Many companies, like Google and Facebook reveals have challenges in developing a more diverse workforce. In July 2016, Facebook published its latest diversity report revealing that only 2% of its U.S. workforce is black and only 4% are Hispanic. When it comes to technical workers, the numbers are even worse: 1% is black, 3% Hispanic. These numbers haven’t moved since the company’s first two diversity reports, released in 2014 and 2015 despite the fact that the company has said how hard it’s working to increase diversity through partnerships and programs, both internal and external. There has been a small uptick in the number of hires who are Asian; it’s inched up 2% each year to 38% in 2016. And Google’s diversity goals haven’t fared any better matching a trend across Silicon Valley and the tech world.Can some of the blame be placed on the skills gap? With only 1 in 4 U.S. high schools teaching computer science, programs and mentors outside tradition education avenues are criticial.Tameika Reed and Women in Linux have some great ideas and locally tested solutions to offer that can move the needle toward a sustainable diversified workplace. Join Station 2 Innovation and Women in Linux for great insights and a series of practical steps that will help the tech industry’s goal of greater diversification.