Filling the Gaps in Michigan’s Black Tech Talent Pipeline [Video]

On Oct. 1, the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto hosted an exclusive virtual event unveiling and discussing the findings from McKinsey & Co.’s Fall 2024 Detroit/Metro Black Tech Talent Survey, which assessed Black tech talent attraction and retention in Detroit.

The Overview of Michigan’s Black Tech Talent

Opening the conversation, McKinsey & Co.’s Horace Tiggs IV dove into the impacts of a lack of Black tech talent in tech roles and the headwinds companies face when trying to identify and activate Black tech talent.

The report’s most compelling findings include:

• Michigan ranks #47 in Black degree attainment with a Black-white graduation gap almost double the national average, limiting tech talent development.

• Michigan produces strong STEM graduates, but 45% leave the state within two years for more attractive tech hubs.

• 71% of Michigan companies report they haven’t been successful in hiring Black tech talent, with a quarter citing a lack of technical experience and another quarter pointing to insufficient work readiness.

• 76% of Michigan …