First Tech Fund Hosts Inaugural Community Celebration to Catalyze NYC High Schoolers’ Careers of the Future
Queens and Bronx alumni, and NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams, deliver remarks
Photo of Jaida Thomas (‘21 alum), Hana Seligman (First Tech Fund Co-Founder), Hamid Cruz (‘20 alum), and Josue De Paz (First Tech Fund Co-Founder & CEO). Photo by Phe Studios
NEW YORK, NY - First Tech Fund—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering low income NYC high school students in identifying, navigating, and attaining academic and professional opportunities—on Thursday, October 26th hosted at the Ohana Floor at Salesforce Tower its inaugural Fall Soirée, a community celebration for catalyzing the futures of low income NYC high school students through mentorship, college preparation, career readiness, and free technology.
Since 2020, over 300 students have accessed mentorship, college preparation, career readiness, free technology, and pathways to careers of the future through First Tech Fund's free, year-long fellowship program. The community celebration—sponsored by Vimeo, Communitas Ventures, and Davis Polk—raised funds to expand First Tech Fund’s impact, including the creation of new paid internships for college-aged First Tech Fund alumni at leading startup companies across NYC.
“Over the last three years, our fellows have been supported through mentorship and career exposure, empowered with increased awareness of professional pathways, and accepted into colleges, career training, and scholarship programs. We were so proud to celebrate these accomplishments and introduce partners to our new program investments that will ensure our alumni are supported with workforce development resources as they start their careers,” said Josue De Paz and Hana Seligman, Co-Founders of First Tech Fund.
“Through the First Tech Fund fellowship program, I learned about different careers, the fundamentals of networking, how to create a resume, and the importance of asking for help and persistence,” said Jaida Thomas, a 2021 alum of First Tech Fund’s fellowship program and Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens graduate who is now a nursing student at Hunter College. “Thanks to First Tech Fund’s resources and support, I found endless opportunities, which pulled me out of my comfort zone and helped me blossom into the fearless young woman you see standing before you today.”
“As an intern in my office, Jaida demonstrated remarkable dedication, an eagerness to learn, and a strong commitment to community service. Her passion for helping others and her ability to take initiative were truly commendable during her time with us and it’s no surprise that she’s channeling these qualities in her pursuit of a nursing career,” said New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams. “I applaud First Tech Fund co-founders, and the nonprofit’s host of volunteers for their dedicated work uplifting our City’s students through mentorship, college preparation, career-readiness, and pathways to careers of the future. And I commend all who are supporting this organization’s growth as they continue to break down barriers for our students who are all future leaders.”
“Through First Tech Fund, both as a fellow and now as an alum of the program, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with and learn from leaders at incredible companies,” said Hamid Cruz, a 2020 alum of First Tech Fund’s fellowship program and Bronx Engineering and Technology Academy graduate, and architecture student at Columbia University. “What’s really special about these experiences is that I got to talk to professionals who were also first generation college students and from low income families. That’s what has really motivated my cohort and me—seeing people like us in professional workspaces is what makes us believe that our dreams for our higher education and our careers are possible.”
“First Tech Fund has always been driven by the belief that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves access to a brighter future. We firmly believe that they are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our world, and we are committed to nurturing their talents,” said Jerome J. Sanders, First Tech Fund Board Chair. “We are grateful to all who joined us for our inaugural Soirée and are supporting First Tech Fund’s work as a career catalyst, providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and now internship opportunities to empower these young minds and pave the way for their bright futures.”
To support First Tech Fund’s work catalyzing careers for NYC high school students, make a donation at firsttechfund.com/donate-now or contact info@firsttechfund.com.
In spring 2024, First Tech Fund will open the application for its free fellowship program to New York City high school students. The program runs from September to June via weekly, virtual workshops in the evenings where students receive digital skills training, personalized mentorship, career exploration and networking opportunities to build social capital. Workshops cover various topics including navigating the college admissions process, resume writing, financial literacy, brand building, and more. Through virtual and in person career panel events, fellows gain insight into a broad range of fields including law, medicine, finance, business, public service, technology, and more. Community members, partners, families, and students can sign up for First Tech Fund’s newsletter at firsttechfund.com to learn more.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FUND
First Tech Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering low income high school students in identifying, navigating, and attaining academic and professional opportunities. First Tech Fund provides a supportive, adaptive ecosystem where students get access to free tech, free broadband, skills training, social capital, mentorship, and more. Follow First Tech Fund on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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