JFF chose Black Girls Code because its model integrates several key features of successful programs, such as the development of technical and soft skills, alumni engagement, and scalability. Additionally, the organization aims to empower Black girls with leadership abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset, which will enable them to succeed in any field.

Besides BGC, Girls Who Code, Eskalera, and Praxis Labs, other notable innovators were included on the list.

Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, parent company of CNBC.

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