Building Tech Social Capital: Empowering Underrepresented People in Tech

As a Black woman working in social sciences research, one of my key interests is helping schools and organizations foster inclusive learning environments where youth, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented in the tech field, can build and expand their social capital. Through my work and collaboration with educational institutions, I’m committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the connections and support they need to thrive in the STEM, especially in the tech industry. Find out more about this work here.

What is Tech Social Capital? Tech social capital is all about the support you get from your social networks—whether it’s your family, friends, mentors, or colleagues. These connections provide advice, emotional support, and guidance, helping you navigate the tech world and find opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

There are two main types of tech social capital:

• Bonding Social Capital: This comes from close relationships with people who share similar backgrounds, like family and friends. These connections offer emotional support, advice, and a sense of belonging.

• Linking Social Capital: This involves building professional connections with mentors, industry professionals, and others who can offer valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities.

  
  

Why is Tech Social Capital Important? For people who are often underrepresented in tech, like Black and Latinx youth, building a strong network can make a big difference. Connecting with mentors and professionals in the industry can help you find opportunities you might not have known about or felt ready for. Having someone who believes in you is really important—it gives you the strength to keep going, even when things get tough.

When you face microaggressions that make you feel like you don’t belong, social networks can be a crucial source of support, social networks can play a vital role in providing a safe space for support and validation. Inclusive spaces with communities that share similar experiences can help mitigate feelings of isolation and offer strategies for coping with these challenges. These communities can also help you speak out, raising awareness and pushing for change in the industry. By recognizing and appreciating the unique perspectives of underrepresented people, we not only support each other but also bring more creativity and diversity into tech—a field that benefits from new ideas and different experiences.

How Can Schools and STEM Youth Organizations Help Their Students Develop their Tech Social Capital? Formal education plays a crucial role in helping students build the tech social capital they need to succeed in their careers. Schools can do this by:

1. Mentorship Programs: Schools can connect students with professionals in the tech industry who can provide guidance and support.

2. Career-Focused Networking: Schools can create opportunities for students to network with industry professionals, helping them build the connections necessary for future success.

3. Cultural Competence Education: Schools can educate students and staff about the importance of diversity in tech, fostering an environment where underrepresented groups feel valued and supported.

4. Community Partnerships: Schools can partner with local businesses and tech companies to create internships, job shadowing opportunities, and other career-related experiences that allow students to gain real-world insights and build their professional networks.

Take Action: Engage with Your School Ask your school how they help students expand their career-related social capita? Are there mentorship programs, networking events, or partnerships with local businesses that connect students with industry professionals? By ensuring that schools prioritize the development of social capital, we can inc students to thrive in the tech industry and beyond.

As someone deeply invested in social sciences research, I know that by focusing on tech social capital, we can help underrepresented people not only enter the tech industry but thrive in it. This benefits everyone, leading to a more inclusive, innovative, and dynamic tech world.