Analysis:
In the Massachusetts technology sector, only 5% of workers are Black, 7% are Latinx and only 33% are women, according to the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. With the Jumpstart Fellowship Program, MassRobotics is challenging the belief that there is a shortage of tech talent in Massachusetts. Rather, MassRobotics asserts that providing technical training, mentoring and access to professional networks will cultivate the talent and perspective that is currently lacking in the sector. MassRobotics believes that by setting women of color up for success in the technology field, they will more likely pursue these disciplines for their professional careers. MassRobotics has a lot of important initiatives, but building a program to diversify the robotics talent pool in Massachusetts and beyond might be its most important. - Steve Crowe