Tech opportunity comes to South Bronx youth

NEW YORK - Sept. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- New York, NY -- On September 10th, top Bronx-based tech companies will showcase the jobs of tomorrow to hundreds of Bronx youth ages 18-25 at ‪#‎YesWeCode‬ (https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yeswecode?source=feed_text&story_id=605177852954516) and the Office of Assemblymember Michael Blake’s “New Faces of Tech”. MSNBC will live broadcast the event as their “Growing Hope Live from the Bronx” special at 2 p.m. ET.

“We’re launching an innovation center at the heart of our district because we are committed to transforming the South Bronx into a global urban metropolis and getting Bronxites jobs and economic opportunities,” said Assemblymember Michael Blake. “This #YesWeCode collaboration with our assembly office really is growing hope, economic opportunity, and education for people in the South Bronx.”

#YesWeCode teamed up with the Office of Assemblymember Michael Blake (D, 79th District - The Bronx, NY) to organize the event in the heart of the South at the Old Bronx County Courthouse. The historic courthouse recently underwent revitalization after having been abandoned for 37 years. The event will feature major announcements about new initiatives to help the South Bronx.

“One of the most diverse counties in the U.S., The Bronx is home to hip-hop, doo-wop, salsa, and immigrant communities from all over the world. This borough represents the changing face of the country and where tech is going,” said Michael Nobleza, #YesWeCode National Director. “The Bronx is leading the way in technology, diversity, and inclusion.”

“New Faces of Tech” will connect youth participants to some of the Bronx’s emerging tech leaders in augmented and virtual reality, digital design, motion, software development, and gaming. Tech exhibitors will include The Knowledge House, Mass Ideation, SCENYC, NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, and many others.

“The tech industry is waking up to inclusion,” said Van Jones, President and Co-Founder of the Dream Corps which sponsors #YesWeCode. “Cutting-edge platforms will only stay relevant if they look to the next generation for ideas and expertise. ‘New Faces of Tech’ presents a model for how urban centers across the country can connect local youth to homegrown tech.”

Speakers and special guests at the main event include:
Michael Nobleza, National Director, #YesWeCode
Michael Blake, NYS Assemblymember
New York City Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco
Hip Hop Legend & The Bronx native, DJ D Nice
Alex Abelin, Founder - Liquid Talent
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

There will also be reception after the event hosted by Uber at Macau Restaurant, located on 3114 Third Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 at 3:30pm.

"The Bronx is one of Uber's fastest growing areas in New York City and New Faces of Tech is a great way for us to keep this progress going. Thousands of Bronx residents currently partner with Uber to earn a better living and support their families. We look forward to creating even more jobs in the years ahead and thank Assemblyman Blake for partnering with us to bring greater economic opportunity to the Bronx," said Uber New York City General Manager Josh Mohrer.

“New Faces of Tech” event Details
Who: Asssemblymember Blake, #YesWeCode & MSNBC
What: New Faces of Tech
When: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 1:30pm-3pm; check-in opens at 12:15pm
Where: Old Bronx Borough Courthouse, 513 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451
Why: Highlight excellent Technology organizations in the community and announce special initiatives to help The Bronx

RSVP: Michael@yeswecode.org

“New Faces of Tech” After party
Who: Hosted by Uber
What: After party with Hip Hop legend DJ D Nice on the 1s & 2s
When: Thursday, September 10, 2015 – 3:30 - 6pm
Where: Macau restaurant – 3114 Third Ave, Bronx, NY 10451
Why: Join Uber and local leaders to celebrate “New Faces of Tech” in The Bronx

RSVP: https://newfacesoftech.splashthat.com/

For questions about the event, please call The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake at (718) 538-3829 or visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Michael-Blake/

#YesWeCode is a Dream Corps initiative that works with partners to help train 100,000 low-opportunity youth of color around the country to become high level computer coders.