SF Bay Area launches Tech & Leadership Development for Youth
Published by Christina DiChiara
Aidan Harris (left) and Tim Hogan, VP Cushman & Wakefield, during warm up games at the Salesforce Ventures workshop.
The All Stars Project of San Francisco Bay Area has launched a new Tech and Leadership Development Initiative that is bringing together All Stars youth with professionals in the tech sector, creating exciting growth possibilities for all.
With a $75,000 Kick Off Sponsorship from Silicon Valley Bank and hands on partnership from Michelle Peralta (SVB Director, Early Stage Lending, and ASP of SF Bay Area Board member), 30 young people participated in a six week pilot of interactive workshops at leading tech companies, including Silicon Valley Bank, Google Ventures, ToutApp, Spotify, and RBS Silicon Valley Solutions.
The pilot concluded with a workshop led by Salesforce Ventures that included a recognition ceremony for all youth and workshop hosts.
Dreamforce tour with Jeff Chase, VP of Sustainability, Freeman (front, fourth from left).
As one our young people said of the experience, “What I liked most about the Fall Leadership Program was the kindness and hospitality the different workshop leaders showed us. I saw myself grow as a leader by learning to ask relevant questions of our hosts, and learned about ways to advance my professional career.”
Tech and Leadership Development will continue in 2017 with a Development School for Youth “Tech Track,” summer internships at technology and life sciences companies, and a continuation of interactive workshops.
Silicon Valley Bank Director, Michelle Peralta (far right) with ASP Bay Area young people outside of Google Ventures.
With 30 percent of people in the San Francisco Bay Area living in poverty, the technology industry
must be an integral part and partner with innovative approaches like the All Stars. Over the next three years, our plan is to bring together hundreds of companies and thousands of youth and tech professionals in a new partnership for growth.