Advancing the talent pipeline for women in information technology through increased enrollment in middle-skill information technology degree programs

Abstract

The digital revolution has fueled enormous job growth in information technology and computing. The current talent pipeline, largely dominated by men, will not produce enough workers to meet industry demands. Increased global competition requires innovative technological solutions and products to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population of users. Women are an under-tapped resource for both meeting employment demand and helping to increase innovation through increased diversity. A significant amount of research has been dedicated to the small number of women who decide to begin down the information technology career path. Most of the research has focused on university computer science programs. The university programs attract largely middle- and upper-middle-class white women. Community and technical colleges are an essential training ground for middle-skilled information technology careers. The colleges traditionally attract a more diverse student body and are primed to help train the future computing workforce. In this exploratory study, four women who are current or recent students in two-year colleges in the Upper Midwest and who vary in age, socio-economic status, and racial/ ethnic identity were interviewed to better understand their lived experiences and perceptions that have helped them envision themselves in careers in information technology.