New Technologists

A letter from Kobie Hatcher: As Board Chair and Founder of NextWave Society, I’m constantly amazed by our community's generosity. Seeing students with limited disposable income step up to donate is truly inspiring. Their belief in our mission fuels everything we do.   Right now, our New Technologists program, which creates real opportunities for future tech leaders, is at risk without enough funding. After ten years, we know it works. We’ve seen the impact and how it changes product teams for the better. We can’t and won’t let it go.   If students with so little to spare are willing to give, imagine the impact that leaders and innovators like yourself can make. This program not only changes lives but also creates better product teams, leading to better products with less bias in AI and fewer detrimental algorithms.   Every donation matters. Let’s keep the program evolving and continue creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Your support makes all the difference. You can make your contribution by clicking this link https://bit.ly/4grFS4K.   After making your contribution, verify with your company regarding the availability of matching funds. Below are the matching fund guidelines for companies where many of our TNT alumni are employed: Microsoft: aka.ms/give (powered by Benevity). Amazon: Amazon Giving Portal (powered by Benevity). Apple: Apple Benevity Portal and click on Apple Matching Gifts Program. Google: Google Benevity Portal and click on Google Matching Gifts Program. Nike: Nike Community Impact Fund. SAP: SAP Benevity Portal and click on SAP Matching Gifts Program. Starbucks: Starbucks Community Champion Portal. - Kobie Hatcher

Our crowdfunding campaign is still going strong, and we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received so far (we see you, alums!)🙏 Every contribution helps us empower students from under-resourced backgrounds through technology training, job placement, and critical soft-skill support. We’re working toward our goal to expand opportunities and create lasting impact, but we’re not there yet. Your donation can make a difference — and with a generous $100K match from an anonymous donor, your impact is doubled! Here’s how you can help: Donate today: https://bit.ly/4grFS4K Double your impact: Many companies match employee donations — check if your employer participates! Matched donations: An anonymous donor is matching contributions up to $100K — your gift can go twice as far. Spread the word: Share this link https://bit.ly/4grFS4K with your network. Your generosity makes a difference✨ . Donations enable us to reach more students, expand resources, and create new opportunities. As a thank-you, donors will be acknowledged as: Patron: Up to $500 Advocate: $500+ Champion: $1,000+ Thank you for your support! Let’s keep building the future, together.

NextWave Society is having their first ever Zeffy campaign for The New Technologists. Check out the crowdfunding video here: https://bit.ly/4grFS4K. For more information about the campaign, click "What impact will this donation have?" above the video. Join us in supporting this important mission—donate and share today! NextWave Society’s (501c3) mission is to empower students from under-resourced backgrounds through traditional technology training, job placement, and ongoing soft-skill support. We aim to create pathways to higher education and career opportunities, transforming students into future innovators and leaders who enrich and inspire their communities. www.nextwavesociety.org #NextwaveSociety #NewTechnologists #TNTProgram #TechInnovation #FutureLeaders #TechCommunity #InnovateTogether #TechEducation #NextGenTech #EmpowerThroughTech #GirlsInSTEM #WomenInTech #CodeLikeAGirl #AIForAll #DiversityInTech

Hi Everyone, This past weekend, as we gathered for Thanksgiving, I found myself reflecting on gratitude, resilience, and the strength of community. While the world feels more uncertain than ever, one thing is clear: we need each other. If you didn’t know; now you know. The world is shifting in ways that can feel unsettling and isolating. With the rise of divisive policies and rhetoric, alongside a slowing job market in the industry, it’s easy to feel like the pace of progress has come to a crawl — or even reversed. The fear is real, and we know for many of you, this moment feels uncertain. That’s why we want to remind you: we’re still here for you. I’m here for you. You are not alone, and neither are we. Together, we can carve new paths and create opportunities that no one can take away. In that spirit, I want to share some news about The New Technologists (TNT) program. This year, Microsoft made the tough decision to step back from sponsoring TNT. While this reflects broader challenges in the industry, it’s also a call to action for us. Instead of stepping back, we’ve chosen to step forward — boldly. We’re excited to share that the New Technologists Program will now be part of NextWave Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting participants and alumni as they navigate their careers in tech. This transition allows us to maximize the resources, mentorship, and community we can provide, ensuring future tech leaders have an avenue into this ever-changing industry. And we can’t do it alone. To bring this vision to life, we’re launching a crowdfunding campaign and could use your help. Whether through a donation or simply sharing our campaign with your network, your support will make a tangible difference in ensuring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers can thrive. We know the challenges feel immense. The news is meant to frighten, and political shifts remind us how far we still have to go. But we also know this: you are amazing, and together, you are the future innovators. This #GivingTuesday, we’re calling on our community to help us build the future. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in our collective potential is what keeps this community connected. With gratitude, Kobie

Celebrating the Conclusion of the TNT and Wave 1& 2 Apprentice Programs 💫   As we wrapped up the TNT program, along with Waves 1 & 2 of our Apprentice Program, we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who made it all possible. It's been an amazing journey, and seeing the growth of our participants has been truly inspiring.   We've captured some reflections from our alumni, including not just this cohort but previous cohorts as well and they’ve shared their thoughts on what the program meant to them during and after. Check out this video to hear directly from them! 🎥   https://lnkd.in/gXqg_jU3   Thank you to all the mentors, coaches, participants, Microsoft, and supporters who contributed to the success of these programs. Here's to continuing to build and support alternative pathways into tech! Shout out to the alums who shared their thoughts in the video: Korre Henry Madison Velasquez Nuh Mohamud Maryory Ajpop Abshir Mohamed Judy Fu #tnt #thenewtechnologists #emergingtech #alternativepathways

Anyone looking to further their tech experience? Look into Google's Tech Equity Collective program. Applications are due September 20th! https://lnkd.in/gV7XAGsk

We couldn't have done this program without our awesome instructor Sara Farag. Cheers to another cohort under your belt and helping to change the lives of 70 students this summer! 🥳 WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Thankful for our New Technologists 💙 #newtechs2024 #ntapprentices2024

Know anyone in your network who could be NextWave Society's inaugural ED? This person will work closely with New Technologists and help create alternative pathways for skilled tech workers and promote greater inclusion in the industry. Click to learn more or to apply!