ROBERT THOMAS, BAL1

Meet Robert Thomas, a Hidden Genius Alum of our Baltimore Cohort 1 (BAL1) and 2026 Congressional App Challenge winner. What began as a leap of faith into our Intensive Immersion Program has grown into a journey defined by confidence, discipline, and purpose. As a sophomore at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, balancing academics, student government, and a professional internship, Robert steadily sharpened his voice and technical skills, learning to step outside of his comfort zone and lead with intention. That growth came full circle with the creation of “Safe Trigger”, an app designed to promote responsible firearm safety education—earning him recognition as a 2026 Congressional App Challenge winner for Maryland’s Seventh District and marking a powerful milestone in his commitment to using technology to uplift his community. Keep reading to learn more about Robert’s journey with The Hidden Genius Project and beyond.

How have you been? 
I’ve been good. I’m currently a sophomore in high school, and I have been maintaining an A- average while being involved in SGA (Student Government Association). I’ve earned an internship at Keswick MultiCare Center, working with residents and other professionals in the medical field who are teaching me about customer service, and more. I also created an app named SafeTriggers, which I submitted for the Congressional App Challenge and won.

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I learned about The Hidden Genius Project from my school. My school was invited to the Baltimore Brothers Code event and invited me and some of my other classmates to attend. Truthfully, I only applied because I wanted to win a Chick-fil-A gift card. I was surprised when I was called for Interview Day and actually accepted. I’m thankful every day that I gave it a chance.

What was your experience in the program like? 

My experience in the Intensive Immersion Program was exciting. I was able to build relationships with staff and fellow Geniuses. I was able to develop my technology skills with the help of my educators, creating games, apps, websites, and more. Also, with leadership, I learned about real-world and social problems that impact my community, creating solutions for how we can make a difference, and learned tips of entrepreneurship.

One challenge I faced in programming was stepping out of my comfort zone. I felt nervous presenting projects to others, but over time, with help and feedback from my peers, mentors, and practice, I became more confident. Another challenge was time management, having to balance school, work, and my responsibilities. This meant that I had no room for procrastination. I started setting goals and creating schedules, in total, making me a more organized person.

Describe the final project you created during your time in the Immersion Program. 

I created an app called NewsVerse. Many people don’t have time to check multiple sources or find reliable updates. Newsverse solves this by providing a central hub for verified news and local events, while also giving businesses and organizations a direct way to share updates with the community. It took me around 1-2 months to create, using Xcode and Google Firebase.

How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in? 

The Hidden Genius Project stands out from other mentorship programs because of the hands-on experiences it provides for its Geniuses. The staff goes above and beyond, consistently pushing participants out of their comfort zones to help them grow. What truly makes the program different is that you can genuinely feel how much the staff cares about each individual Genius and their personal development.

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you? 

The most beneficial skills I learned from the program were problem-solving and public speaking. Naturally, through life I encounter problems that seem difficult, and being able to adapt and find effective solutions allows me to grow stronger, think critically, and handle future challenges with greater confidence and resilience. This greatly helps when I face challenges in creating an app, allowing me to navigate obstacles more effectively. Public speaking has made me more confident, improved my ability to communicate clearly, and helped me express my ideas fluently. Public speaking has supported me in my classes, outside activities, and beyond.

What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?

The most important thing I gained on a personal level would be community. When in the program, I built strong bonds with my mentors and Geniuses. I was supported throughout the immersion program and still am as a Hidden Genius Alum. Being around people with different stories but brought together by this program gives a sense of brotherhood.

I feel like if I hadn’t participated in the program, aside from not knowing how to code, I wouldn’t be as confident as I am today. I was pushed to think bigger and not doubt myself. I also wouldn’t have been exposed to the same opportunities that I have now, such as my internship and being able to win the Congressional App Challenge for my district. Without The Hidden Genius Project, I would not be as motivated or goal-driven as I am now.

When you imagine yourself before starting The Hidden Genius Project, what’s different between that version of you and the current version? 

Before starting The Hidden Genius Project, I lacked the confidence to speak out, and I would probably have just wasted my summer away sleeping. Since I did the bare minimum for everything and refused to face any challenges, I wouldn’t be afforded the same opportunities that I have today. Now I actually put in the work and work hard for everything, building myself, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing more.

In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program? 

I still keep in touch with many of my fellow Geniuses and my mentors. When the program has any events, such as Brothers Code, I still volunteer to help out. I attended the most recent Brothers Code in December, which was very fun to see old faces and meet new faces.

Just because Geniuses graduate and become alumni, the staff of The Hidden Genius Project still keeps in contact with us. They regularly check in on us and make sure to update me with information for opportunities like scholarships and learning opportunities.

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say? 

I would tell myself to take all the opportunities you’re given. Think about what you can get out of it and how it can shape your life.

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses? 

Don’t let anybody tell you what to be. The Hidden Genius Project is all about building your identity. Take every opportunity you’re given to grow yourself.