Empowering LA Talent Through AI Innovation

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

AI proficiency is essential across tech roles in LA due to the integration of AI in diverse sectors. Workforce development programs focusing on AI competency are crucial for enhancing job readiness and ensuring LA remains a competitive tech hub. We aim to expand AI training programs, building on successful pilot initiatives to equip talent with necessary AI skills. Mentorship is crucial for career growth in tech, offering guidance, skill development, and networking. We seek to expand mentorship, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, to provide underrepresented groups with essential support and opportunity. Recent pilot programs with Microsoft ERGs have shown positive results, highlighting the impact of tailored mentorship. Effective marketing is vital for growth, targeting both talent and tech companies. Through culturally relevant strategy, we aim to increase awareness of tech opportunities among underrepresented groups and improve outreach to employers for successful tech placements.

AI Development – LA-Tech.org seeks to enhance its AI initiatives for young adults through staff training, student professional development, generative AI intensives, and an AI-focused Career Academy. By leveraging AI for administrative efficiency and data-driven program tailoring, expanding AI training events, integrating AI modules into existing programs, and launching a comprehensive AI Academy with industry partnerships, we aim to prepare students for AI-related roles and maximize job placement success. Mentorship – To expand mentorship efforts, LA-Tech.org will partner with ERGs to launch a 1:1 mentorship program for 100 Academy scholars, supported by dedicated staff. Additionally, 250 youth will attend mentorship matching events, and over the course of a year, 250 youth from low-income and diverse backgrounds will be matched with technology professionals, fostering long-lasting, impactful relationships. Digital Strategies – LA-Tech.org will collaborate with Greater Good to revamp its marketing efforts through a comprehensive digital audit, strategic recommendations, messaging overhaul, and implementation support. This phased approach aims to enhance our online presence, clarify our mission, and increase visibility among tech communities and young people, ultimately driving engagement and growth.

If the proposed initiatives are successful, Los Angeles County will see a transformative impact on its tech industry and community. By equipping low-income and underrepresented youth with cutting-edge AI skills and comprehensive mentorship, LA-Tech.org will foster a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce. This will not only enhance job readiness and career advancement opportunities but also drive innovation and economic growth in the region. The improved digital strategies will amplify our outreach, ensuring that more young people and tech companies are aware of and engaged with our programs. As a result, Los Angeles will emerge as a hub of tech talent and innovation, characterized by equitable access to education and career opportunities, ultimately reducing systemic barriers and promoting social and economic mobility for all residents.

LA-Tech.org will define and measure success through clear, quantifiable outcomes across AI development, mentorship, and digital strategies. For AI development, success includes launching an AI Academy in 2025 for 25-50 young adults, providing AI training to 250 alumni, and placing 500 youth in internships using AI tools. Additionally, ensuring 100% of youth served are low-income, 90% identify as people of color, and 15% are opportunity youth will be key indicators. In mentorship, success involves launching a 1:1 program for 100 scholars, and hiring dedicated staff to support. We will also measure success by having 250 youth attend mentorship events. For digital strategies, success will be increasing our talent pipeline to 5,000 applicants, connecting 1,000 applicants with non-technical training, expanding our company pipeline to 150, increasing internships by 150 annually, and ensuring 700 scholars get paid tech experience.