It can be argued that our schools have an obligation to prepare students for the future by connecting them directly with opportunities for professional success. As the tech industry continues to boom, for example, this means increasing exposure to the tools and trades of STEM fields like computer science.

It may also be argued that our society has an obligation to ensure that the work propelling our nation forward is performed by a slate of professionals that truly represents the diversity of this country. As demand grows for STEM careers, this means increasing access to education and training for those populations that remain underrepresented in tech fields.

In this article series, we explore how schools can join forces with the professional sector to establish clear pathways from the classroom to career opportunities—opening new doors for traditionally underserved communities.