America On Tech Welcomes Shaown Nandi and Erica Marie Dionne to National Board of Directors7/7/2026 America On Tech (AOT), a national nonprofit preparing the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities, is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its National Board of Directors: Shaown Nandi, Vice President of Technology for AWS Global Sales at Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Erica Marie Dionne, Senior Vice President of Global Business Operations at NBCUniversal. Nandi and Dionne bring deep industry expertise, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to expanding access to technology education and career pathways for young people.
Prior to AWS, Shaown served as Chief Information Officer at Dow Jones and Head of Shared Services at News Corp. He also spent part of his career at IBM, where he led global cloud product development teams.
A long-standing supporter of AOT, Shaown was honored at the 2025 National Innovators and Disruptors Awards for his leadership in expanding access to technology and his commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.
Erica Marie has been a dedicated leader within the AOT community, serving as Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Advisory Board for the past five years and as an Innovators and Disruptors Awards co-chair. Her leadership has helped strengthen AOT’s presence in Los Angeles and deepen connections across industry, community, and student networks. Dionne also sits on the CTA Content and Entertainment Council and is deeply committed to community leadership as a charter school PTO board member, a Girl Scout leader for over 40 members, and part of the Girl Scouts’ regional leadership team. Expanding Leadership for Greater ImpactAOT Co-Founders Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson shared their excitement about the appointments:
“We are thrilled to welcome Shaown and Erica Marie to America On Tech’s National Board of Directors. Their strategic insight, industry expertise, and dedication to young people will help AOT expand its reach and prepare more students for success in the innovation economy.” As AOT continues to scale its programs across the country, Shaown and Erica Marie will help guide the organization’s next chapter of growth, partnership, and student impact. About America On TechAmerica On Tech (AOT) is a national nonprofit preparing the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities. Since 2014, AOT has provided no-cost tech education and workforce training to students in NYC, LA, Miami, and Atlanta. AOT equips young people with in-demand skills in AI, Web Development, Data Science, and more, creating pathways to higher education and tech careers. To date, AOT has served 6,600+ students, facilitated 1,500 paid internships generating $5.4M in wages, and distributed $3.3M in stipends. AOT alumni are twice as likely to attend college and five times more likely to pursue tech degrees.
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 When students first walk into the Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) program, they arrive with curiosity and some nerves. By the time they graduate, they’ve experienced a major shift. They're building real products, networking confidently with industry professionals, and mapping futures that felt out of reach just a year before.
This past year, America On Tech's (AOT) 2025–2026 Tech Flex Leaders program empowered 452 students across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami with the technical skills, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to lead in the innovation economy. By the NumbersThe data tells a consistent story across all three cities. Among our program graduates:
New York City: Scale, Community, and BelongingNYC's 2025-2026 cohort was the largest in program history - 281 students from 103 high schools across the five boroughs. Sustained attendance, strong technical gains, and survey results that reflect a genuine community of trust made this one of the program's most successful cycles to date.
Every spring track boasted double-digit gains. Every student who came in curious left with concrete skills and a clearer path forward.
The survey results also reflected a community of trust. 96% of graduates said staff and mentors were positive role models. 92% felt part of a community that genuinely cared about their well-being. As one graduate put it: "Because of the safe space that this program provides, I am able to comfortably ask questions." Of NYC's 143 graduating seniors, the college outlook is striking:
Los Angeles: Heart, Hustle, and Student OwnershipLA graduated 94 students from 58 high schools - and posted some of the strongest student experience scores in the program's history.
The LA team was committed to student ownership this year. Students selected both Community Engagement events by vote, and the Analog Day scavenger hunt - themed around reconnecting in person - became one of the year's most talked-about moments. Four students attended both community events and earned inaugural Community Star Awards at TFL Graduation. This honor celebrates their commitment to building community, in class and beyond.
