Oakland Nonprofit Launches AI Program for Youth Facing Tech Career Barriers
Hack the Hood, an Oakland-based nonprofit, will launch Build.AI this summer-a 12-week program designed to teach Bay Area youth practical artificial intelligence skills across multiple industries. The program joins existing offerings where more than 90% of graduates report meaningful gains in technical skills and career readiness.
Build.AI differs from traditional tech education by pairing technical instruction with what the organization calls a sociotechnical curriculum. Students learn to use AI tools while developing solutions to real community challenges, working on projects centered around racial equity, social justice, and technology.
The program prepares students for roles in business, healthcare, education, sustainability, and creative industries-not exclusively traditional tech positions. Students complete industry-inspired projects, participate in innovation challenges, and graduate with workplace-ready skills applicable across sectors.
Expanding Access Through Partnerships
Hack the Hood operates independently while partnering with Oakland Unified School District schools and community organizations. A three-way collaboration with the school district and Laney College allows high school students to earn transferable college credits in computer science through dual enrollment, creating a direct pathway from high school to higher education and tech careers.
The organization will also offer AI-focused upskilling workshops for alumni, connecting past participants to emerging career pathways and industry leaders as the technological landscape shifts.
Addressing a Funding Gap
Hack the Hood is seeking philanthropic support to fill gaps left by federal actions affecting digital equity programs in 2025. Executive Director Samia Zuber said the timing reflects broader economic shifts. "With AI accelerating the way it is, this is really a second tech boom that's happening here," she said. "Historically, the population that we serve has been left out of the opportunities that are happening in the workforce and in tech, and our goal is to change that."
For educators interested in how AI is reshaping workforce readiness, resources on AI for Education and Generative AI and LLM offer foundational training and context for these emerging skill gaps.
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