2021 Tech Start-Up Fellowship

SCLA Summary

TXT: 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, UI/UX design and code. 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 Fellows are a vital element to the success of our Summer Coding Leadership Academy. As a fellow 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 fellows will have the opportunity to learn from top entrepreneurs, investors, and tech mentors. Our fellows 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.  Fellows 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 startups

• Work in multiple teams and take on tasks as needed

• Respond effectively to the daily problems that arise, often with creative solutions

Fellows will receive training in the following topics: 

• Lean Startup 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 a startup, including raising money

• Apply design thinking in order to develop products that will disrupt low income communities

Minimum Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student at a 4-year university graduating Summer 2022 or later 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

Timeframe

Fellows must be available to attend a mandatory training beginning April 17th, 2021. Fellows must attend bi-weekly Saturday two-hour training sessions from 5pm - 7pm, April 17th – June 12th. Core programming will take place from June 14th, 2021 – August 13th, 2021.

How to Apply

E-mail resume and cover letter to roque@urbantxt.com

Deadline is Friday April 9th.