Of LA's graduating seniors,
Miami: Tight-Knit, High-Achieving, Built on ConnectionMiami's results display the strength of AOT’s programs! Of our 37 graduates:
Miami's team built a genuine community across virtual and in-person settings - enjoying a Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree and a Field Day Fest at Amelia Earhart Park as their community events. Graduates also boasted incredible academic gains, displaying the power of inclusivity:
AI-Ready and Future-FocusedThis year, TFL wove artificial intelligence into programming across all tracks - and graduates left with confidence and competence in this rapidly-expanding technology. Across all three cities,
The program isn't just teaching students to use AI - it's building the critical thinkers the industry actually needs to impact the future of technology. Students Said it BestOur data tells a story and identifies clear, positive trends - our students enjoyed the program, and grew a ton from it. Student testimonials doubled down on our findings:
Peer Mentors: The Full-Circle EffectAOT’s commitment to students extends beyond our high school programs. 33 peer mentors across all three cities - recent AOT alumni stepping back into the program as near-peer guides - shaped the student experience and transformed their own. Every single Peer Mentor said they would return to the role.
Across all three cities, 96%+ of students viewed staff, instructors, and peer mentors as positive role models. These young mentors didn't just support the program - they were central to what made the program work for students. 
367 graduates. Three cities. Hundreds of high schools. A theory of change that the data keeps proving. We couldn’t be more proud! To the Class of 2025–2026: you did that. We can't wait to see what you build next! The next cohort starts soon367 students proved this year what's possible when young people from underestimated communities are given the tools, mentorship, and belief they deserve. Help us do it again!
 The future of tech is not built in boardrooms. It is built in the moments when a young person discovers what they are capable of, finds a community that believes in them, and decides to stop waiting for an invitation. In Atlanta this year, 50 students stopped waiting. They showed up, built something real, and left with a vision of their future that no one can take from them.
In AOT's inaugural year in Atlanta, the TECH360 "Intro to AI" Program graduated 50 students across two cohorts, established a replicable recruitment model, and students engaged with technologists from JPMorgan Chase, Warner Bros. Discovery, Snowflake, and Grainger. Every program graduate left with foundational AI skills, a professional network they built themselves, and the kind of confidence that extends well beyond the classroom. A Program Built for ImpactFall 2025 was the proof of concept. Spring 2026 was the proof of scale.
We launched our first Atlanta program in Fall 2025 wanting to build meaningful outcomes and greater interest for the TECH360 program. The results answered clearly. Technical assessment scores jumped 47% from pre- to post-program. Every graduate reported high satisfaction with their experience and left with a working knowledge of generative AI including its applications, strengths, risks, and limitations. Students did not just learn AI theories, they built with it. Teams developed AI-powered chatbots addressing real-world challenges, from sustainable living to travel planning. Graduates then presented their work at Atlanta's Future Innovators Night, in front of community members, families, and corporate partners. For many, this was the first time on a stage of that kind. For the second cohort, the impact was even greater. Spring enrollment grew to 34 graduates. Technical assessment scores climbed to 66% (19 points higher than the first cohort). And graduates built a lasting professional network. This second cohort also welcomed its first Peer Mentor, Christie, an AOT Miami graduate and Emory University junior studying Applied Mathematics and Neuroscience. Her presence in the classroom represented something important: proof that the program's impact compounds over time, and that AOT alumni return to invest in the students who come after them. What Students Actually Walk Away WithIn TECH360, technical skills and critical thinking aren't separate tracks; they're the same lesson. Students learn how generative AI works, how to evaluate its outputs, and how to wrestle with the ethical questions that come with using it. By graduation, they can articulate both the promise and the risk of a technology reshaping every industry they might enter.
They also leave with something harder to measure: a professional network built through real interaction with people already working in the field.
Career Days brought students face-to-face with professionals from JPMorgan Chase and Warner Bros. Discovery. The "Life of a Technologist" immersive event at JPMorgan Chase brought students face-to-face with early-career technologists who shared their backgrounds, navigated similar paths, and were invested in holding the door open for the students who came after them.
