The Hidden Genius Project

www.hiddengeniusproject.org

Grades 9–10 Grades 11–12 Postsecondary

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Our vision - Black male youth demand, and are working towards, a future where their genius is celebrated, realized, and shines every day and is no longer hidden, suppressed or belittled. The Hidden Genius Project, a national nonprofit organization, was founded in Oakland in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs/technologists who were unnerved by the dramatic juxtaposition between the high unemployment of Black male youth and the plethora of career opportunities within the local technology sector. To address this challenge, the founders established a program to connect young Black males with the skills, mentors, and experiences that they need to become high-performing entrepreneurs and technologists in a 21st century, global economy.

ORGANIZATION TYPE

Non-Profit Operator

STUDENTS SERVED

1000+

GEOGRAPHIC REACH

National

STATE(S) COVERED

California, Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania

LOCALE(S) SERVED

Urban

WBL SERVICE MODELS

Industry Speaker, Apprenticeship, Youth Apprenticeship, Career Fair / Career Day, Workplace Tour, Career Counseling / Assessments, Cooperative Work Experience, Internship, Service Learning

DELIVERY MODALITY

Community-based

TYPICAL DURATION

Long-term

SCHOOL-BASED TIMING

After-school, Summer

COMPENSATION TYPE

Paid, Stipend, Other Incentives/ Benefits

STAKEHOLDERS SERVED

Students, Families, Educators, Employers, State Education Agency, Basic Career Exploration Tools, Navigational Resources For Families/Caregivers, Professional

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

English Only

TARGETED POPULATIONS

Underrepresented Minorities

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

CAREER CLUSTERS ALIGNMENT

Digital Technology

FUNDING MODEL

School Budgets, Grants, Philanthropy, Earned Revenue

SIMILAR PROVIDERS

Tarrant To & Through Partnership

Regional

The Tarrant To & Through Partnership aims to ensure more Tarrant County students have the training and skills they need to thrive in today's workforce.

Available in: TX

grades 6–8 grades 9–10 grades 11–12 postsecondary

Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation

Regional

The Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization dedicated to training and developing future professionals in the metalworking and manufacturing industry in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its work includes a four-year registered apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction and on-the-job learning, as well as youth initiatives like robotics and STEM programs that build pathways into advanced manufacturing.

Available in: PA

grades 6–8 grades 9–10 grades 11–12 postsecondary grades k–5

ImBlaze by Big Picture Learning

Nationwide

National

ImBlaze is the leading WBL management tool. Through our web and mobile solution, schools and other orgs an manage their "Rolodex" of opportunities, track student attendance, and keep track of compliance paperwork. ImBlaze enables programs to grow social capital for young people and provide outside of school opportunities.

Available in: Nationwide

grades 9–10 grades 11–12