Project L.I.T.E. (Links Increase Technology Thru Education)
The Central Area of The Links, Incorporated launched Project LITE (Links Increase Technology Thru Education) to empower underserved and underrepresented communities. This initiative focuses on technology and coding and addresses the digital divide aligned with our National focus, Services to Youth – STEMREady initiative. The goals of Project ITE are to:
- Foster ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity in the world of tech
- Expose approximately 1000 youth, women, and families to computing skills (coding) for 21st-century opportunities
- Increase the number of young people interested in pursuing nontraditional courses in middle school through college.
Improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a priority, especially among African American students. African American youth are the least likely racial group to enter technology fields (U.S. Department of Labor). There must be support and encouragement to participate and pathways to success in STEM courses and careers for underrepresented students.
By preparing and encouraging students to attend colleges and universities with STEM-related programs, The Links, Incorporated equips students of color with the skills to compete and excel in a global workforce that increasingly relies on individuals with STEM-related proficiencies.