Making Waves Across Atlanta
Year One Was Just the Beginning
This program is made possible through the support of national and local funders committed to expanding access to high-quality technology education. Funders of the Atlanta TECH360 program include Citi Foundation, Comcast NBCUniversal, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New Profit, Salesforce, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Year two starts now. Be Part of What Comes Next
When Allena started college, she had a gut feeling she couldn't quite explain: a pull toward the stories hiding inside spreadsheets and datasets. What she didn't have was a clear path to turn that instinct into a career. AOT’s Tech Skills Fellowship Program changed that.
Allena isn't alone. This spring, America On Tech wrapped its fourth annual Tech Skills Fellowship - and this year, the program went bigger, deeper, and further than ever before. A Bolder Program for a Competitive WorldAI and a rapidly shifting hiring landscape are reshaping what it means to be a competitive early-career technologist. AOT's answer? Go deeper.
This year, we made a bold move: replacing our traditional series of shorter tracks with two intensive, year-long programs in the fields where employer demand is highest - Data Science and Cybersecurity. Twenty weeks of sustained technical training. Real, industry-recognized certifications. A professional network that grows with you. And for the first time ever, the Data Science Fellowship expanded to the West Coast, opening 25 dedicated seats for talent in Los Angeles. Impact Number:
Inside the TracksData Science
In partnership with NBCUniversal and FactSet, fellows dove deep into Python, data manipulation, visualization, and foundational machine learning through the DataCamp curriculum. Fellows also built technical portfolios, real projects, and the DataCamp Data Science Associate Certification exam. The results speak for themselves. 95% of fellows reported mastering core data science concepts. Of those who've already sat for the exam, 83% passed, with more graduates still testing as the summer rolls on.
For Allena, now applying to internships with a certification and a portfolio to back her up, the program didn't just teach her Python. It made the career feel reachable. "I am now actively applying to internships with a clearer direction, an added certification, and a readiness I did not have before. This fellowship was not just a learning experience - it was a stepping stone that made the path forward feel real and within reach." - Allena O Cybersecurity
In partnership with NBCUniversal and Blackstone, fellows learned about network architecture, threat detection, encryption, access control, and incident response - all building toward the globally recognized CompTIA Security+ Certification. Every fellow who sat for the exam reported feeling exceptionally prepared going in. The program's capstone said it all: a two-week tabletop exercise led by NBCUniversal's corporate security team, where fellows stepped into the role of security analysts responding to a live, evolving cyber threat. No hand-holding. Just the skills they'd spent a year building - applied in real time.
106 Volunteers. Real Relationships.Some of the most powerful moments in this fellowship happened because of who showed up.
106 corporate volunteers from NBCUniversal, FactSet, Blackstone, Chime, and L'Oréal led technical workshops, mock interviews, resume reviews, and candid career conversations that helped fellows connect their coursework to real career possibilities. "My favorite part was the Wednesday Volunteer Workshop sessions," said Yemaya F., LA-based Data Science Fellow. "It brought so much insight as to what different roles in the same industry look like, and I was able to create real connections with the guest speakers." Career-Ready From Day OneKnowing Python won't get you hired if you can't tell your story. That's why every fellow also completed a 10-module career readiness series, earning an Accenture Professional Development Certificate along the way, with 100% completion rate across both tracks.
Fellows worked on LinkedIn presence, resume writing, interviewing, and how to translate technical work into language that makes hiring managers pay attention. They were also grouped by school or city, so the connections they built weren't just professional contacts - they were people already sitting in the same classrooms.
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The event celebrated far more than finished websites. It marked the culmination of months of intensive web development, collaboration, and problem-solving, made possible through the combined efforts of NYC program managers, instructors, and dedicated peer mentors. Students walked away not only having built functional online products but having demonstrated the poise, teamwork, and technical confidence required to succeed in real tech environments.
Los Angeles: Creativity Meets Code
LA students brought their projects to life with a focus on entertainment, wellness tech, and mental health platforms. The collaborative atmosphere highlighted the city’s vibrant tech ecosystem, as students used their creativity to address real-world issues. The event reinforced how the TFL program nurtures innovation and teamwork.
