Mission:

The Code for Science & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to leveraging technology for social good. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities through technology-driven solutions, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

What Makes Code for Science & Society Unique:

Code for Science & Society fosters a vibrant community of individuals passionate about using their technical skills for positive change. They organize events, workshops, and hackathons to encourage collaboration and innovation in solving social problems.

The organization advocates for the ethical and responsible use of technology in addressing societal challenges. They raise awareness about issues such as digital equity, data privacy, and algorithmic bias, promoting discussions and initiatives for more inclusive and equitable technological solutions.

HOW IT WORKS:

Code for Science & Society provides educational resources and training opportunities to equip individuals with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to social impact projects. This includes online tutorials, mentorship programs, and access to tools and technologies.

The non-profit collaborates with volunteers, technologists, and organizations to develop impactful projects aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges. These projects range from developing educational tools for underprivileged communities to creating platforms for environmental awareness.

Impact:

Through engagement with ideas and conversations around data, our mission guides how we engage with data, research, education, and tech communities, including people who have been historically excluded from these fields. Today we interpret the public interest framing of our mission as an opportunity to invest in and partner with projects that shift power to those who have been historically excluded from technology and science.

Mission:

Code.org’s mission is to give every student in every school the opportunity to learn CS, with a focus on young women and students from underrepresented groups. Code.org’s global role in the K-12 computer science movement is only possible because we use a unifying and inclusive approach across diverse and often divided stakeholders. This principle is part of our values, and is reflected in many ways, such as in our advocacy efforts, in our approach to equity, and our policy on making public statements.

What Makes Code Unique:

Code.org increases diversity in computer science by reaching students of all backgrounds where they are — at their skill-level, in their schools, and in ways that inspire them to keep learning. The vast majority of the students on Code.org are from student groups historically underrepresented in computer science. Increasing diversity in computer science is foundational to our work.

HOW IT WORKS:

Code.org is proud to offer all of curriculum and course content completely free worldwide, without any sort of needed partnership to use the materials in your school or organization! You can find the courses and curriculum in full through studio.code.org/courses. They also offer professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers through either 1-day or multi-phase workshops. Along with the ability to find a local computer science class near you.

Impact:

Mission:

At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. We connect, inspire, and guide women in computing and organizations that view technology innovation as a strategic imperative.

Our social enterprise supports women in technical fields, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generation. A full roster of programs helps women and non-binary technologists grow, learn, and develop their highest potential.

What Makes AnitaB Unique:

AnitaB.org helps women make significant contributions to technical fields. Our programs and awards highlight the accomplishments of women technologists, while our events and communities enable women to establish their peer networks.

HOW IT WORKS:

Membership or volunteering offers a variety of support options. These include mentorships, community events, career center, and coaching to help reach ones' full potential.

Impact:

AnitaB.org provides women and non-binary technologists with year-round opportunities to connect with and inspire one another, develop their professional skills, find mentors, and gain recognition. Our communities, events, and programs offer the resources women need to build rewarding careers in technology.

Mission:

Our mission is to ensure that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world's most challenging problems. As part of our ongoing mission, MIND is engaged in targeted initiatives with partners across the country to empower students and improve education.

What Makes Mind research unique:

The demand for workers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields continues to grow. Having a deep conceptual understanding of math creates the problem-solving foundation that all areas of STEM are built on. From our visual instructional ST Math program, to our ongoing research, to our community-based initiatives and partnerships, we are equipping students to be the problem solvers the future workforce--and the world--needs.

HOW IT WORKS:

MIND Research Institute holds a wide-ranging portfolio of patents for our inventions in neuroscience, spatial-temporal reasoning and education technology. Our patents demonstrate our effort to completely reinvent computer-based learning environments in order to drastically improve learning outcomes for all students. They also speak to the fundamental uniqueness of ST Math’s visual instructional design and approach. Our patented method of training through visual reasoning environments and games is not limited to mathematics. We continue exploring related applications and solutions that will help teachers leverage how children learn best, to ensure that today’s students are equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Impact:

• 2,283,128 students have been enrolled in/used the MIND Research Institute
• 115,179 Educators that have utilized the teaching methods created by MIND Research Institute
• 7,473 Schools across the country have brough the MIND Research Institute methods into the curriculum

Mission:

NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities.

