Innovating Pathways for Underrepresented Students with Jehron Petty of ColorStack

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jehron Petty, founder and CEO of ColorStack. Together, they explore underrepresentation in the tech industry, the need for nonprofits to adapt and embrace new revenue streams, and how to find the right audience for nonprofit initiatives. 

Jehron Petty is the founder and CEO of ColorStack, which exists to “increase the number of Black and Latinx Computer Science graduates who go on to launch rewarding technical careers.” During Jehron’s tenure, ColorStack grew its membership to over 10,000 Black and Latinx Computer Science students nationwide, raised $5M+, and expanded its staff to 7 full-time employees. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Coding it Forward (CIF). 

Breaking Barriers: Solving the Diversity Gap in Tech Through ColorStack's Mission

Jehron's journey to tackle underrepresentation in the tech industry is particularly personal. After beginning a computer science program at Cornell, he noticed a significant diversity gap, which sparked a mission to address the issue. What started as a localized initiative to support peers struggling in computer science has grown into a national organization dedicated to increasing the number of Black and Latinx graduates entering rewarding technical careers. 

ColorStack's mission focuses on three key objectives: retaining students who drop out of computer science, ensuring those on the path to graduation stay the course, and encouraging underrepresented individuals who never considered the field due to a lack of perceived opportunities.

Colorstack addresses the problem at multiple stages of the pipeline. Rather than solely focusing on graduates seeking jobs, ColorStack is working to foster a robust support system that starts early in students' academic journeys. This comprehensive approach ensures that students from underrepresented backgrounds not only graduate but also thrive in technical roles, helping to address the tech industry’s ongoing diversity issues at their roots.

Scaling Impact Amid Market Shifts: ColorStack's Growth Strategy in a Changing Landscape

In a rapidly changing landscape for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, nonprofits like ColorStack face new challenges. Initially, the organization's growth was fueled by corporate partnerships and university recruiting events, with companies eager to support its mission of connecting Black and Latinx students with opportunities in tech. However, as market conditions shifted, especially in DEI spending, ColorStack has had to adapt its funding model to sustain its growth.

This shift in strategy highlights the importance of flexibility and innovation for nonprofit sustainability. Jehron's strategy involves pivoting to philanthropic revenue streams, applying for grants, and shifting the narrative to focus on systemic impact rather than just talent acquisition. This evolution showcases a proactive approach to maintaining momentum in challenging times, ensuring that ColorStack continues to provide value to its community despite external pressures. By staying agile and finding new ways to communicate its mission, the organization is positioned to expand its influence in the tech industry.

The Cost of Collaboration: Being Honest About Resource Allocation in Nonprofits

Collaboration is a buzzword in the nonprofit world, but its practical application often comes with hidden costs. While many organizations are eager to partner up in the spirit of helping each other and maximizing impact, there is a tendency to overlook the cost of collaboration. Too often, nonprofits assume that collaboration should be free—in terms of time AND resources—leading to strained relationships and unsustainable efforts.

The major takeaway from Jehron is that nonprofits must be transparent about the cost of collaboration, not only in terms of financial resources but the time, personnel, and energy required. Open conversations about these factors allow organizations to better align their missions and resources. Rather than stretching themselves thin by attempting to do everything for free, nonprofits should establish boundaries that prioritize mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.

Being upfront about what each party brings to the table ensures that collaborations are efficient and effective. This honesty strengthens relationships between organizations, creating more meaningful partnerships that can better serve their target audiences without overextending themselves.

Get the Full Scoop!

Listen to this episode of the Creating Good podcast to learn more from Jehron about underrepresentation in the tech industry and much more!