There is an explosion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based opportunities and needs for qualified people to take on these new jobs. Industry expectations are for these positions to grow faster than all other types of occupations. The growth of STEM based careers is critical to contributing to our nation’s ability to maintain technology leadership in the global economy. Companies are rapidly adopting the use of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Nanotechnology, BioInformatics, Robotics, Cybersecurity, IOT to create new products, services and solutions to global business problems. Industries such as Biotech, BioMedicine, Manufacturing, Finance/Banking, Retail/Commerce, Entertainment, Education, Travel/Hospitality are looking for ways to create innovative and cost effective products and services.
Our nation needs a pipeline of diversified candidates who are trained in STEM programs to take on these positions. However there is a large disparity and inequality in terms of diversity of the employees in technology companies. Currently there are only 5% Latinx, 8% African Americans, 15% Asians in the tech industry. Employers will point out that there are not enough “qualified” candidates to fill these positions.
The problem is not that there are not enough qualified candidates. It lies in the fact that we have not actively recruited, engaged and promoted diverse students to take on these positions. Many of our young multicultural students do not have role models nor are encouraged to pursue these types of positions. We must change that situation immediately. We must have a vision to create a long term plan to develop, encourage, and mentor multicultural girls and boys to become these potential employees starting in pre-school through college. Only then will we be able to create long term change and leadership that reflects our nation.
Thus the 2045 Leadership & Vision platform was created. It is a long term roadmap encompassing the major areas of leadership, management and development to create the next generation of multicultural leaders in STEM and all industries. It involves a platform that brings together regional and national alliances that offer leadership and development programs for all young people. The platform serves to amplify and accelerate the mutual objectives shared by all these organizations.
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