Community Highlights: Meet Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson of America On Tech

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson. 

Hi Jessica and Evin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When we were employed in the tech sector, we quickly noticed a disconnect between ourselves and our peers – there were very few other people who looked like us or had similar lived experiences. We understood that something proactive had to be done to begin to systematically change the face of the technology sector. AOT was born in 2014, and today we are serving the students we once were. 

Both of us are people of color, graduates of the public school system, and first-generation college grads who formerly worked in the technology industry [Accenture, Deloitte, and JP Morgan Chase]. AOT’s theory of change is that everyone should have the opportunity to compete fairly for the opportunities of today’s technology-driven workforce, particularly low-income BIPOC students who are historically excluded from the tech sector equation. When we think about the young people we serve, we know that when given the resources to succeed, they thrive and not only create promising career pathways for themselves but for others in their communities. In this way, AOT seeks to foster systemic change by increasing the presence of low-income, BIPOC youth of color in high-income tech careers. 

Since 2014, we have reached over 4,000 students across the country and 85% of our young people are in technology jobs or are pursuing tech-related degrees at 2-year and 4-year universities across the country. For this work, AOT has been awarded and honored by the following: Forbes 30 Under 30; the Robin Hood Power Fund; American Express Leadership Fellowship, Camelback Ventures Social Innovation Fellowship, Crain’s 40 Under 40, Kauffman Entrepreneurship Engagement Fellowship, New York Community Trust Leadership Fellowship, Pahara Institute – NextGen Fellowship; and membership in the Education Leaders of Color Collaborative. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road, but we believe there is a world where people are starting to understand the challenges our communities face and want to be part of creating change for the communities we serve. There have also been significant challenges for us as people of color leading this work as it relates to fundraising and philanthropy that we think needs to be systematically addressed to make it easier for us to complete our mission more seamlessly. We believe that while these struggles have existed, that there is a better tomorrow that awaits us. 

We’ve been impressed with America On Tech, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
America On Tech’s mission is to prepare the next generation of technology leaders in order to decrease the economic and racial wealth gap in underestimated communities. Since 2014, we have reached over 4,000 students across the country and have established offices in NYC, Los Angeles, and Miami. 

Technology education and training is a critical component of a young person’s ability to succeed in a 21st-century economy. They are the most in-demand skills that a young person needs in order to be competitive for jobs – many of which have yet to be created. Yet, many young people – particularly students of color – are not given the same playing field to engage with technology to be competitive in today’s educational and professional environments. 

Blacks and Latinxs represent less than 18% of the tech industry nationwide. And they make up less than 10% of degrees conferred in Computer Science and IT annually. They are ultimately shut out of opportunities for economic advancement. AOT knows there is a pathway for students of color in technology and innovation so AOT’s mandate, and what we seek to achieve in our programming, is to create pathways for young people into degrees and/or careers in the innovation sector. 

AOT is retooling the educational status quo by transforming the educational experience with technology for BIPOC youth. We are moving beyond addressing just the formal goals and measures of equality – such as tech access, STEM diversity, or digital participation – by using technology and skills development to build vocabularies and fluencies around race, class, gender, and other lines of oppression. 

We are most proud of the students and families who participate in our programs and what they achieve with us! 

Contact Info:

• Website: americaontech.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/americaontech
• Facebook: facebook.com/americaontech
• Twitter: twitter.com/americaontech
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americaontech
• Other: americaontech.org/donate