The Kapor Center conducts research, funds external research, shares findings and best practices, builds capacity among stakeholders and informs policy. Our unparalleled analysis of diversity and inclusion underpins all of our work, helping us improve opportunities for underrepresented genius while strengthening our national economy.
-
Areas of Focus
Equity in K–12 Computer Science Education
Without access to rigorous computer science and STEM courses, underrepresented students have limited opportunities and aspirations to develop computing knowledge. Our research examines course availability, enrollment, persistence and equity in computer science education while also identifying ways of expanding computer science knowledge to all students, particularly girls and students of color.
Entry, Persistence, and Completion of Degrees in Computing
When women and underrepresented students of color reach higher education, a range of barriers prevent them from pursuing and persisting in computer science majors and completing computing degrees. We develop research-based interventions and strategies to increase their participation and success in computing studies.
Participation and Inclusion in the Tech Workforce
Biases and inequity hinder hiring, advancement opportunities and wages for women and people of color in tech. Moreover, workplace cultures of harassment and hostility prevent these groups from entering and remaining in the tech workforce in the first place. We examine and identify strategies to resolve these problems and foster diversity and inclusion in tech workplaces.
Diversifying Entrepreneurship
Our team explores ways to mitigate the bias among tech founders and investors who decide what ideas deserve funding. The goal is to create an ecosystem where women and underrepresented people of color have equal access to social networks and capital, and no longer face prejudice in investment decisions.
-
Featured Research
Computer Science in California Schools: An Analysis of Access, Enrollment and Equity
Data Brief: Women and Girls of Color in Computing
Computer Science in California’s Public Schools: 2016 AP CS Results and Implications
Search Reports by Category
Expanding the Latinx Tech Pipeline – The Time For Action Is Now October 15, 2021 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Computer Science Intervention, Education, Research Publications, STEM Research - As the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted America’s economic and social life, it also exposed long-lived inequities across racial and ethnic groups. Latinx, together with Black Americans, disproportionately shouldered the burden of this far-reaching crisis. Overrepresented in frontline positions, both groups… Continue Reading
The California Computer Science Access Report September 28, 2021 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Computer Science Intervention, Education, Research Publications, STEM Research - Because technology fuels California’s economy, computer science (CS) education has become foundational to the success of its future workforce. With California’s leading role in the tech sector, it must also lead the way in preparing the next generation of students… Continue Reading
In a year of tragedy, injustice, and upheaval, have we seen progress in the quest for racial justice in technology? May 25, 2021 Posted in: Civic Engagement, Civic Technology, Racial Justice, Research Publications, Tech & Social Impact, Technology, Uncategorized - On May 25, 2020, the world had been shaken by the brutal murder of George Floyd that forced a reckoning with our country’s history of racism, and led to subsequent calls for systemic change to finally address longstanding racial inequities… Continue Reading
THE COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER LANDSCAPE: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE TEACHER SURVEY May 6, 2021 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Computer Science Intervention, Education, Research Publications, STEM Research - While the technology sector remains one of the fastest growing industries across the nation and continues to rapidly permeate all facets of society, the next generation of the computing workforce must be equipped with the skills to examine how current… Continue Reading
The Black Technology Workforce: Designing a More Inclusive Future February 22, 2021 Posted in: Diversifying Tech, Professional Development, Racial Justice, Research Publications, Technology, Uncategorized, Workplace Culture - Why aren’t there more Black workers in tech, and why is progress so slow? Download infographic here. Overall data trends across the tech industry show a disparity in Black representation across the ecosystem. Since 2014, advocacy groups (including the Congressional… Continue Reading
Teacher Perspectives on COVID-19’s Impact on K-12 Computer Science Instruction October 19, 2020 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Research Publications, Uncategorized - When the COVID-19 pandemic forced teachers nationwide to transition hastily to emergency distance learning environments, concerns about educational equity and access emerged. The Kapor Center and the Computer Science Teachers Association surveyed nearly 3,700 K-12 computer science teachers, to understand… Continue Reading
Computer Science in California Schools: An Analysis of Access, Enrollment and Equity June 14, 2019 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Research Publications, Uncategorized - This report examines current and trend data on course access, enrollment, and equity in computer science education across California. Key findings from this report include: *Just 39% of high schools in California offer computer science courses, and only 14% offer… Continue Reading- What’s it like to be a female tech entrepreneur? February 1, 2019 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Computer Science Intervention, Girls of Color In CS, Research Publications, Uncategorized - It’s been roughly one year since the summer of Silicon Valley’s discontent. Women’s stories of their encounters with creepy VCs may not have surprised us, but they did usher in a series of expulsions, hand-wringing and — because this is Silicon Valley — opportunities… Continue Reading
- Data Brief: Women and Girls of Color in Computing August 3, 2018 Posted in: Computer Science Access, Computer Science Intervention, Girls of Color In CS, Research Publications - The Kapor Center has partnered with the Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology at Arizona State University to launch the Women of Color in Computing Researcher/Practitioner Collaborative (https://www.wocincomputing.org). This data brief outlines the participation of women of color… Continue Reading
- SMASH Impact Report 2017 Executive Summary May 11, 2018 Posted in: Computer Science Intervention, Research Publications, STEM Research - SMASH evaluation data have been collected each summer for seven years, along with annual alumni surveys to examine longitudinal outcomes of SMASH scholars. The SMASH Impact Report 2017 Executive Summary provides the summary of these results from this past year… Continue Reading