The Hidden Genius Project & OCCUR Join Forces to Offer a Free Tech Program in East Oakland

At a time when the technological divide has become more pronounced due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, two organizations are coming together with a timely intervention aimed at fostering technological inclusion and empowerment. 

The Hidden Genius Project and OCCUR are partnering to host a free Community Tech Center at the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center located at 6948 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, CA 94605. The program will serve young people of color between the ages of 12 and 18 and run from June 13th to July 20th, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with daily sessions from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Hidden Genius Project, renowned for its commitment to training and mentoring black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, is joining forces with OCCUR, an organization that supports the economic development and civic inclusion of historically excluded communities. Their collective mission? To provide a dynamic, safe, and free learning environment where youth can explore their interests, develop new tech skills, and build self-confidence through technology.

The programming will emphasize creative exploration, offering a wide array of resources to attendees. These resources will serve as tools to learn and apply practical tech skills, as well as to foster an environment of innovation and discovery. The ultimate goal is to expose young people to various technology concepts and potential career paths while empowering them with the resources and confidence to be creators rather than mere consumers in the tech sphere.

"This partnership is about more than just providing access to technology; it's about creating a space where young people can see themselves as innovators, creators, and problem solvers," said Dr. Brandon Nicholson, CEO of The Hidden Genius Project. "By cultivating a passion for technology and nurturing hidden talents, we believe we can inspire young people to be the tech leaders of today and tomorrow.” 

The summer program is designed to be flexible and approachable, with a drop-in style that allows youth to learn at their own pace and on their own terms. The sessions will cater to various interests, from coding to graphic design, video game design, and more. Additionally, the program will offer mentorship opportunities, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants.

Recognizing the potential barriers to entry that many young people of color face in accessing technology education, both The Hidden Genius Project and OCCUR have made a concerted effort to ensure the program is cost-free. They have also strived to make the registration process as straightforward as possible.

"Through this initiative, we aim to demystify the world of technology for our young people," said Dr. David B. Franklin, President & CEO of OCCUR. "We want to ignite their curiosity, develop their technical skills, and empower them with the belief that they, too, can contribute to the tech world in meaningful and impactful ways."

Interested families can register their kids for this summer's program by visiting https://www.hiddengeniusproject.org/summerprograms2023/. Although, registration is not mandatory it is encouraged to ensure youth can have the full support they need when they arrive.