 Los Angeles, CA – September 2024 America On Tech (AOT) is proud to announce that Accenture has been awarded the prestigious title of Company of the Year at the 2024 Los Angeles Innovators and Disruptors Awards. This award recognizes Accenture’s exceptional commitment to advancing technology education and its support in developing the next generation of tech talent. Accenture, a global leader in professional services, has been a driving force in supporting America On Tech’s mission to bridge the opportunity gap for underestimated students in Los Angeles and across the country. Their dedication to creating pathways for young people into tech careers has made a profound impact, empowering students to gain the skills and experiences needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. Jessica Santana, Co-Founder and CEO of America On Tech, expressed her gratitude, stating: “Accenture’s partnership has been instrumental in helping us build a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Their commitment to mentorship, innovative programming, and community outreach has enabled us to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed including placing 32 students into paid internships in Los Angeles and hiring 3 AOT alum nationwide. We are thrilled to honor them as our Company of the Year.”
In collaboration with America On Tech, Accenture has provided invaluable resources, including career readiness workshops, mentorship programs, and access to cutting-edge technologies, allowing students to not only learn but innovate in ways that will shape the future of the tech industry. Greg Jensen, Managing Director, North America Media & Entertainment Portfolio Lead at Accenture, commented: “We are deeply honored to receive this award from America On Tech. At Accenture, we believe that diversity of talent and opportunity is essential to driving innovation. We remain committed to fostering a more equitable future by helping young people from all backgrounds access careers in technology and beyond.” The Los Angeles Innovators and Disruptors Awards is an annual event that celebrates companies and individuals who are making groundbreaking contributions to technology and driving positive change within the community. The Company of the Year award is the highest honor given to a company that exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision between Accenture and America On Tech, as they work together to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators and disruptors. For more information about America On Tech and the 2024 Los Angeles Innovators and Disruptors Awards, please visit https://www.innovatorsanddisruptors.com/lareception.html. About America On Tech America On Tech (AOT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of technology leaders by creating pathways for underrepresented students to pursue degrees and careers in technology. Through innovative programs, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, AOT equips students with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in today's digital economy. Media Contact: Richelle Stanz Regional Director of Development America On Tech [email protected] www.americaontech.org
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We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program across New York, Los Angeles, and Miami! This fall, 594 high school students have enrolled in the program, kicking off their journey to becoming future leaders in technology. The program began with in-person orientations hosted at Blackstone in Miami and NYC, and Accenture in Los Angeles, where students were introduced to the exciting opportunities ahead. Through the Tech Flex Leaders Program, students will engage in 160 hours of instruction through weekly lessons gaining essential technology skills led by industry experts. In the fall semester, students learn web development. In the spring, they delve into specialized areas such as Advanced Web Development, UX Design, Digital Marketing, Product Management, or Data Science. Additionally, five professional development days are dedicated to resume building, interview practice, and acquiring professional skills to confidently pursue internships and future careers in technology. We are thrilled to watch these students grow, innovate, and prepare for impactful careers that will shape the future of their communities and the world. The journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see what this talented group of young leaders will accomplish! “Reaching our 10th year with the Tech Flex Leaders program is a milestone that speaks to the dedication of our students, educators, and partners” said Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson, Co-Founders, America On Tech. “This program has always been about more than just coding—it’s about leadership, innovation, and creating opportunities for the next generation of tech leaders. We’re excited to see how our students will continue to challenge the status quo and make an impact in the tech world.”   America On Tech’s 2024 Access Tech Internship Program Empowers the Next Generation of Tech Leaders9/23/2024 This summer, America On Tech proudly wrapped up its 2024 summer internships, where 212 AOT students were placed in a paid, hands-on technology internship running for six to ten weeks with leading companies. Through this transformative work based learning experience, students applied their technical and professional skills learned from AOT’s programs in a practical work setting. For many students, this was their first taste of a professional work environment. Through their internships, they gained experience in fields ranging from digital marketing and web development to software engineering and data analytics. AOT staff supported many students every step of the way, from application review and interview preparation to hosting a 2-day professional development summit prior to starting their internships which ensures interns not only completed technical tasks but also developed vital workplace skills. Success by the Numbers:
Of Access Tech Interns,
Student Testimonials The impact of the Access Tech Program is best reflected in the voices of the students themselves. Here are a few testimonials: Matthew Velez, Creative Tech Intern at The GIANT Room, shared, "By the end of the internship, I gained new skills like how to use Google Appsheets to sync up invoices for automatic upload. My favorite experience was when I collaborated with my team and the New York Public Library to put together a 700-page report featuring stories created by children around the city.” Overall, my summer internship has left a significant mark on me. It has made me realize the values I look for in a company which is a workplace that embraces my authenticity and one where I can develop personally and professionally.”  Deborah Olaniyi, a Junior Engineer at InTech Foundation said, "Working at InTech has solidified my commitment to making the world of tech a more inclusive place where individuals who look like me can find belonging. This experience has inspired me to seek out more opportunities to work with nonprofits that are dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. I am passionate about using my skills to create technology that makes a difference in people's lives.”  Internship host, Rina Madhani of Start Lighthouse said that, “We were thrilled to have our interns from the Access Tech program support Start Lighthouse this summer. The interns played a critical role in updating our website, improving content, site navigation, and enhancing the overall user experience. They approached each task with enthusiasm and creativity, and it was clear that the skills they gained will serve them well in their future careers.” Become a Future Internship HostIs your company interested in hosting an AOT intern at potentially no cost to you?
