LA’s Tech Opportunity Pipeline

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Local companies in LA often overlook the city's diverse talent by focusing on recruiting from top universities and outsourcing, neglecting local talent pipelines crucial to LA's creative vitality. To leverage LA's tech sector growth, it is imperative to increase tech access and paid opportunities for people of color, opportunity youth, and undocumented individuals. Diverse tech companies consistently demonstrate superior economic performance, fostering innovation that drives growth and profitability. Moreover, according to the Brookings Institute (2019), diverse tech hubs attract broader talent pools, enhancing competitiveness, lowering unemployment, and bolstering economic stability. LA hosts approximately 73,000 opportunity youth and 951,000 undocumented individuals, a vast, underutilized talent pool. Connecting them to tech careers could collectively generate over $2M in lifetime earnings per individual, surpassing median-paying careers in LA County (Measure of America Study, 2019).

LA-Tech.org aims to fill critical gaps in existing programming by expanding opportunities for underserved demographics often excluded from LA County-supported tech employment, such as opportunity youth over 24 and undocumented talent. While we've successfully partnered with LA County to offer tech opportunities to residents aged 18-24, many applicants are disqualified due to age or residency status. Partnering with LA2050, our initiative aims to bridge this divide by launching a targeted program. This initiative will provide hands-on tech training, mentorship and comprehensive support, including one-to-one coaching and access to industry events. Beyond technical skills, participants will receive career guidance essential for long-term success. By fostering close partnerships with local tech firms and community stakeholders, we intend to create inclusive pathways into tech careers. Our ambitious goal is to connect 300 individuals, including 150 in paid work experiences, to tech careers by 2025, fostering diversity and transforming LA's tech sector into a more inclusive and innovative environment. Through culturally responsive outreach and programming, we seek not only to dismantle systemic barriers but also to cultivate a sense of empowerment and belonging within the tech community. Ultimately, this initiative aims to harness LA's diverse talent pool to drive innovation, economic growth, and resilience across the region, ensuring a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

If successful, our initiative will foster greater inclusivity and diversity within LA County's tech sector. Our vision is an ecosystem where opportunity youth and undocumented talent actively contribute and innovate. Success entails dismantling barriers, ensuring equitable access to tech education and jobs, and promoting economic mobility for underserved communities. Short-term goals include securing paid tech roles for at least 20 opportunity youth and undocumented individuals in the upcoming program season, showcasing the potential of underrepresented groups. Our comprehensive support system--offering coaching, mentorship, and professional development--will ensure participants are job-ready for sustained growth. Exposure to industry events will facilitate networking and knowledge of tech trends. Long-term, we plan program expansion through increased funding and partnerships, aiming to connect 300 individuals to tech careers by 2025, with over 150 in paid work experiences.

To measure the impact of the existing initiative, we track several key metrics. First, we monitor employment outcomes, with historical data showing that 60% of LA-Tech.org alumni secure paid tech employment within six months. Additionally, we assess skill development by comparing pre- and post-program assessment scores, indicating significant improvements in soft skill development, particularly with building community in the tech industry and interview preparedness. Intern satisfaction is gauged through exit surveys and periodic check-ins facilitated by LA-Tech.org coaches, providing qualitative feedback on their experiences. Lastly, we conduct longitudinal studies to monitor long-term career progression, including career advancements and salary increases. This comprehensive approach provides evidence that the initiative effectively supports scholars and addresses the identified problem.