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Miami: Solutions Rooted in Community
Miami’s Demo Day reflected the region’s unique culture, with student-led projects focused on local small businesses and youth-driven consumer brands. Projects such as EcoWave (surfboards and the surfing community), Vibetech (tech accessories), TechByte (gaming equipment), and Urban Pulse Streetwear (fashion) showcased students’ creativity, entrepreneurship, and understanding of their local market. The energy and engagement throughout the event underscored the importance of building a tech talent pipeline that supports South Florida students and their ideas.
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A New Era in Atlanta: Future Innovators Night
For the first time ever, Atlanta hosted a Future Innovators Night, celebrating our first TECH360: Intro to AI student cohort in Atlanta. Hosted at Warner Bros. Discovery and sponsored by TNT Sports, the event brought together leaders across Atlanta to witness the incredible work of our first Atlanta cohort. From live student chatbot demos to a dynamic fireside chat on AI with Michael Koetter (SVP, Digital Media Systems at Warner Bros. Discovery) and Vamsi Duvvuri (Partner and TMT AI Leader at EY), the night was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community and industry come together.
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“It was inspiring to see how quickly Atlanta students embraced the AOT mission,” said Jessica Santana, AOT Co-Founder & CEO. “They’re already building community, sharing ideas, and shaping the future of tech in their city.”
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This event set the stage for additional Intro to AI cohorts this spring and Atlanta’s first full TFL cohort launching in fall 2026 signaling AOT’s commitment to expanding access to tech education across the South.
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What’s Next: Spring Semester and Internships Ahead
As we gear up for the spring semester, students will continue their journey through the TFL program. Graduates of this program will soon become eligible for paid summer internships through AOT’s Access Tech Internship Program, connecting emerging talent with 80+ employer partners across the tech sector.
For corporate partners: Learn how to host an intern this summer
This past summer, America On Tech once again proved what’s possible when underestimated talent is given real opportunity. Through our 2025 Access Tech Internship Program, 270 students across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami launched into paid tech internships at companies like Accenture, Brim Financial, NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC), Trust Point AI, and Volunteer Local.
Impact at a glance:
- 270 total internships across NYC, LA, and Miami
- $1.4M+ in total wages earned
- 97% of hosts would work with their AOT intern again
- 94.7% of interns were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience
These internships didn’t just build resumes—they built confidence, networks, and career-ready skills.
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Real Projects. Real Impact.
Interns didn’t just observe—they contributed. One student developed an app to help New Yorkers locate voting sites during participatory budgeting. Another crafted a content calendar now powering a company’s digital outreach strategy for months ahead. Teams of interns helped implement APIs to streamline donation processes. From small, hyperlocal nonprofits to large, global corporations, America On Tech's interns meaningfully contributed to innovation and growth, while building critical skills to set them up for long-term success.
Why This Matters for Employers
At a time when many companies are scaling back early talent efforts, AOT is doubling down. Our interns bring emerging tech skills, a broad range of perspectives, and an eagerness to contribute. They’re not the talent of the future—they’re the talent of right now.
Just ask Accenture, which has hosted over 40 AOT interns to date, with multiple hires converted to full-time roles. Or the NYC CEC, which noted that their AOT intern’s project will “continue to benefit New Yorkers long after the summer ends.”
Just ask Accenture, which has hosted over 40 AOT interns to date, with multiple hires converted to full-time roles. Or the NYC CEC, which noted that their AOT intern’s project will “continue to benefit New Yorkers long after the summer ends.”
If your company wants to drive innovation, build a diverse talent pipeline, and make a lasting impact—AOT interns are the answer.
Ready to step up and hire the next generation of tech leaders?
This summer, America On Tech transformed how young people from underestimated communities engage with artificial intelligence. Our reimagined TECH360 program—now focused entirely on AI literacy--reached 386 students across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, delivering cutting-edge education that positions them as leaders in the AI revolution.
