Workforce Readiness

Google's Tech Equity Collective Introduces Free Black Genius Academy App to Foster Black Tech Talent

• By Kate Lucariello
• 09/19/23

The Tech Equity Collective (TEC) was started by Google to assist aspiring Black tech talent and innovation. It creates "culturally informed career pathway programs," Google said, and recently announced the Black Genius Academy (BGA) app. This free app helps aspiring Black tech learners by providing resources such as personal guidance to help them locate and enroll in certificate and bootcamp programs with supportive and successful Black tech leaders and educators to guide them in navigating careers in tech.

Information on grant opportunities to help defray the cost of education programs is also available.

The three fastest growing tech fields today are cybersecurity, software engineering, and user experience (UX) design, the company said. Learners can listen to audio interviews with Black leaders in these fields and get help working out a career plan. The five-step process supports learners to:

• Received a customized career path plan;
• Obtain a career coach who can help with goals, planning, and making decisions;
• Become part of a community of Black tech professionals who can support them in their journey;
• Enroll in tech job training programs; and
• Participate in workshops and other venues for new tech innovators.

"Every step of the way, I felt guided and empowered to explore, learn, and evolve," said Dawit Ferede, a Black Genius Academy learner. "This unwavering focus on my growth is a testament to the program's dedication to fostering talent and potential."

Go to the Black Genius Academy page to learn more about the app and sign up.

The Tech Equity Collective "partners with the Black community, other tech companies, and organizations to create holistic pathways for the Black tech innovators," the organization said. To learn more, visit the Tech Equity Collective page.