Each 1 Teach 1 Tech
Each One Teach One Tech is in full swing this summer with a virtual internship program for 42 talented people. They come from all walks of life and bring unique talents to each job. They are mentored by 15 fantastic former interns known as team leaders. Ages range from 13 to 40s. Anyone can learn at any age. Over 1,000 people applied this year.
Job? Interns?
Yes. This is a paid job and internship. They interns are paid to do work. The team leaders are generally past interns and are paid to lead their teams. Anyone can volunteer.
Interns are paid to level up their skills with technology, coding, and customer service. And then in a few short weeks, are put in front of clients, along with their team leaders, to work. In years past, they've worked with Harvard Crimson, a robotics company, and a few non-profit organizations. This year the focus is on mobile apps, solving real world challenges for restaurants without a web site (nor ability to take orders online), and a few non-profits like ISSA, HTCIA, and Emerge. A number of the interns are also working full-time jobs, taking AP Calculus, AP Computer Science (A or B), and working to support their families during the pandemic. Some even won the MIT App Inventor Hackathon this year. The "Youth Team" Safe Bites app came in first place.
Past interns have radically changed their life trajectory from working at minimum wage jobs to well-paid technology-related work. The goal is to provide the options and skills. The interns and team leaders can make their own choices about how best to use their newfound skills. Some are in fashion, in biotechnology, and of course, working in the technology industry.
Going Virtual
In years past, this was a very in-person program. The interns would tour places like Salesforce, Google, biotech companies, and other potential employers who use technology as part of their business. This doesn't work in the pandemic, obviously. The Cities of Cambridge and San Francisco asked if the whole program could be done virtually. The only answer is yes, we'll figure it out. Video sessions, chat, and virtual mentoring are in full swing this summer. As with any radical change, there are some challenges. The interns and team leaders are coming together to solve these challenges with creativity and fun.
The Mayor of New York City mentioned Each One Teach One in a few speeches. It turns out, he meant the basketball program. However, hundreds of youth from NYC decided to apply for the internship just the same. Everyone wants to learn tech skills and get employed. In a virtual world, location is less relevant than the skills needed to do the job at hand.
Background
The organization started in 2014 by working with schools in the USA, like Prospect Hill Academy, as well as abroad with Makerere University, Kisubi High School, Mugwanya Summit College, and Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda. The organization piloted its program, providing coding and technology training and employment for girls, women, and other disenfranchised students, in our backyard, as well as around the world. They have funding from various schools, private donors, along with state and city funding as part of summer youth employment programs.
It's about leveling the playing field and giving those the skills to match their drive to do something better. There is a focus on women and girls, but anyone is welcome to learn. They've trained 70+ years old retiree women looking to make a mobile app.
Each One Teach One won the "Best Summer Program" Award from the City of Cambridge in 2014 and 2015.
I'm proud to be on the Board of Each One Teach One. None of this would be possible if it weren't for Dr. Cortes and her force of nature approach to turning this local program into a world class organization. We're all volunteers. We all care and are here to help.