Brothers Code is fueling the diverse tech talent pipeline by teaching 250+ young men of color code

(December 12, 2015)–Today, The Kapor Center for Social Impact (kaporcenter.org) and The Hidden Genius Project (hiddengeniusproject.org), hosted the 3rd annual Brothers Code (brotherscode.org), held at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. Brothers Code, which is part of a larger Hour of Code (#HourOfCodeOAK) initiative focused on introducing young people across the U.S. to the basics of computer science education, is a day-long event focusing on young men of color. These young men, in middle and high school, are interested in learning more about the skills and networks that can guide them to exciting opportunities in tech.

Image credit: Brothers Code

“Today represents a day of opportunity and exposure for young men of color. Our future economy depends on their creative brilliance and their participation in the tech innovation sector” said Justin Davis of The Kapor Center for Social Impact.

Participants were joined by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, along with members of The Kapor Center for Social Impact, The Hidden Genius Project, Merritt College administrators, and the community.

“Tech companies can’t tell me there are no qualified talent of color–they are standing right here” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee while addressing the Brothers Code participants.

Brothers Code hosted approximately 250 students who spent the day working alongside tech professionals, learning the basics of computer programming, entrepreneurship, app building, exploring career opportunities in tech, and learning about the education pathways to tech. Additionally, these young men were challenged to investigate how technology can be used to strengthen communities.

“Talent needs to be tapped. Today, talent was tapped and that talent has been inspired to grow their skills” said Akeem Brown of The Hidden Genius Project. “All these young men of color needed was an opportunity to show that talent. If they didn’t know they had it before, they know it today.”