More must be done to reach young people of color earlier in their academic careers to help them tap into job exploration, skills building, and professional development. One of the most effective and proactive steps employers can take is to expand quality internships. Just as companies are increasingly sharing the diversity numbers of their full-time employees, they need to examine the demographics of their internship cohorts and establish diversity goals. In addition, companies should work to expand access to internet access and technology and revise their own hiring practices. If young people of color continue to be overburdened with debt and are not provided with a fair chance to gain the skills they need to pursue their interests, companies and communities will lose out on their talent, passions, and contributions.
Authors: Angela Jackson, Joiselle Cunningham
Source: Harvard Business Review
Subjects: Diversity, Human Resources
