The Consumer Technology Association recently announced an innovative partnership to bring STEM education to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

Research shows that low-income students, especially students of color, lack the same access to STEM programs than do their suburban peers. The Consumer Technology Association seeks to mitigate this particular achievement gap.

“Our partnership ensures that kids have access to STEM, tech, and entrepreneurship,” senior vice president of political and industry affairs Tiffany Moore told me. “We need to make sure that all kids, particularly from disadvantaged households, have these experiences.”

The Consumer Technology Association recently held a meet-and-greet with Boys & Girls Club members, mock interviews, and a presentation about tech trends at their headquarters. They also hope to bring in industry leaders to speak about careers and teach the “soft skills” of networking, presenting, and communicating. They also plan to hold a program for future young innovators that will culminate in a business pitch competition.

“Technology runs throughout every career these days,” Moore emphasized. “We want to make sure we are accessing the diverse talent that the U.S. has to offer this field.”

Consumer Technology Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington also want to inform students that there are many pathways to a successful career in tech, including apprenticeships, internships, 2-year certifications, or 4-year degrees. Apprenticeships have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s Department of Education, as they have the potential to place students into meaningful work experiences sooner, without the burden of debt.

The Consumer Technology Association joins other industry leaders such as IBM who are recognizing the need for a workforce with STEM skills. Rather than waiting for schools to change, associations and businesses are taking matters into their own hands.

Kate Hardiman is a contributor to Red Alert Politics. She is pursuing a master's in education from Notre Dame University and teaches English and religion at a high school in Chicago.