curious about software development or user experience design

unlock your hidden genius

create, explore, design

The Hidden Genius Project (THGP) provides Oakland black male youths with the knowledge, skills, mentors and experiences to obtain and create technological jobs in this new, global, 21st century economy. We are focused on unlocking career paths in Software Engineering, User Experience Design and Technology Entrepreneurship.

The Hidden Genius Project is a two-year program starting off with an intensive 8-week Summer Program:

Year One
Year Two

Students will be introduced to the following concepts:

project details


Hidden Genius Project Program

Over the course of 8-weeks, students will:

  • Develop the problem solving and creative thinking skills needed to design, develop, and implement a mobile application
  • Imagine, design, and build their own application
  • Work with other high school students to execute a group project
  • Learn the basics of creating cool mobile apps that other people actually want to use
  • Learn a lot about general computer programming and design (don’t worry, the teachers are awesome and engaging!)
  • Research and present technology-related topics to their peers
  • Be matched one-on-one with mentors, young black professionals with technology work experience, who will provide them with additional support and guidance
  • Interact with speakers from different parts of the tech industry on a bi-weekly basis

After receipt and review of your application you will be contacted to schedule an interview day

Work outside of weekly instruction required (the more work your put in, the better your app)

the innovation team

Kurt Collins

Co-Founder and CEO, Enole

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

10+ years exp. in software development and technology entrepreneurship

Isaak Hayes

Sr. Interaction Designer, Salesforce.com

Western Washington University

7+ years exp. in user experience design

Rassamee Hayes

Primary Teacher, Vincent Academy

MA Curriculum and Instruction - Seattle University

8+ years exp. in classroom teaching

Michael McDaniels

Application Development Engineer, KLA-Tencor

Stanford University

2+ years exp. in product development

Tracy Moore

Former Founding Executive Director, Leadership Scholars

Harvard College

6+ years exp. in informal education and youth leadership development

Jeff Nelson

Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Palantir

Washington University in St. Louis

2+ years exp. in software development

Kilimanjaro Robbs

Product and Marketing Strategist

Duke MBA and Northeastern Eng. Alumnus

10+ years exp. in software development and product strategy

Errol Saunders

Teacher, Hopkins School

Assistant Director, Breakthrough New Haven

Yale University

6+ years exp. in curriculum design and classroom instruction

Jason Young

Founder and CEO, Mindblown Labs

Harvard College

5+ years exp. in technology entrepreneurship and product management

Kalimah Priforce

Co-founder and CEO, Qeyno Labs

City University of New York

10+ years exp. in youth development, education and technology entrepreneurship

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