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The first step to winning the game is to participate in the game. The continued effect of the lack of participation in technology by historically marginalized populations leads to further economic inequality and inequality. In order for there to be mutual economic benefits at the community level, many ways of participation should be established and more people should be involved.
Now is the time to find new ways to get students of all ages on the sidelines and into the game. Too many people are watching from the sidelines, believing they don’t have what it takes to get out on the field. Limiting beliefs can keep some from participating when they have the capacity and potential to grow. 
Dr. Marcus Bright
Sometimes it just takes a spark of interest in building and designing things to inspire you to take the next step in learning programming development platforms like Python and JavaScript.
There is a need to provide early exposure to the many roles in the tech economy and create pathways for interested students to delve deeper into their chosen area of interest. This takes both qualified people and dedicated resources to be somewhat consistent and sustainable.
It is important to note that not everyone is directly involved in software development. There are a variety of ways to get involved in technology-related programs, including robotics, gaming, graphic design, sales, and marketing. There are also transferable skills that can be developed in other industries that can be used in participation in the technology economy.
Getting people started and involved puts them at a point where they can create some momentum and gain the skills to play at the highest level. Capacity can be increased after participation. There will undoubtedly be gaps in people’s ability to play at first, but if they are given the right tools, guidance and opportunities, their chances of being competitive in the technology market will increase dramatically.
Capacity building activities can be incorporated into the co-curricular and extra-curricular culture and processes of schools and communities in the same way as in sports such as basketball and football. In sports, the ability and performance of players is improved through coaching and practice. Skills are honed through camps, practices and competitions.
Additionally, there are individual systems and ways that people can work on their craft outside of the formal setting. All these sports training methods are transferred to technology. Internships, certifications, and other training platforms can also be established or strengthened to provide unskilled or semi-skilled individuals with the additional training they need to be competitive in the technology workforce.
Critical technology courses can also be incorporated into the core curriculum of school systems. The relevance of some existing essentials is questionable. The “Flintstones” academic program is no match for the “Jetsons” world. Development opportunities that provide exposure, information, action and connectivity to sustainable capacity-building infrastructure are the starting points for people to identify their needs and accelerate them on their chosen path.
Once engagement and capacity building has begun, deliberate efforts must be made to open doors to technology recruitment and entrepreneurship. Exposure and opportunity are not enough without tangible benefits at the end of the process. Getting people to walk through the doors of tech opportunity won’t do much good if the doors are locked. Beating the door with qualified applicants is the first step to eliminating the excuse that we can’t find enough “qualified” tech workers.
For most people, economic development means finding a high-paying job, and tech opens the window for more individuals to do just that and ultimately improve the financial circumstances of themselves, their families, and their communities.
Initiated and sustained technological engagement will go a long way toward bringing about the kind of economic transformation that will enable individuals and communities to achieve higher levels of educational achievement, social mobility, and better health outcomes.
Dr. Marcus Bright is an academic and social impact strategist.
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