Youth AI: Tech for Community Impact

Access to tech and creative industry employment

South LA East LA Central LA

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Our understanding is that a significant issue in low-income communities, particularly for young men of color, is the unequal access to quality education and opportunities. This disparity directly contributes to high unemployment rates among African-Americans and Latinos, the highest among any ethnic group, which in turn fuels cycles of incarceration. This creates a "school to prison pipeline" rather than a pathway to economic independence and success. We believe there is a critical need for systemic change to break this cycle.Specifically, there's a profound lack of immersive technology and computer science education, coupled with limited experiential learning opportunities, that prevents these young men from developing essential skills and confidence. This directly limits their pathways to leadership and technology entrepreneurship, perpetuating economic disempowerment.

This grant will significantly expand TXT Labs' "AI for Youth" classes and launch a new youth internship program. We address unequal access to tech education for young Black and Brown men in low-income communities. Our proven team-based learning model, fosters collaboration, ideation, and life skills. The expanded "AI for Youth" classes will provide immersive AI and computer science education. Critically, the new internship program will place youth within TXT Labs to apply their AI knowledge to real-world tech projects for small businesses, non-profits, and schools. These hands-on experiences will solidify technical proficiency, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, and build confidence and leadership. By taking ideas from concept to market, youth gain vital critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. This initiative aims to break cycles of poverty, foster economic independence, and develop the next generation of innovators in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County will gain a more equitable tech ecosystem, transforming the "school to prison pipeline" into an "innovation pipeline." We'll see a diverse, skilled tech workforce of Black and Brown youth driving economic mobility and significantly reducing poverty. Communities will benefit from innovative AI solutions for small businesses, non-profits, and schools. Our program fosters community role models, creating a resilient, inclusive economy that leverages all residents' potential. Longer-term, "The Cube" will expand as a central hub for youth tech and entrepreneurship.