NPower's Vision:

NPower envisions a future where our domestic technology workforce is diverse, and clear pathways exist for all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic background to succeed in our digital economy.

5 Values:

Impact - We work together to transform lives and strengthen communities
Commitment - We are dedicated to the success of our students, team and stakeholders
Integrity - We are transparent, Honest and ethical in all interactions
Diversity - We are committed to efforts that build respect, dignity, fairness, equity and self-esteem
Humility - We learn from mistakes and successes in equal measure

How It Works:

The NPower Tech Fundamentals Program is a FREE, tech training program with virtual instruction. Classes are held twice per year. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. After completing an online application, applicants are required to attend a virtual info session to get any questions answered by staff and recent graduates. Then applicants will participate in a virtual interview before joining the class - online. Upon graduation, NPower will help you land a full-time job in technology as a first step toward your plan for a successful future.

Program Eligibility:
Young Adults

• 18–26 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Legally authorized to work in the US
• Must be located in or near the following cities: Baltimore, Brooklyn, Detroit, Harlem, Jersey City, Newark, San Francisco, St. Louis

• Over 21 years of age
• Must be one of the following:
• Transitioning active-duty service member through the DoD SkillBridge program
• Honorably discharged
• Member of the Guard or Reserves
• Located in or near the following cities: Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Jersey City, Newark, San Francisco
• Legally authorized to work in the US

Impact:

• 80% of students who enroll in the program graduate
• 81% of NPower graduates get jobs of continue their education
• 90% obtain at least one IT certification
• 361% average salary increase for NPower graduates

Mission:

To bridge the digital divide for K-12 students affected by homelessness in the United States by providing educational opportunities and technology. Particularly during the current crises of racial bias coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, getting online devices to the millions of kids who do not have access to an educational device at home is critical to reduce the systemic inequity prevalent in our society.

What Makes Bridging Tech Unique:

Our journey to understand generational cycles of inequity motivated us to get involved in bridging the digital divide on a deeper level. We constantly aim to positively impact the lives of the children we serve, so we started tutoring and mentorship programs to help our students navigate their paths toward higher education or job placement.

How It Works:

By forming shelter partnerships, Bridging Tech is able to provide digital devices to help bridge the technical divide. Many students in the shelter partnerships try to attend classes through the use of smartphones. These children, the majority of whom are low-income, minority students, may then be held back a grade for reasons outside of their control.

Impact:

• 3,050 devices donated
• Partnerships with local shelters to provide technology for those who cannot afford it on their own
• Tutoring and mentorship programs to help students navigate their paths toward higher education or job placement

Mission:

Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.

Our core values guide our work:

• Respect and value others
  
• Build trust, be honest
  
• Be accountable
  
• Engage and embrace diversity
  
• Strive to learn
  
• Work hard and have fun

What Makes Year Up Unique:

Year Up is committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions are left disconnected from the economic mainstream. These inequities only further perpetuate the Opportunity Divide that exists in our country—a divide that Year Up is determined and positioned to close.

How It Works:

• Learn: The Learning & Development phase of our program provides you with skills-based training from expert instructors. We have 11 different career paths to choose from.
• Intern: Put the skills you learned into practice! We’ll match you to a hands-on internship at a top company. You'll earn an educational stipend during your internship.
• Land a Job: 80% of alumni are employed and/or enrolled in college within 6 months of graduation. Our support staff will guide you through every part of your job search.

Impact:

• 34,000+ students served
• 83% of graduates are employed or enrolled in a postsecondary education within 4 months of program completion

Mission:

Games and technology for good. For 14 years, Gamechanger Charity has been dedicated to easing the pain and suffering of hospitalized and sick, isolated children. They have brought the power of play to the children that need it most and have supported their caregivers to make every day a little better in the world of a sick child. Thanks to the generosity of the tech and gaming community, they have helped children and caregivers around the world by building and leveraging technology and innovation to reduce loneliness, isolation and boredom, and help them feel connected and hopeful.

What Makes GameChanger Unique:

GameChanger Charity was founded by Jim Carol and his son Taylor in 2007, prompted by Taylor’s inspiring survival from pediatric cancer. GCC has grown into a passionate team of staff and volunteers dedicated to helping other children and families through the challenges that come with hospital stays. Rated Gold status by Guidestar, over 90% of every dollar raised goes to donations for their partner hospitals.