Building AI Fluency for Tomorrow's Workforce
TECH360's "Intro to AI" curriculum equipped students with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to confidently interact with artificial intelligence. Over three intensive weeks, students progressed from AI foundations through machine learning applications, culminating in building their own AI-powered chatbots.
Program Impact at a Glance:
- 386 students graduated across NYC, LA, and Miami with an overall 94% completion rate
- 99% of students said they would recommend TECH360 to a friend interested in technology
- 96% of graduates reported understanding AI literacy concepts, and 90% can now evaluate AI tool outputs
- $167,275 in stipends were distributed to remove financial barriers to participation
- 91% of graduates gained confidence in networking with professionals and peers after completing the program
- 78% of students feel more prepared to pursue technology degrees and careers post-graduation
Creating Pathways Through Corporate Partnership
Our corporate partners didn't just provide funding—they opened doors. Students engaged directly with professionals from Accenture, Blackstone, BNY, Citi, FactSet, GitHub, HP, Intuit, Mastercard, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Nielsen, Okta, PwC, Qvest, and Salesforce through career days, guest speaking sessions, and demo day judging. These connections proved transformational, with 95% of students reporting that career exposure activities helped them better understand technology career paths.
During demo day competitions, student teams showcased innovative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges. Projects ranged from "MyAbuelitaCounselor"—a culturally-responsive college guidance chatbot—to "NutriBuddy," an AI nutrition assistant for teens. These presentations demonstrated not just technical skill, but the creative problem-solving that emerges when diverse perspectives meet cutting-edge technology.
Looking Ahead: Atlanta Expansion
The success of summer 2025 TECH360 has paved the way for our newest regional expansion. On September 22, 2025, we launched TECH360 in Atlanta, bringing the same transformative AI education to students in Georgia's tech hub. Running through December 4th, the Atlanta program represents AOT's continued commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge technology education.
Ready to partner with AOT in preparing the next generation of AI-literate leaders? Learn more about supporting AOT and help us expand access to cutting-edge technology education nationwide.
Ready to partner with AOT in preparing the next generation of AI-literate leaders? Learn more about supporting AOT and help us expand access to cutting-edge technology education nationwide.
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September 25, 2025 – New York, NY — America On Tech (AOT), a national technology talent accelerator preparing the next generation of technology leaders, today announced they have received $2.5 million in funding from Google.org. This landmark contribution will accelerate AOT’s mission to expand access to high-quality AI education and pathways to in-demand, high-earning careers in tech.
The funding will enable AOT to scale its proven programs and expand its current offerings in artificial intelligence. By doing so, AOT will position young people to compete in today’s AI-driven job market, which positions them for upward mobility and economic empowerment. Students will receive tuition-free technical training, stipends for their participation, mentorship, and access to a pool of employers for paid internships and full-time jobs.
The funding will enable AOT to scale its proven programs and expand its current offerings in artificial intelligence. By doing so, AOT will position young people to compete in today’s AI-driven job market, which positions them for upward mobility and economic empowerment. Students will receive tuition-free technical training, stipends for their participation, mentorship, and access to a pool of employers for paid internships and full-time jobs.
“Google’s investment is a powerful endorsement of the future we are building—a future where students have full access to opportunities in artificial intelligence and technology,” said Jessica Santana, Co-Founder and CEO of America On Tech. “This support allows us to deepen our impact, scale our reach, and continue preparing students for both economic mobility and industry leadership.”
“Google’s latest investment will allow AOT to create a larger social impact and deepen our innovative programs,” said Evin Floyd Robinson, Co-founder and President of America On Tech. “This has always been our goal and today's investment is an amplifier and testament to the dedication of our team and the importance of future tech talent.”
"We are incredibly proud to deepen our investment in local expertise and leadership," said Shanika Hope, Google.org Director of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning. "By supporting America On Tech with this funding, we are ensuring that vital STEM education continues to thrive, reaching even more students where they are, and fostering innovation for years to come.”
