Young Men Celebrate Tech Accomplishments in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. – A special event was held in Oakland to honor a group of talented young men who completed an intense program aimed at empowering Black youth in technology and entrepreneurship.
The Hidden Genius Project organized an end-of-summer celebration at Lodestar: A Lighthouse Community Public School, where students showcased their impressive tech projects, received awards, and celebrated their achievements with family and friends.
Among the participants was high school junior Robert Love II, who demonstrated his video game, “Ninja Moves.” In this game, players race to finish each level as fast as possible. For Robert, the experience of learning to code was just one part of the program’s benefits.
“This opportunity changed how I see myself. I used to doubt my abilities, thinking I couldn’t create good games. But now I have confidence,” Robert shared.
He is one of 75 students who successfully completed the Hidden Genius Project’s 15-month program, which includes 800 hours of training in computer science, technology, artificial intelligence, and business skills. Robert dreams of becoming a game developer and feels ready to take on the tech industry.
“They taught me coding and helped me believe in myself. It’s okay to be scared of the tech world, but I also learned it’s possible to succeed there. When you see others who look like you achieving their goals, it inspires you to believe you can do it too,” he said.
Empowering Young Minds in Tech
The Hidden Genius Project was founded in Oakland in 2012. Its mission is to provide young Black men with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the tech field.
Brandon Nicholson, the CEO and a native of Oakland, explained that building connections is vital for these young men, who often come from diverse backgrounds.
“Many of our participants come from challenging circumstances. Access to opportunities and networks can be limited, which makes it harder to get ahead. So, we support these young men from high school through their journey and believe that they are geniuses for life,” Nicholson said.
Families at the event noted the significant growth they witnessed in the students during the program.
Danielle Matos-Osorio, a parent, reflected on her son’s journey: “His passion for coding has always been evident. I remember when he first learned about binary code at seven years old. We knew we had to encourage him in this field.”
Robert Love, the student’s father, mentioned that one of the biggest improvements he saw was in Robert’s confidence and communication skills. “He can now explain his projects clearly, which was a challenge for him before. It’s incredible to see him thrive,” he said.
Program Accessibility
The program is free for students and their families. The celebration in Oakland was just one of several events organized by the Hidden Genius Project, which also extends its services to young people in communities like Richmond, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
The Hidden Genius Project continues to inspire and empower young Black men, helping them build a brighter future in technology and entrepreneurship.