How It Works:

• Games and Tech - They give age-appropriate gifts of games, toys & electronics to children in hospitals to provide entertainment while they are receiving extended treatment.
• Virtual Reality - They aim to enhance the general quality of life for children in hospitals utilizing new and exciting tech in VR and AR.
• Playwell – They provide entertainment, education, and distraction therapy to children in hospitals through their donated cloud-based platform, Playwell.

Impact:

• 235 Hospital Partners
• $27 Million in gifts of Playwell and technology
• 30,000 Children and teens who had a better day!

Mission:

At Click Four Help we aid students of all ages academically and collaboratively through our holistic programming style. We provide students across the country with a simplistic way to find tutors that specialize in a wide variety of subjects. We help students pursue excellence and cultivate pathways to success.

What Makes Click Four Help Unique:

In addition to tutoring, Click Four Help hosts service events themed around our passion which is to be a helping hand in the Baton Rouge/New Orleans area by giving back to the youth that needs it most.

How It Works:

C4H is currently working on an upcoming summer camp initiative that helps prevent the “summer slide” where students’ academic skills regress due to limited access to enrichment activities. Students who participate in their summer learning program will be provided grade level packets called, Summer Grab and Go bags, which include resources that will ensure they are not be left behind this summer and activities that will push them creatively. C4H has a goal to provide Summer Grab and Go bags for English/Language Arts, Math, STEAM activities, robotics, and Art projects to 270 students in k-8th grade. These students will not only receive educational information, but will also have the opportunity to receive virtual tutoring sessions.

Impact:

• Helped 4,000 students across 5 states by donating backpacks, school supplies, clothes, toys, and scholarships
• Provide 270 students with a virtual summer learning program focused on the areas of English/Language Arts, Math, STEAM activities, Robotics, and Art projects

Mission:

The world’s biggest social problems, from healthcare to education to human rights, deserve the best technology solutions. Fast Forward invests in entrepreneurs who are using technology to accelerate social impact. Fast Forward’s investments span beyond philanthropic funding, through products and programs that bridge the tech and nonprofit sectors to build capacity for tech nonprofits.

What Makes Fast Forward Unique:

As the first and only organization focused exclusively on scaling organizations that combine the best tech with sustainable nonprofit business models, Fast Forward’s mission is to accelerate impact.

How It Works:

• Get Funded - We provide a $25,000 philanthropic grant to support early growth
• Get Schooled - Learn from leaders of the tech & social sector
• Get Connected - Meet like-minded entrepreneurs and 400+ investors at our Demo Days

Impact:

• 88M Lives impacted
• $275M Follow on Funding Raised
• 86% Founder Has Personal Experience with Problem
• 79% Founded by a Person of Color
• 67% Founded by a Woman
• 27% Founded by a Black Founder

Mission:

As an innovative social enterprise, The Stride Center's mission is to empower men and women facing barriers to employment to achieve economic self-sufficiency. “We provide a comprehensive career development program that includes job skills training, credentials, career coaching, work experience, and job placement assistance.”

What Makes The Stride Center Unique:

The Stride Center surrounds students with a comprehensive array of curriculum and resources, ensuring that graduates can compete in the job market and are successful and thriving in their new career.

Impact:

• Over 1,000 individuals are enrolled, with an 80%+ program retention rate
• Current job placement rate is well over 80% of job ready program graduates
• The Stride Center is the winner of the California Governor’s 2002 Technology Innovation Award and the CompTIA Workforce Development Excellence Award

Mission:

The mission of Tech Exchange is to ensure that all families have a computer, Internet access, and technology skills necessary to improve and enhance their lives.

What Makes Tech Exchange Unique:

Tech Exchange sources high quality, decommissioned technology from contributing partners, refurbish, and provide hardware to households across the Bay Area. Their Tech For All solution is designed to supply everything needed to support digitally disconnected residents with technology access. Each household receives a refurbished computers, digital skills trainings, free tech support, and assistance accessing affordable $10/month Internet.