Employers in a rapidly evolving tech sector face a shrinking pipeline of AI-ready talent, forcing many to invest heavily in reskilling or upskilling new hires to meet industry demands. Just 15% of U.S. high school students - predominantly from well-resourced schools - have any exposure to AI concepts, leaving underestimated students at a significant disadvantage as AI transforms the labor market.
Only 52% of public high schools across New York State offer at least a foundational computer science course. That’s below the national average of 60%. This further constrains the pool of candidates with essential technical skills. Without early, equitable access to AI education, employers risk slower innovation, higher training costs, and missed opportunities to fill critical roles in the innovation economy.
Over the past decade, AOT has:
Media Contact:
Stanley Smith
National Director of Strategy
[email protected]
www.americaontech.org
“Google’s latest investment will allow AOT to create a larger social impact and deepen our innovative programs,” said Evin Floyd Robinson, Co-founder and President of America On Tech. “This has always been our goal and today's investment is an amplifier and testament to the dedication of our team and the importance of future tech talent.”
"We are incredibly proud to deepen our investment in local expertise and leadership," said Shanika Hope, Google.org Director of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning. "By supporting America On Tech with this funding, we are ensuring that vital STEM education continues to thrive, reaching even more students where they are, and fostering innovation for years to come.”
Employers in a rapidly evolving tech sector face a shrinking pipeline of AI-ready talent, forcing many to invest heavily in reskilling or upskilling new hires to meet industry demands. Just 15% of U.S. high school students - predominantly from well-resourced schools - have any exposure to AI concepts, leaving underestimated students at a significant disadvantage as AI transforms the labor market.
Only 52% of public high schools across New York State offer at least a foundational computer science course. That’s below the national average of 60%. This further constrains the pool of candidates with essential technical skills. Without early, equitable access to AI education, employers risk slower innovation, higher training costs, and missed opportunities to fill critical roles in the innovation economy.
Over the past decade, AOT has:
- Served 5,300+ students
- Facilitated 1,000+ paid internships, generating more than $4.1 million in wages for students.
- Achieved outcomes where 85% of alumni pursue tech-related degrees and/or careers
Media Contact:
Stanley Smith
National Director of Strategy
[email protected]
www.americaontech.org
America On Tech (AOT) Co-Founder and President Evin Robinson traveled to San Francisco in August to participate in the Chime Community Changemakers™, a groundbreaking initiative that unites influential leaders committed to driving meaningful social impact. The event brought together changemakers from across the country, fostering collaboration, learning, and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting underestimated communities nationwide.
Chime Community Changemakers is a powerful program designed to amplify the efforts of leaders who are already creating significant impact in their communities. This year, the program provided Evin and other participants with an opportunity to engage directly with Chime’s senior leadership team, gain insights on scaling initiatives, and exchange ideas with fellow innovators that are transforming communities across America.
Chime Community Changemakers is a powerful program designed to amplify the efforts of leaders who are already creating significant impact in their communities. This year, the program provided Evin and other participants with an opportunity to engage directly with Chime’s senior leadership team, gain insights on scaling initiatives, and exchange ideas with fellow innovators that are transforming communities across America.
Evin Robinson
President of America On Tech. |
"We are grateful and excited to be a part of the Chime Changemakers cohort. A community and initiative centered around positive impact and doing good together." |
Kira Traore
Director Social Impact, Chime |
"Chime is so excited to have AOT as part of this year's Changemaker cohort. AOT's focus on expanding access to careers in tech aligns so strongly with Chime's mission of unlocking financial progress. We know together, we can continue to expand and build upon AOT's success to reach more young people." |
Strategic Insights and Future Partnership
The program provided invaluable opportunities for strategic insights and networking with top leaders at Chime and other impact-driven organizations. These connections will further enhance AOT’s model and reinforce its role as a leading organization dedicated to empowerment and digital inclusion.
Through Robinson’s leadership and the support of visionary partners like Chime, AOT continues to expand its innovative programming and strategic approach.
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