Case Study Details - The Future of Jobs Initiative

In Brazil, women are vastly underrepresented in technology roles, particularly women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They typically have lacked the technical and soft skills required to enter the technology sector. Only 16.4 percent of Afro-Brazilian women aged 18 to 24 attended high school in 2023, and only 6.5 percent obtained a diploma that year, according to data from PNAD. Women have little presence in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) labor markets in Brazil. UNESCO in partnership with the British Council reports that while women represent 45 percent of all formal workers in the country, they make up only 26 percent of workers in STEM fields.

The Ada Lovelace Initiative seeks to close the gender skills gap by bringing women from underprivileged communities into the labor market, particularly focused in technology. By providing opportunities for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, this program also stands to help ADP and its clients hire skilled talent. The Ada Lovelace Initiative pilot was launched as a collaboration between ADP Brazil Ltda, public high schools, and a corporate image consulting NGO. The goal is to support the integration of young women from underprivileged communities into information technology jobs and address a critical gender and skills gap.

Such partnerships are crucial for the holistic development of students and necessary to ensure alignment with educational standards and industry requirements. The initiative, named after a pioneering figure in computing, developed and delivered a curriculum to provide the skills necessary to thrive in information technology.

The curriculum provides technical training in coding and payroll processing using proprietary ADP platforms. It also offers soft skills development, including workshops on impostor syndrome, emotional control, time management, and financial empowerment. To scale the training and increase accessibility, ADP trains students on the same platform it uses to train clients. Corporate image consulting and professional portrait sessions are provided to enhance employability through platforms such as LinkedIn. ADP associates volunteer to mentor students and answer technical questions, creating a robust support system for participants.

Impact / Outcome

As of August 2024, 78 students have completed training, making them great candidates for full-time employment or apprenticeships at ADP or within its client network, where there is high demand for individuals trained in ADP systems. The ADP team in Brazil is continuing the initiative with a new class term that began in August. ADP believes this initiative can be transformative beyond Brazil and is exploring how to replicate it in other countries. By providing comprehensive training and support, the Ada Lovelace Initiative empowers young women, fosters inclusive growth, and serves industry needs. Its multi-stakeholder approach benefits individuals, the community, and the sector at large.