For more information contact: [email protected] to get your company involved today! TECH360 Tri-City Triumph: How NYC, LA, and Miami Are Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders9/23/2024 In 2024, America On Tech’s TECH360 program soared to new heights, enrolling over 570 students across three of America’s most dynamic cities: New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. The TECH360 Summer Bootcamp is a three-week (50 hours) summer intensive for rising high school juniors and seniors during which they learn the fundamentals of web design and development, gaining knowledge of key coding languages and frameworks including HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. During the final week of the program, students put their knowledge to the test and work in teams to create and present a final website during the end-of-program Demo Day Competition.Through mentorship, networking, and real-world projects, the TECH360 program not only equips students with technical skills but also opens doors to additional AOT programs, internships, career opportunities, and professional growth. The program was supported by a diverse group of corporate partners, including Accenture, BNY Mellon, Blackstone, Citi, Deutsche Bank, FactSet, Mastercard, NBCUniversal, PwC, and SES. These companies collectively provided 92 volunteers (130 volunteer hours) by hosting Career Days, Demo Days and providing guest speakers. These partnerships greatly enrich the overall experience for students and reinforce the program's commitment to bridging the gap between education and real-world tech opportunities. As the program continues to expand to Atlanta in 2025 and shift curriculum to an “Introduction to AI” course, TECH360 is laying the groundwork for the next generation of tech leaders—one city at a time. Here's a look at the remarkable successes in each city, highlighting how this initiative is transforming the lives of hundreds of students. New York Program Recap: In the heart of NYC, the TECH360 program boasted a high graduation rate, with 220 out of 267 students completing the course—an impressive 82%. These students didn’t just graduate; they excelled. One standout moment was the Mastercard sponsored Demo Day, where students showcased their projects to peers and tech professionals. The first-place project, designed by a team of four, exemplified creativity and technical prowess, solidifying TECH360’s role in nurturing real-world talent. Here are some highlights from this year’s graduating class:
Here's what one of our NY Program Graduates had to say: “Each and every day of the program, I learned more and more about coding and my instructors on a professional and personal level. Learning how to code has really played a part in my future plans. I’m currently creating a website through HTML, CSS and Javascript for an upcoming business my cousin has created. I’m very glad this new skill I've acquired can impact myself and others significantly.” - Joy Yayrah Awagah, NYC High School Junior Los Angeles Program Recap: Los Angeles students brought an air of creativity and collaboration to TECH360. Of the 195 students enrolled into the program, 184 graduated, resulting in an outstanding 94% graduation rate. The city’s strong collaborative spirit was evident during the program, with students expressing their enthusiasm for hands-on learning and teamwork. Students worked on group projects to build websites, with the "Climate Action Now" team winning the demo day competition, standing out for its innovative approach to environmental issues. Here are some highlights from this year’s graduating class:
Here’s what one of our LA Program Peer Mentors had to say: “My favorite part of being a peer mentor with America On Tech was being able to work with an amazing community. By having an amazing community, it made the entire experience amazing and exciting. Moreover, I enjoyed being able to discuss with students and help them create their websites as I have a passion for it.” - Ariana Tiscareno, LA High School Senior Miami Program Recap: In Miami, TECH360 saw 108 students enrolled into the program, with 84 graduating—a testament to the city’s growing tech landscape. Miami’s graduates showed remarkable commitment, with a daily attendance rate of 94% and a 100% project completion rate. The program culminated with the Demo Day sponsored and hosted by Mastercard. The winning team was "Youth Voices Podcast Network," which garnered high praise for creativity and social impact. Here are some highlights from this year’s graduating class:
Here's what one of our Miami Program Graduates had to say: “The tech day event was a highlight, providing valuable insights into the tech industry. This experience reinforced my desire to pursue a computer science degree. To further my tech education and career goals, I applied for the Tech Flex Leaders Program. This next step aligns perfectly with my passion for technology and offers opportunities for deeper learning.” - Anthony Sinchi, Miami High School Senior |
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