Diversity Gaps in Computer Science
A Google-Gallup partnership identifies structural and social barriers students face at home, in schools and in society that could influence their likelihood to enter the computer science field.
Unfortunately, many U.S. students are facing challenges beyond their control when it comes to gaining a viable education. Underrepresented groups in computer science degrees and jobs -- including girls, Blacks and Hispanics -- each face unique structural and social barriers in both exposure and access to computer science (CS). These barriers create differences in opportunities to learn, challenging education leaders and tech companies who want to influence more students to study CS and pursue a career in this vital field.
By identifying the structural and social barriers to getting an education in CS, the Google-Gallup partnership research fills a crucial gap in the tech world. The findings create a path that allows more students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to solve complex problems and foster creativity and innovation.
This report provides an understanding of the effects of various barriers to learning and is the first step toward building support to encourage equitable learning of CS among all students.
of Black students, compared with
58%of White students, have classes dedicated to CS at their school.
Teachers are more likely than parents to say a lack of exposure is a major reason why women and racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in CS fields.
of Black students
50%of Hispanic students
68%of white students
Percentage of students who use a computer at home at least most days of the week.
To shrink the diversity gap in CS, tech companies and educational institutions need to make computer science more engaging and accessible to underrepresented groups.
Diversity Gaps in Computer Science: Exploring the Underrepresentation of Girls, Blacks and Hispanics provides education leaders with insights into today's underrepresented students. Take an in-depth look at the barriers, both structurally and socially, that these students face and how to influence their likelihood to enter the computer science field.
Download this report to learn:
- how underrepresented students are learning CS
- strategies to increase underrepresented students' exposure to technology
- ways to propel interest and confidence in learning CS in underrepresented groups
- the media's representation of people in CS
- reasons for underrepresentation of certain groups in CS
- why there is a perception that CS is only for certain groups, namely White or Asian males
Since 2014, Google and Gallup have partnered to research CS education in U.S. K-12 schools.