Impact:

• Tech Exchange has delivered 49,000 computers
• 35,000 hours of instructional computer training have been facilitated
• The recycling of tech has saved 900 tons of e-waste from landfills
• Tech Exchange has run 200 youth internships since they started in 1995

Mission:

The mission of Maker Nexus is to increase the capacity of individuals in our community to make things. We believe that unleashing the innate innovation in people can make their lives better, can improve our community, and can even change the world.

What Makes Maker Nexus Unique:

Maker Nexus, a non-profit organization, is supporting nurses and doctors on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic by 3D printing face shields and enlisting their maker community to produce donation-funded personal protection equipment (PPE) for healthcare organizations at no cost.

Impact:

• Maker Nexus has delivered 13,038 face shields and counting
• 500 face shields are being made every day
• Maker Nexus' team of 500+ volunteers is 3D printing components to make hospital-approved face shields at our makerspace and homes, and cloth masks are being sewn by the hundreds
• The contribution from HalcyonFT will result in over 500 face shields for frontline healthcare workers

Mission:

Seabin's mission is simple: to live in a world without the need for seabins. The not-for-profit fundraising organization addresses Education, Science, Research, and Community projects that result in cleaner oceans, including practical and tangible solutions to reduce the plastics in our oceans which is one of the world’s greatest problems. The original idea was to build a sustainable floating garbage bin that could collect waterborne plastics and trash 24 hours a day, the technology of which has since evolved to capture some of the smallest micro plastics, micro fibers, and oil absorbent pads which are able to absorb petroleum-based surface oils and detergent, all items that are predominant in most marinas around the world.

What Makes The Seabin Project Unique:

Education and awareness sessions target interested groups with strategies to limit terrestrial waste becoming marine debris. Topics include the impacts of marine debris on the ecology of an area, impact on marine life, and the life cycle of plastic, as well as developing prototype models of new marine debris collection devices for locations away from floating marinas.

Impact:

• Recipient of multiple awards, including: GQ Men of the Year Innovation Award, Advance Awards Sustainability Award Winner, and Good Design Awards Social Impact Award Winner
• The Seabin catches an estimated 1.4 tons of floating debris per year including micro plastics down to 2 mm small
• There are two marinas with Seabins in the San Francisco Bay Area – Ballena Isle Marina in Alameda and Emeryville Marina in Emeryville
• There are currently 860 Seabins in marinas around the world

Mission:

Hack the Hood is an award-winning non-profit that introduces under-resourced youth of color to careers in tech by hiring and training them to build websites for real small businesses in their own communities.

What Makes Hack the Hood Unique:

During 6-week "Bootcamps", young people gain valuable hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and learn about opportunities in the tech industry, as well as building critical technical, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills with mentorship from staff and tech professionals working in the field.

Impact:

• Over 500 youth have enrolled or graduated since 2013
• 31 completed bootcamps

Mission:

The mission of the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies (AISS) is to guide high achieving, economically disadvantaged high school students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

What Makes AISS Unique:

We focus on teaching our scholars Cultural Capital and Life Skills, College Readiness, and STEM Career Awareness. To shape our students' personal, professional, and educational development, we host STEM guest speakers, teach networking and communication skills, create student excursions to college campuses and STEM career facilties, hands on STEM projects, and much more.

Impact:

• AISS students have a 100% high school graduation rate
• 100% of AISS Students attend college
• 99% college graduation rate

Mission:

Mission Bit strives to eliminate the tech divide for youth living in urban poverty and rural areas across the San Francisco Bay Area by building computer programming and professional opportunity pathways for public school students. We provide everything the students need, they just need to show up and be eager to learn. No prior experience required.

What Makes Mission Bit Unique:

Mission Bit runs free computer science programs that are free for public school students, project based, taught by professional software engineers and tech entrepreneurs, integrated with industry experiences and offer professional advancement opportunities.

We give students the opportunity to learn directly from successful engineers and entrepreneurs who enjoy sharing knowledge. We focus on project-based learning and aim to teach both core computer science concepts, as well as the practical skills and technologies that are required to build web sites and applications today.

Impact:

• Plans to provide 100 students with paid internships in the tech industry this summer, where students learn firsthand from others in the field.
• 100,000 high school students across the Bay Area have no access to coding education. Mission Bit students not only learn game design, web design, and mobile app development, they gain skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.