2022 Tech Start-Up Fellowship
SCLA Summary
UrbanTXT: Teens Exploring Technology is an award winning, nationally recognized technology-based start‐up non-profit organization that focuses on inspiring underserved boys, grades 9th-11th to become confident leaders using technology as a tool to improve marginalized communities. Our focus is to develop young men of color into tech leaders through skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, UX design and code. During the summer, we partner with the University of Southern California (USC) to immerse the youth into our lean start-up Summer Coding Leadership Academy (SCLA). Teens develop a tech business that focuses on solving a social problem in underrepresented communities during SCLA. The White House, City of Los Angeles, Google, Mashable, Re/code, and Inc. Magazine have recognized TXT as an innovative organization.
Tech StartUp Fellowship
The coaches are a vital element to the success of our Summer Coding Leadership Academy. As a coach you will become a tech entrepreneur and help inspire the next generation of Black and Latino tech entrepreneurs. You will coach teens in solving critical social issues while developing a tech solution. You will have the opportunity to manage a teen tech‐start up and help your team pitch to investors, for a grand prize of $4000. All coaches will have the opportunity to learn from top entrepreneurs, investors, and tech mentors. Our coaches will be mentored by professionals from Google, Tinder, Snapchat, and other tech companies . We are looking for self-motivated individuals who are willing to learn in a fast-paced environment. Bottom line, we need hustlers, quick learners with the eagerness to change the world. Coaches must have a passion for mentoring high school students and positively impacting their lives.
Roles and Responsibilities
Identify, plan, and achieve youth development goals for a team of 4 youth
Motivate TXT participants by building an innovative tech community
Manage team project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables with your technical expertise
Connect and build relationships with gurus from top tech companies
Work in multiple teams and take on tasks as needed
Respond effectively to the daily problems that arise, often with creative solutions
Prepare team of youth to successfully pitch their final products in front of investors
Coaches will receive training in the following topics:
Lean Start-Up Environment
Effectively manage numerous projects while simultaneously meeting aggressive deadlines in a dynamic environment
Architect, design, develop and support a highly scalable mobile app application
Lead a diverse team from incubation to full-scale product development
Network with key hiring managers at tech companies
Understand fundamentals of launching an app, including raising money
Apply design thinking in order to develop products that will disrupt low income communities
Building smart contracts using blockchain technology
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate student at a 4-year university majoring in computer science, business, social sciences, or similar fields
No experience is required, but the ability to learn fast is a must
Desired Qualifications
Excellent organization skills and a self-starter
Interest in coding, innovation and development with technology
Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence
Willingness to inspire Black and Latino boys to change the world of injustice
Interest and/or knowledge in the fields of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, or similar topics
Timeframe
Coaches must be available to attend a mandatory orientation in April 2022. Exact date will be determined at a later time. Coaches must attend monthly Saturday 2-hour training sessions from April – June. In addition, coaches will participate in a weeklong retreat from June 13-17, 2022. Core programming will take place from June 13th, 2022 – August 12th, 2022
How to Apply
Fill out application using this Tri-Net link.
Priority deadline to apply is Friday April 8th, 2022.