Our Vision
America On Tech (AOT) envisions a world where young people across the country have equitable access to compete fairly for opportunities in the technology sector.
Our Mission
America On Tech's mission is to prepare the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities.
The Problem
Computing and technology jobs are the number one source of new wages in the United States.
Computer and information technology jobs are projected to grow 11% percent from 2019 to 2029. (BLS).
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Median salary for computer and information technology jobs was $88,240. 2x higher than the median salary of $39,810 for all jobs (BLS).
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77% of jobs within the next 5 years will require technical skills.
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65% of Gen Z will hold jobs that have not been invented yet.
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However, students are not being positioned to participate in the growing technology sector and we're leaving talented, young people behind. We can see this further reflected in the lack of representation of Black and Latinx employees in the tech industry as well as among those obtaining computer and IT degrees. This disparity is also reflected in the number of women pursuing careers and degrees in technology.
% of STEM professionals choose their career in high school or earlier due to career exposure and courses
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% of students graduating with a Computer & IT degree (2017)
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% of women graduating with a Computer & IT degree (2017)
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% of Black / Latinx students combined graduating with a Computer & IT degree (2017)
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% of women who make up the tech workforce (2017)
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% of Black / Latinx employees who make up the tech workforce (2017)
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What We're Doing
America On Tech (AOT) has been working to create pathways for students into technology careers.
Our Programs
TECH360 is a summer bootcamp program that teaches high school sophomores and juniors the fundamentals of web design and development.
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Tech Flex Leaders is a year-long program for high school juniors and seniors that provides tech skills training and access to internships.
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Tech Skills Fellowships give alumni the chance to gain training that prepares them for opportunities in their desired technology fields.
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Access Tech is our career readiness, internship and job placement program for current college students and alumni of our programs.
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Student Impact Stories
High School Student
STUDENT IMPACT STORY NEW YORK |
I’m a senior at the High school for Health Professions and Human Services. I’m also currently a peer mentor for AOT’s Intro to Web Development track & a Tech Flex Leaders program Alum.
Now, the name of my school and my current job as a peer mentor may confuse you. Medical and Technology? How did she land that interest? And to answer your question, a few years ago I wasn’t focused on technology nor coding. Medicine was my pure focus and I assumed coding was for rich kids at Harvard who had fun playing with binary numbers. My belief, along with thousands of other kids, thought coding wasn't a skill we could ever learn. In April 2022 I received an email about AOT. To be honest, the stipend is what really caught my attention, but the need to challenge myself burned inside. Before I even knew it I was a part of this energetic and supportive community - A community full of people who looked and sounded like me! A community full of encouraging teachers like Coyote, who started off as my teacher that I now work alongside in the classroom. I made friends, memories, websites and developed new skills in coding languages and UX design. Fast forward a year, and I’ve experienced so much at the sake of the AOT staff, faculty, peer mentors, and students - from participating in a fundraising panel in the Hamptons, engineering internships at Columbia University, peer mentoring jobs - all thanks to the beloved AOT! Go AOT! |
High School Student
STUDENT IMPACT STORY LOS ANGELES |
I am a senior at Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School and a current AOT Peer Mentor.
I first embarked on my journey with AOT just a year ago. I started with Tech360. If I’m being honest, I was there for the money. I heard I was getting $500 and immediately signed up. I still remember my first day, learning all these new terms. I thought I was in over my head. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey that would introduce me to a vibrant community, where I discovered numerous opportunities I had previously overlooked. My experiences meeting friends and connecting with them revealed the power of shared passions, fostering a sense of belonging that transcended mere social connections. AOT has been more than just an educational program; it’s been a transformative experience. America On Tech didn't just teach me technical skills; it instilled in me the confidence and resilience needed in the tech industry. It provided a network of support, mentors, and peers who not only fostered my growth in tech but also encouraged my aspirations in the world of medical innovation. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration at AOT has allowed for my ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary settings. This comprehensive support system has been invaluable in shaping my trajectory and fostering my passion for integrating technology and life sciences. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities AOT has provided and the doors it has opened. Thank you to the AOT community for their unwavering support. |
Stanford University
Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering INTERNSHIP IMPACT STORY LOS ANGELES |
This past summer, AOT supported me in pursuing an internship with one of their partners, OBE (On Board Experiential). Despite being a newcomer to the field of experiential marketing, I learned so much each day at OBE, and made so many valuable memories. Not only have I grown in the more technical aspects of the event space, such as device management and support, but I've also been able to grow alongside OBE's Technology Department and really understand the application, the research, and the general conversations that go on when it comes to approaching the human experience. I have also established strong connections across OBE’s other departments (Accounting, Creative, and Production), both with full-time employees and with the other summer interns.
Bringing ideas to life with companies like Converse, Sephora, Nike, etc. has completely shaped my perspective of what a career in technology can look like. I’ve been able to build comparison grids for specific digital feature sets, compare concrete research in the social context, and collaborate with marketing experts in multiple different career sectors. OBE has lent me the strength to think about learning as a lifelong process, and I am so grateful to AOT and OBE for giving me the perfect foundation for kick starting my tech journey. |
Wellesley College
Class of 2026, Computer Science Major INTERNSHIP IMPACT STORY NEW YORK CITY |
I first joined America on Tech my sophomore year in high school. It was my first introduction to coding and careers in tech. I learned so much about the field and being proactive with looking for opportunities to further my education and career. as an alum, I was given the opportunity from AOT to apply for the Accenture internship program and applying was the best decision that I made. I learned so much this summer about networking and how to operate in the corporate world. I was a SAP Security Intern, which was a new field for me, and my team took the time to teach me about the field and the work they were doing. Throughout my internship, I was able to improve my Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills. In addition to that, I was able to work alongside a group of fellow interns to deliver a presentation resolving a client’s issue using emerging technologies. In our project, we detailed how Artificial Intelligence can be used to increase personalization in the fitness industry.
The skills that I learned through my AOT experiences helped me tremendously in obtaining this internship and my preparation for future ones. The first resume I made was through a resume workshop that AOT had planned for its students. In addition to that, my first practice with interviewing was through another AOT event where we were able to practice interview questions alongside professionals. America on Tech’s dedication to supporting our educational and career paths are the reason why I’ve been able to grow confident in my ability to succeed professionally. |
Baruch College
Class of 2024, Computer Science Information Systems Major JOB PLACEMENT STORY NEW YORK CITY |
My journey with America On Tech began during my junior year of high school when I joined the Tech360 program. This was my introduction to coding, where I learned the fundamentals of web development and how to build a website. This experience ignited my passion for technology, guiding my career path.
Throughout my college years, I maintained a strong relationship with AOT, participating in numerous fellowships, including Data Science, Product Management, Cybersecurity, and UX Design. These programs helped me enhance my technical abilities and develop my leadership skills. Additionally, they opened doors to internships at Ernst & Young (EY) and Warner Music Group. I also served as Co-President on the AOT Alumni Council, equipping me with invaluable leadership skills and allowing me to contribute to the AOT community. A result of my dedication and the support I received from AOT, I interned AT EY as a technology consultant for two consecutive summers, Now, upon graduation, I will join EY as a Technology Consultant in their Digital and Emerging Technology sector. Aot has been instrumental in helping me explore my passion for technology, develop as a professional, and secure a promising career in the field. They consistently exposed me to various technical job opportunities, taught me new skills, and provided essential personal support. |