Information Technology Workforce - ITWF: Catching Up: A Longitudinal Study on Latino Participation in the Information Economy

Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Information Technology Workforce (ITWF) Proposal Id: EIA-0119858 Investigator: Louis Tornatzky Institution: Tomas Rivera Policy Institute Title: Catching Up: A Longitudinal Study in Latino Participation in the Information Economy This award provides support for a 3-year study to better understand the factors relevant to Latino's involvement in Information Technology (IT) careers. The study will examine various factors influencing the attenuated representation of Latinos in IT jobs, career paths, and appropriate educational experiences. The research approach will be longitudinal using a cross-sectional approach to gather quantifiable as well as qualitative data that encompasses the many decisions and influences that occur between late-adolescence and early IT careers. The research approach will also be multi-level examining the decisions and behaviors of Latinos as affected by: (1) family dynamics including socioeconomic standing, role models, and immigration history; (2) school structure, policies, student population, and programs, at three levels within K-16; (3) community characteristics and dynamics; and (4) regional economies and markets. Data will be gathered from four metropolitan areas with high concentrations of Latino residents: Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and New York.