Parents, They’re Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud: Why We Must Prepare Our Children for the Future of Tech
When public figures like Vivek Ramaswamy criticize American culture for prioritizing “mediocrity over excellence,” we should pause and listen—not to take offense, but to understand the bigger picture. Ramaswamy argues that our society celebrates prom queens and star athletes more than valedictorians and math champions, leaving the U.S. lagging behind in producing world-class engineers, scientists, and innovators.
While his delivery may have been controversial, the message carries weight: If we want our children to thrive in tomorrow’s world, we must prioritize education, critical thinking, and tech skills today.
Let’s unpack what this means for Black parents and create a roadmap for our children’s success in a tech-driven world.
1. The Quiet Truth: The World Isn’t Waiting for Us
The tech industry isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating.
Companies are hiring engineers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists from around the globe, largely because they claim there’s a shortage of qualified talent in the U.S. Whether we agree with that or not, one thing is clear: tech jobs are abundant, well-paying, and future-proof.
But here’s the hard truth: If our children aren’t prepared for these roles, others will fill them.
2. The Barriers We Must Overcome
Historically, our community has faced challenges in accessing opportunities in tech:
• 🏫 Underfunded Schools: Many of our children don’t have access to quality STEM education.
• 👩🏾💻 Representation Gaps: Our kids rarely see themselves represented in tech leadership roles.
• 💰 Economic Challenges: Certifications, advanced degrees, and bootcamps can be costly.
• 🤝 Networking Barriers: Lack of mentors and professional networks limits opportunities.
But these barriers are not insurmountable. With intentional action, we can create pathways to success.
3. Action Plan for Black Parents: Securing Our Children’s Future in Tech
Step 1: Prioritize Academic Excellence at Home
• 📝 Embrace STEM Early: Encourage curiosity in math, science, and technology from an early age.
• 🎮 Turn Screen Time into Learning Time: Platforms like Khan Academy, Scratch (coding for kids), and BrainPOP make STEM fun.
• 📚 Champion Reading & Critical Thinking: Build habits around problem-solving and analytical skills.
Parent Tip: Celebrate your child’s academic wins—small and big. Make valedictorian a household goal.
Step 2: Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Opportunities
Education doesn’t have to break the bank.
• 🎓 MIT Free Tuition: Families earning less than $200,000 /year can now access free tuition at MIT.
• 💻 Free Tech Resources:
• Khan Academy: Free online math and science education.
• Coursera: Offers free tech courses from top universities.
• FreeCodeCamp.org: Learn programming for free.
• 🏫 Local STEM Programs: Look for free coding bootcamps and STEM workshops in your community.
Parent Tip: Research programs like Black Girls CODE, Code2040, and TechHire that specifically support Black youth.
Step 3: Guide Them Towards In-Demand Tech Careers
The most valuable tech jobs aren’t just coding—they span a range of fields:
• 💻 Software Engineering: Coding and app development.
• 🔒 Cybersecurity: Ethical hacking and network security.
• 📊 Data Science & AI: Machine learning and big data analytics.
• ☁️ Cloud Computing: Managing platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure.
• 📱 User Experience (UX) Design: Designing intuitive digital products.
These jobs aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they are essential and high-paying roles.
Parent Tip: Sit down with your child and explore these fields together. Show them how exciting these careers can be.
Step 4: Build Tech Networks Early
• 🤝 Find Mentors: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with Black tech professionals.
• 📅 Attend Tech Events: Take your child to STEM expos, coding competitions, and tech meetups.
• 👩🏾💼 Encourage Internships: Look for summer internship programs in tech companies.
Parent Tip: Connect with organizations like AfroTech, NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), and Blacks in Technology (BIT).
Step 5: Advocate for Change in Your Community
Our kids’ futures depend on systemic change, too:
• 🏫 Advocate for STEM Funding: Attend school board meetings and push for STEM resources.
• 📣 Hold Schools Accountable: Make sure your child’s school prioritizes math and science excellence.
• 🗳️ Support STEM Policies: Elect leaders who prioritize STEM education and tech equity.
Parent Tip: Don’t wait for change—be the change. Volunteer to start after-school coding clubs or STEM programs.
4. Build a Tech-Positive Home Culture
Success starts at home.
• 💬 Normalize Conversations About Tech Careers: Talk about engineers, scientists, and tech leaders at the dinner table.
• 📺 Expose Them to Role Models: Share stories about Dr. Mark Dean (co-inventor of the PC) or Kimberly Bryant (founder of Black Girls CODE).
• 🎓 Set Academic Goals Together: Make education a family mission, not just an individual task.
5. The Future is Ours to Shape
While billionaires and political factions argue about immigration policies, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prepare our children for industries that are reshaping the world.
Tech isn’t just a career path—it’s an opportunity for generational wealth, innovation, and leadership.
We must collectively commit to educate, equip, and empower our children.
“If we fail to prepare our kids for the digital future, we will be left behind. But if we act now, we will lead it.”
Closing Thoughts for Parents
They’re saying the quiet part out loud.
Let’s listen. Let’s act.
Our children deserve seats at the table, not crumbs from it.
The future is tech—and the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Want to know why steps you can take to lead by example and get into the tech pace yourself? Read our previous article here.