In just one hour…

When I was growing up, I simply didn’t realize a career in Computer Science was an option for me. What made the difference? Exposure and mentorship. I’ve seen in my own life, time and time again, what a difference one conversation can make. Ongoing mentorship is important, but you can also have a powerful impact, in just one hour.

Because of this, I’m thrilled to participating in a Q&A with other Googlers for TXT’s Summer Coding Leadership Academy (SCLA) . We’ll be answering questions about working in tech, and about the variety of jobs available at Google.

TXT: Teens Exploring Technology inspires young at risk Black and Brown boys to become technology entrepreneurs.

We serve young men of color between the 7th and 11th grade who come from low income communities. Since 2009, we have used the concept of developing strong teams as a way of teaching our young men of color about collaboration, ideation, and long-lasting life skills. In small teams our youths learn the process of taking an idea from concept to market. We use coding as the catalyst to take young men of color and turn them into technology leaders who build positive communities.

TXT:Teens Exploring Technology was founded by Oscar Menjivar, a 2008 graduate of Jordan High School. Growing up in Watts, California, Oscar lost friends to drugs, crime, and prison. He thanks his mentor and lacrosse coach, Mr. Wonders, for helping him to stay on track and encouraging him to pursue higher education.

As an L.A. transplant, I love my adopted home, and I’m happy to support this vision.