In 2025, the tech industry is at a crossroads. Innovation is accelerating, but inclusion is stalling. As federal policies threaten diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, nonprofits committed to building a more representative tech workforce are being forced to defend their very existence.
This conversation is especially urgent as we approach Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 8–14) and Georgia Day of Code (Dec. 5)—two commemorations that spotlight the importance of computer science education and equitable access to tech skills. These dates remind us that the future of innovation depends on who gets to participate in it.
At HYPE, we believe tech should reflect the world it serves. That means creating space for every young person—regardless of race, gender, age, income or background—to see themselves in STEM. Our mission is rooted in access, equity, inclusion and visibility.
But today, those values are under siege.
Recent shifts in federal policy and public sentiment are quietly eroding the support systems that help girls and women thrive in education and the workplace. Research shows that as DEI initiatives face rollbacks, women — especially those from marginalized communities — are losing access to inclusive learning environments, mentorship and career pathways in STEM. These changes risk widening gender gaps and limiting the ambitions of the next generation.
At the same time, the complexity of training tech talent is growing exponentially. In an era where AI is reshaping entry-level roles and headlines predict the decline of coding jobs, our work of teaching technical skills to future creators is even more critical when we add the weight of equipping youth with transferable, enduring capabilities that can outlast the next wave of disruption.
The consequences are real.
According to the Center for Effective Philanthropy, nonprofit leaders are facing burnout, shrinking budgets and rising demand. The Urban Institute reports that many nonprofits are struggling to meet community needs with fewer resources. And the American Bar Association warns that nonprofits prioritizing equity may face legal scrutiny under new federal mandates.
These funding cuts don’t just strain budgets — they threaten the very programs designed to create a more inclusive future. For nonprofits like HYPE, which sit at the intersection of tech workforce development and equity, the stakes are even higher. We’re not only fighting to keep doors open; we’re fighting to ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the diversity of the world they will serve.
Because inclusion isn’t just about opportunity — it’s about voice. When we remove youth from the creative process, we risk building solutions that fail to represent the very communities we aim to serve. Silencing youth perspectives today means widening the economic mobility gap tomorrow.
Despite these headwinds, HYPE continues to give—every day. We give students the tools to code, build and lead. We give them mentors who look like them and believe in them. We give them access to tech careers that once felt out of reach. We give them the confidence to take up space in rooms where they’ve historically been excluded.
And as we celebrate Giving Tuesday, Georgia Day of Code and Computer Science Education Week, we’re reminded that inclusion isn’t just about teaching code — it’s about creating pathways to careers, amplifying voices and ensuring every student sees
themselves in the tech economy. These moments aren’t just calendar dates; they’re calls to action.
This Giving Tuesday, we’re not asking for money. We’re asking for something deeper: your voice, your advocacy and your belief in a tech industry that sees us all. Generosity isn’t just about dollars — it’s about showing up, speaking out and standing with those who are building a better future.
So, here’s what you can do this season of giving and learning:
- Share your story of inclusivity—or highlight someone else’s story that inspires you.
- Use #InclusiveChampion and #SeeUsAllinTech to celebrate advocates for inclusion in STEM and beyond.
- Volunteer your time or skills with nonprofits serving youth in tech.
- Invite someone to explore STEM organizations building future tech leaders.
- Advocate for inclusive policies and practices within your workplace.
Because when we give visibility, we give power. And when we give opportunity, we give hope. Visit https://gethype.org to learn how HYPE is building a tech ecosystem where no one feels unseen.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s remember: Inclusion isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Kristina Newton is the Founder and Executive Director of HYPE, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping underrepresented girls with tech skills, leadership training and access to networks that open doors to thriving careers. A former technology consultant turned social impact entrepreneur, Kristina has raised over $1 million and impacted nearly 5,000 girls globally since launching HYPE in 2017. She is a Computer Engineering graduate of Prairie View A&M University and an advocate for equity in STEM education, recognized by awards including the Salesforce Foundation Catalyst Award and multiple TEDx engagements.
