TECH FLEX LEADERS PROGRAM


Applications for the 2021-2022 Tech Flex Leaders program will open Spring 2021.
About the Tech Flex Leaders Program
The Tech Flex Leaders Program is an immersive out-of-school time program for juniors and seniors enrolled in a NYC high school. The program embeds weekly computer science and technology classes at local companies, offers mentorship with industry professionals and provides access to professional internship opportunities. Students selected are uniquely positioned to develop a portfolio of technology projects that illustrate a fundamental understanding of front and back-end web development. ​

No prior experience required.  Access to laptop and/or desktop recommended, but not required.
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NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all 2020-2021 sessions will take place virtually via Zoom.  

Benefits of Participation

Students who have participated in the Tech Flex Leaders program have benefited greatly from the program. Benefits to students participating in the program include: 
  • ​An opportunity to enhance their technology and digital skills 
  • An opportunity to connect with technology professionals 
  • A platform to build a number of individual and group projects 
  • A chance to work with students from different high schools​​
  • Access to AOT's college / university partnerships 
  • Access to professional internship opportunities 
  • Access to other opportunities in the AOT network of support

What Students Will Gain

Technical Skills: Starting with the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, students will work their way up to build fully functional web applications.
Professional Skills: Students gain access to professional development sessions focused on public speaking, resume building, interviewing, personal branding and more.
Industry Alignment: Students will gain an understanding of how the technology industry operates and gain a network of like-minded peers and technology professionals.
Internships and Jobs: Upon graduation, students will be eligible for paid internships and job opportunities through the AOT employer partner network and through our own programs.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for our 2020 - 2021 cohort must:
  • Be a junior or senior in a NYC public or charter high school that meets our Economic Needs Index eligibility criteria at the time of application by September 2020
  • Be interested in careers in computer science / technology 
  • Be available for workshops once a week, either Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. during the 2020 - 2021 school year ​
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Note: AOT prioritizes candidates that:
  • Self-identify as African American / Black
  • Self-identify as Hispanic / Latinx
  • Self-identify as females and/or girls
  • Self-identify as gender non-conforming and/or non-binary and/or agender
  • Self-identify as LGBTQIA+ 

Selection Process

Listed below is the selection process for the Tech Flex Leaders program:
  1. Interested students must fill out an application.
  2. Applications will be reviewed by members of the AOT team.
  3. AOT will make a decision to invite selected students to confirm their participation in the program. 
  4. Selected students' parents / guardians will be required to submit a parent / guardian consent form for participation in the program.
  5. Students will be required to attend an orientation day prior to the start of the program. 
  6. Technical sessions will kick off late-September.