Tech Flex Leaders 2025–2026: 452 Students. Three Cities. One Unstoppable Community.

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.
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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 Numbers 

The data tells a consistent story across all three cities. Among our program graduates:

​New York City: Scale, Community, and Belonging

NYC'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.

• 281 students enrolled
• 92% average daily attendance
• 90% increase in web dev assessment scores

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."
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Of NYC's 143 graduating seniors, the college outlook is striking: 

• ​99% will attend college in the fall.
• 96% will attend a four-year institution.
• 80% are pursuing STEM or tech degrees
• 2/3 will be first-generation college students.​

Los Angeles: Heart, Hustle, and Student Ownership

LA graduated 94 students from 58 high schools - and posted some of the strongest student experience scores in the program's history.
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• 97% said the environment felt inclusive. 
• 98% felt seen and represented in the curriculum. 
• 51% growth in Product Management skills, with major gains across all tracks.

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, 
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• 100% will attend college in the fall.
• 3/4 are pursuing STEM or tech degrees.
• 80% will be first-generation college students.​

Miami: Tight-Knit, High-Achieving, Built on Connection

Miami's results display the strength of AOT’s programs! Of our 37 graduates:
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• 100% were satisfied with their experience.
• 100% would recommend it to a friend. 
• 100% felt seen and represented in the curriculum.

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:
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• 97% left the program with a professional network.
• 97% said staff and mentors were positive role models.
• 70% growth in web dev skills, with major gains across all tracks.​

AI-Ready and Future-Focused

This 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, 
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• 97%+ said they confidently know what AI is.
• 94%+ said they understand both its benefits and its risks.
• 90%+ said they feel prepared to keep learning about AI after TFL.

​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 Best

Our 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 Effect

AOT’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!
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To the Class of 2025–2026: you did that. We can't wait to see what you build next!

The next cohort starts soon

367 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!

Students & Families
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Applications are open for the 2026–2027 Tech Flex Leaders program in NYC, LA, Miami, and Atlanta.
Apply now →

Corporate Partners
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