First Tech Fund Opens Applications for Free Out of School Enrichment Program

School-year fellowship opportunity provides free technology, internet access, mentorship and virtual after-school curriculum to underserved NYC high school students

NEW YORK - First Tech Fund (FTF) today announced the open application period for its annual free enrichment program, open to New York City high school students. First Tech Fund is a non-profit dedicated to closing the rampant digital divide by supporting students in New York City from low income and historically excluded backgrounds. 

Since its founding in 2020, First Tech Fund has provided over 130 students with a school year-long intensive mentorship and enrichment program that pairs high school students with young professional mentors from leading companies like Google, Boston Consulting Group and Robinhood. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, First Tech Fund provides weekly virtual webinars and workshops around practical skills like personal finance, public speaking, and resume writing, as well as panel discussions on careers in a number of fields like law, medicine, finance, healthcare, public service, and more. Students are expected to attend all FTF events. Students involved in the program get a laptop to keep and a WiFi hotspot should they request them for the duration of the program.

“Beyond providing free technology and broadband, First Tech Fund is a community of support for low income New Yorkers so they can access the tools and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Josue de Paz, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of First Tech Fund. “From financial and digital literacy to public speaking and crafting emails, we’re investing in our students holistically so that they’re not just better students and professionals but well-rounded individuals who can be prepared for life after high school, regardless of the path they choose. Through our fellowship program, they get exposure to a number of industries, careers, professionals, and opportunities that help widen the aperture of possibilities available to them in college and beyond, while getting access to a life-long professional network.”

“We’re proud to support First Tech Fund’s dedication to closing the digital divide, which aligns with our mission to promote equity in Brooklyn. First Tech Fund understands the importance of young Brooklynites having access to digital resources and how critical these tools, long-term mentorship, and community support are to their future. We look forward to our continued collaboration and encourage New York City high school students to apply for this fellowship opportunity"said Shari Suchoff, Executive Director of Brooklyn Communities Collaborative

First Tech Fund’s technology fellowship program will expand from 85 to 110 student fellows in its third cohort. There is no GPA or immigration status requirement. The fellowship program application is open until June 1st for all incoming 9th to 12th grade students who come from low-income backgrounds and reside in the five boroughs of NYC. 

"First Tech Fund is trailblazing pathways for students of color to reimagine their future. Through lived experience, a strong entrepreneurial drive, and an impact-driven focus to address inequities in opportunities and access, the leadership of this nonprofit is uniquely positioned to support, serve the needs of, and provide a gateway for students to new opportunities and a bright future,” said Sunmoon Jang, Acting Executive Director of Communitas America.

First Tech Fund is fundraising, accepting technology donations and is open to community and corporate partnership opportunities. Organizations interested in learning more about First Tech Fund’s mission, programs or partnerships should email info@firsttechfund.com or visit firsttechfund.com for more information. 

ABOUT FIRST TECH FUND

First Tech Fund's mission is to close the digital divide by empowering high school students of color from underserved backgrounds in New York City with technology, practical skills, and opportunities to succeed in the modern world. Through its programs, FTF Fellows learn from industry leaders, young professionals, and business owners what it takes to pursue a career in their respective field while beginning to build their networks. Follow FTF on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.