Unlocking Economic Mobility Through Equitable Tech Education
With average salaries in the six figures, jobs in tech have long been powerful pathways to upward mobility. But landing a role in the tech industry requires more than specific skills or a four-year degree. Even well-funded and prestigious four-year colleges and universities have gaps in their programming that prevent students — particularly Black, Latino/a, Indigenous, first-generation and low-income students — from accessing opportunities.
A GitLab Foundation grantee, CodePath helps historically excluded and underserved students find success in the tech industry: there is a 97% increase in successful job or internship placement among Black, Latino/a, and Indigenous students after taking a CodePath course.
“Unfortunately, crucial areas of support are often missing or inadequate in many institutions serving Black and underserved communities,” shared Keithe Williams, senior director of programs and community engagement. “We can create a more equitable and empowering learning environment for all computer science students by identifying and addressing these specific needs.”
CodePath has identified three critical factors that are necessary to ensure equity and opportunity for all computer science students. Interwoven throughout all of these factors is the need for innovation: higher education institutions and programs like CodePath cannot effectively serve students without generating and implementing radical new ideas and partnerships.
Real-world, industry-driven curriculum
The most successful computer science programs bridge the gap between theory and practice. Coursework should challenge students to apply learned concepts to real-world problems using current industry tools and resources. Elements that make up a strong curriculum include:
Credit-bearing courses built around industry standards and tools
An understanding of employer needs and practical experience based on those needs
Real-world preparation for specific scenarios students will encounter in the field, like CodePath’s Technical Interview Prep course
And, it’s important to continuously adapt curriculum to changing needs, trends and technologies. With funding from the GitLab Foundation, CodePath will begin to leverage AI to improve student learning experiences and outcomes, and train students with the skills they need to take full advantage of new roles created by evolving AI technologies.
Flexible, tailored career guidance and support
Career support is central to CodePath’s work, including their newest venture, the Emerging Engineer Empowerment (E3) Program. Launched in February 2024, E3 helps students secure one or more internships before graduation, setting them up for a successful career in tech. CodePath E3 Program will be immediately available at Georgia State University and Perimeter College in Atlanta and Miami Dade College in Miami; it was made possible by funding from the GitLab Foundation, Comcast and others.
“This new program will help us prepare all students, including more women and diverse students, for rewarding careers in tech,” said Georgia State President M. Brian Blake. “As a computer scientist and a person of color, this is extra special for me.”
Supportive communities that foster authenticity and growth
A critical factor to the success of CodePath’s students is building a strong, supportive community.
Ce'Niyah Ellison, a student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, struggled without a support system. "Not having any groups on campus or knowing other students [in computer science] was very tough and alienating. I was struggling on my own [without] any support to reach out to. It made me question if computer science was right for me,” she said. “CodePath overall has a great community and an incredibly supportive team that helps ensure you are where you want to be, both education-wise and career-wise.”
When students connect with peers and mentors, it helps them feel psychologically safe to be vulnerable, make mistakes and seek guidance. Strong support, mentorship and community also helps openly address mental roadblocks like imposter syndrome and create an inclusive environment.
“Intentionally building a sense of community in departments where representation is lacking creates a space for students to proactively connect with professors, peers and resources,” explained Tori Darby, senior manager of university partnerships at CodePath.
By focusing on real-world curriculum, tailored career guidance and supportive community building, CodePath drives significant impact by helping students access high-quality, high-income careers in tech. The impact is felt not only by CodePath alumni and their families but by communities at large. In the South Florida region alone, CodePath alumni will generate approximately $333.6 million in additive earnings over a 15-year period. We’re proud to support their continued growth and success.
The Projected ROI of CodePath’s grant focused on developing high-quality talent pipelines is $114 of increased earnings for every dollar we invest. The projected ROI of CodePath’s grant focused on reprogramming higher ed to create a diverse generation of AI-enabled engineers is $2,409 of increased earnings for every dollar we invest.
