How diverse is your IT staff? IT continues to be a field dominated by white males, says the Information Technology Association of America. Earlier this year, the ITAA released a diversity study based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The results show that minorities have made small gains, although they continue to be underrepresented in IT when compared to the overall U.S. workforce. Here’s a breakdown:

* The percentage of female IT pros rose from 25% of the workforce in 1996 to 25.3% in 2002.

* African American IT pros accounted for 6% of the workforce in 1996, as compared to 6.2% in 2002.

* Hispanic Americans increased their presence in the IT workforce from 5.4% in 1996 to 6.3% in 2002.

* The ranks of Native Americans in IT comprised .2% in 1996, vs. .6% in 2002.

* Asian Americans jumped from 8.9% of the IT workforce in 1996 to 11% in 2002.

The ITAA report notes that under-representation will continue until more minorities earn degrees in computer science and engineering. “Stronger commitment to diversity at the CEO level is the key to broadening the IT workforce,” says Robert Knowling, CEO of the New York Leadership Academy and chair of the ITAA’s Blue Ribbon Diversity Panel. “An increased focus on mentoring and stronger partnerships between traditionally minority-serving colleges and universities are important solutions companies can adopt.”

For the full report, go to http://www.itaa.org/workforce/docs/03divreport.pdf

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.