Caleb Ketema’s, Cohort OAK10 Gold Hidden Genius Alum, journey in our Intensive Immersion Program reflects the power of growth, curiosity, and community. Now a sophomore at San José State University studying Computer Network System Management, Caleb is channeling his passion for sports technology and analysis as a recent alumnus of TEAM Inc. into real-world opportunities, blending his academic knowledge with hands-on projects. Alongside his student involvement at SJSU, Caleb still returns to The Hidden Genius Project as a Youth Educator, mentoring future generations of Geniuses.
How have you been?
Life has been good overall. I’ve been staying active, working out, and also spending time exploring new opportunities in sports tech and analysis. My family is doing well, and they’ve been supporting me as I continue adjusting to being away at college and balancing responsibilities. School is going pretty well. I’m now a sophomore at San José State University (SJSU) studying Computer Network System Management, and I’ve been building on what I learned last year while also getting more involved in different opportunities connected to sports and technology like TEAM Inc. It’s been exciting to start blending what I’m learning in the classroom with real projects. Work has also been going great, especially being able to connect my jobs with my personal growth and the goals I’m aiming for.
How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project? 
I first learned about the program through my good friend Hesten Parrish (OAK7). He told me I would like it because it had coding, you get a free computer, they go on business trips, and have fun. That sounded really nice to me, so I applied to the program with the intent to learn and enjoy my time with the program. I did all of those things and more.
What was your experience in the program like?
My experience in The Hidden Genius Project was amazing, and it continues to impact me even today. I enjoyed building friendships and learning new skills that I still use in my academic and career path. One of the highlights for me was being introduced to entrepreneurship and technology at the same time because those lessons connected directly with what I want to do now in sports tech. A challenge I faced early on was getting comfortable with coding since it was all new to me, but I pushed through by practicing and getting support from other Geniuses. The leadership and teamwork we practiced stuck with me because those same skills now help me when I’m working on sports projects or building connections at SJSU. Entrepreneurship was one of my favorite parts because I loved pitching ideas and seeing how business can intersect with creativity. The technology piece opened my eyes to coding, web design, and problem-solving, and even though I’ve shifted toward sports analysis, those same technical skills still give me an advantage in my field.
Describe the app you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.
During the Intensive Immersion Program, I learned HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which allowed me to build things like a tutoring website and a simple banking app. I also created an engaging driving game where the player had to avoid obstacles, which was fun and taught me more about logic in programming. Later, I worked on a clothing brand website, which pushed me to think about design and business at the same time. These experiences taught me how to take an idea and turn it into something functional, something I now apply when I’m working on sports-related projects, like analyzing stats or creating presentations.
How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?
I believe The Hidden Genius Project is different from other training programs I have participated in because of its unique sense of brotherhood and its relentless focus on personal growth. The program constantly challenged me to improve, ensuring that I completed the immersion with a transformed life and a stronger sense of self. Another distinguishing factor is that it connects Black male youth together. This environment allowed me to connect with more people who look like me, gain mentors, and make friends who share similar experiences. Their support has encouraged me to see—and strive for—the best in myself.
What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?
The most beneficial skills I learned from The Hidden Genius Project were leadership, problem-solving, networking, and teamwork. Leadership gave me confidence in guiding groups, which now helps when I collaborate in sports analysis workshops or study groups. Problem-solving came from breaking down coding challenges, and I apply that same mindset today when working with sports data or game analysis. Networking was another key skill, since the connections I built through The Hidden Genius Project showed me how important relationships are, and I continue to use that lesson in college and when connecting with sports analytics mentors. Finally, teamwork was strengthened through the principle of Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are”. You don’t have to navigate life and the challenges it throws at you on your own, you will always have the help of your brothers by your side.
What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?
The most important things I gained from participating in The Hidden Genius Project were the relationships I built and my personal development. The relationships I formed were crucial because they positioned me for growth, such as becoming a Youth Educator (YE) and maintaining strong communication with the Alumni Engagement Department. They consistently reached out and provided support whenever I needed it for college applications and decision-making.
In terms of development, I came into the program with no coding experience and left as a skilled coder. I believe my path would have been very different without The Hidden Genius Project, as I wanted to get into coding, and the program provided me with the opportunity to learn it. If it weren’t for the program, I might have explored other fields that I wouldn’t have enjoyed as much. The Hidden Genius Project truly sparked my passion for coding and shaped my career path. Overall, the program helped me become a better version of myself, fostering significant personal growth.
When you imagine yourself before starting The Hidden Genius Project, what’s different between that version of you and the current version?
Before I joined The Hidden Genius Project, I was not actively involved in a professional workspace or in a community with many people who looked like me. The Hidden Genius Project was instrumental in showing me that individuals who look like me can also achieve success in the tech field. The program demonstrated that there is a viable path for me and provided mentors to guide and support me in my journey.
In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?
I stayed involved by regularly reaching out to the organization and returning to the Oakland site to help out. This commitment led to me being given the Youth Educator title, which further deepened my connection with the program. I visited the site every week and maintained communication with the Alumni Engagement Department to get the support I needed. The college advisor would reach out to me regularly and conduct check-ins to see how I was doing. They made it clear that I can reach out whenever I need assistance, and they are always available to support me, even with questions about college. Additionally, teaching a track over the summer allowed me to build stronger relationships with other participants, fostering a sense of brotherhood and improving my friendships with them.
If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?
One thing I would have told myself is that you should have applied earlier! Also, make sure to try many new things to see what you like the best because there are so many opportunities, and it’s just amazing!
What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?
Enjoy the experience, have fun, and don’t focus solely on making money. Think about building a sense of brotherhood, learning new things, and forming new friendships. Embrace the opportunity to have fun and potentially earn money by trying something new.
Since 2012, nearly 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
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