Despite recent efforts to address diversity issues in the IT industry, there is still a long way to go in creating inclusive workplaces where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. In response to this ongoing lack of diversity, several nonprofits have emerged with a mission to foster inclusivity and advance careers in IT, particularly for Black professionals.

NPower is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented communities to break into the IT field. For over 20 years, NPower's tuition-free Tech Fundamentals program has been empowering young adults from underserved communities, as well as military members, spouses, and veterans, to pursue IT careers. The program equips students with essential IT skills and offers support services such as rent relief, childcare, and mental health resources. NPower also provides certification classes, resume workshops, interview practice, and job search support, while actively partnering with corporations to diversify IT talent pipelines.

DevColor focuses on empowering Black technologists by creating a supportive community within the tech industry. Their A* program brings together cohorts of mid- to senior-level leaders in the field, facilitating monthly meetings over a year. Through these engagements, participants gain valuable perspectives, career advice, and support from peers. DevColor helps members navigate difficult conversations, develop negotiation skills, and boost self-advocacy. By fostering collaboration and growth, DevColor addresses the isolation often felt by Black IT professionals.

Year Up bridges the opportunity divide for economically disadvantaged young adults aged 18 to 29. Their comprehensive one-year training program combines soft skills development, technical education, and internships with corporate partners. Students at Year Up gain valuable IT skills and corporate work experience. The program provides extensive support to accommodate students' outside schedules. By partnering with corporate organizations, Year Up not only promotes diversity but also offers a new talent pipeline for companies seeking IT professionals. Many interns are eventually offered full-time positions, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.

While efforts to diversify the IT workforce often focus on entry-level recruitment, ITSMF (Information Technology Senior Management Forum) takes a different approach. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting Black IT professionals in their journey to climb the leadership ladder within the industry. By offering a strong sense of community, mentorship, training, and support, ITSMF aims to address the significant lack of Black representation at executive and leadership levels.

Established in 1996, ITSMF emerged in response to the alarming underrepresentation of Black IT professionals. In 1993, only 3% of IT management roles were occupied by Black technologists. Despite some progress over the years, recent data from the Diversity in High Tech report published by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission indicates that Black professionals currently hold just 7% of positions in the tech industry, with a mere 2% in tech executive roles.

For many ITSMF members, attending the organization's events provided a transformative experience. These gatherings offered Black IT professionals the opportunity to witness a room filled with leaders who shared their background and experiences. Robert Scott, the vice president and dean of the ITSMF Global Institute for Professional Development, vividly recalls his first ITSMF event as a vice president. Overwhelmed with emotion, he found himself "absolutely floored, to the point of silence," as he surveyed the room and discovered "all of these people that looked like me, that were at my level, and that I never knew existed."

ITSMF's core offerings include mentorship programs through three distinct academies: the Executive Academy, Management Academy, and Emerge Academy. The Executive and Management academies provide intensive 10-month programs aimed at developing leadership skills and advancing careers. On the other hand, the year-long Emerge Academy specifically targets mid-level and executive-level women of color in leadership positions, providing them with a supportive environment for growth and advancement.

Through these academies, ITSMF equips participants with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed in leadership roles within the IT industry. By focusing on developing and empowering Black IT professionals, ITSMF aims to drive significant change in the representation of Black leaders and executives, ultimately creating a more diverse and inclusive IT landscape.