Impact Report
2022-2023
OUR SERVICE NUMBERS
TECH-Nique’s mission is to provide community-centric opportunities in technology that elevate the voices and experiences of underrepresented groups.
Demographics
White
5%
Asian
7%
Hispanic
or Latinx
3%
Female
58%
Multi-racial
3%
Non-binary/non-gender conforming
1%
Male
41%
Black/African-American
82%
Theory of Change
TECH-Nique’s theory of change is implicitly communicated through every action, representation, program, and platform. It's embedded in the way we converse, our digital footprint, and our public engagements. The essence of this theory is simple yet profound: By introducing underrepresented youth to technology and leadership early on, we can transform their futures and the very fabric of the tech industry. Each training, workshop, and program is a testament to this belief, silently echoing our ambition to create a world where the tech sector is as diverse as the people it serves. This theory is not just a blueprint; it's the heartbeat of everything we do.
Training the Trainer
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Simmons College
TECH-Nique’s groundbreaking initiative focused on educating professors about the intersections of data science, AI, ethics, and education.
TECH-Nique's Innovative course, "Data Analytics across the Curriculum," has successfully concluded with a profound impact on 13 professors across 12 diverse content areas. Centered on the integration of data science and generative AI, the course explored crucial aspects such as ethics, biases, philosophical underpinnings of AI, and its place in education.
This comprehensive approach has facilitated the incorporation of these themes into various course curricula, influencing over 250 students who will be learning about these vital subjects. The outcome of this course represents a significant stride in merging technology with education and fostering an understanding of the responsible use of AI.
TECH-Nique's initiative has not only advanced technological innovation in pedagogy but also emphasized the importance of social justice and ethical considerations within the realm of data analytics and AI. Professors who successfully demonstrated the implementation of AI into their coursework received a $1000 stipend.
This program, open to all educators, explored data analytics and survey design, motivating teachers through skill-building and stipends to promote continuous learning.
JCPS
20 JCPS educators learned about data analytics and effective survey design and implementation using various Microsoft software such as Excel and PowerBI. The course was designed to be accessible to all teachers, regardless of prior experience and incorporating all content areas. This professional development came with a $1000 stipend for successful completion. This was an excellent opportunity for educators to enhance their skills, earn a stipend, and use data analytics to promote social justice in their classrooms.
TECC Boss
Technology Entrepreneurship to Create Change
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48 of the 60 interns that participated in TECC Boss 2023
This year, we turned our focus to promoting health equity in the Louisville community with our Health and Wellness edition. Participants worked in teams to develop entrepreneurship and technology solutions that incorporated generative AI and addressed critical health and wellness issues in Louisville.
Website created for health equity in Louisville by 1 of 13 groups during TECC Boss 2023
We also provided leadership opportunities for former participants to become program managers. Shown here (L to R): Larry Roberts, LaDaysha "Dayy" Wade, Shamia Allen, and founder Alisia McClain
Each group also created videos on technology for the Tech Roots program at 4 community centers
TechRoots
Ongoing Project
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Tech Roots facilitators
Leadership opportunity for TECC Boss participants to become community center tech facilitators, in partnership with program managers
TECH-Nique introduced a groundbreaking initiative titled "TechRoots." Aimed at supporting historically marginalized teens aged 13 to 18 while also providing leadership opportunities for TECC Boss graduates, our vision is to rejuvenate the community centers. We envision them as bustling hubs where young minds can delve into technology, nurture their inventive spirit, and hone vital digital competencies. The cornerstone of our effort began as a comprehensive summer program, encompassing a diverse range of hands-on experiences - from game design and artificial intelligence to 3D modeling, wearable technology, website creation, and even entrepreneurship. Through these endeavors, we not only equip teens with technical know-how but also empower them with critical thinking and collaborative capabilities.
In Louisville, there are many spaces for adults to tinker, imagine, create, and design with technology. Unfortunately, there are few opportunities outside of school for teenagers to work with technology and design to explore, innovate, and prototype. When we met with each of the community centers to understand their technology and programming needs, we found that the leadership had a keen interest in our programming, but tech/makerspace resources were scarce (outdated computers, no computers, but every
community center had at least one room that could be turned into a tech/makerspace room).
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Participants at the Sun Valley Community Center
Participants at the Beechmont Community Center
The series of 18 tech workshops proved to be an enriching experience for 47 participants. All participants came from zip codes in Louisville's historically underserved West End, and 97% of the participants are Black. What set these workshops apart was their dual purpose: not only did they provide valuable technical skills, but they also encouraged the participants to apply their newfound knowledge to address pressing issues related to violence prevention within their communities. Facilitating these workshops were near peer mentors who were graduates of the TECC Boss internship program, a testament to the program's success in nurturing tech-savvy leaders.
Through these workshops, participants were not just passive learners; they were active contributors, blending their technological skills with a deep commitment to making a positive impact. By leveraging technology and education, these young innovators demonstrated how they could be catalysts for change, offering practical solutions to pressing societal issues and illustrating the transformative power of knowledge and collaboration within their neighborhoods.
LinkUP
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Student during a coding class for nonprofit partner Sowing Seeds with Faith
As part of our ongoing commitment to empower communities, and as a continuation of The Butterfly Project, we were excited to connect graduates from our programs with organizations in need of technological support. Through a generous grant from the Southerland Foundation, we were able to offer our services at half-price, with the dual purpose of tearing down barriers to entry for organizations with limited resources and also providing technology leadership opportunities for our graduates. Services included data analysis, web designing, teaching coding classes, and more! Organizations experienced the win-win benefits of the LinkUP program, as we created meaningful employment opportunities for our graduates and helped organizations thrive in the digital age. We joined hands to strengthen technology capacity and uplift communities together.
Coding Classes
One TECC Boss graduate took on the role of educating K-8 graders in programming, introducing them to the world of technology at a young age. She is now beginning year 2 with the organizations, and this has expanded to 3 different organizations.
We created dashboards and impact reports for partner nonprofits such as Sowing Seeds with Faith.
Data Analytics
Another graduate played a crucial role in crafting a data strategy for two nonprofits, including survey design, data analytics and management, and impact reports. This showcased the program's versatility and interconnectedness with initiatives like The Butterfly Project.
A website that was designed for a Black-led paint 'n sip company
Web Design
The program manager for TECC Boss crafted standout websites for local Black-led businesses. With a blend of creativity and tech expertise, their designs yielded compelling, results-driven digital experiences. From sleek e-commerce to informative portals, they delivered a powerful online presence that helped local businesses thrive.
All That Tech Conference
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An artificial intelligence conference designed especially for the younger generation, focusing on engaging and inspiring them through workshops and sessions on AI, led by TECC Boss graduates.
At the All That TECH Conference, our focus audience were youth between the ages of 13 and 15, breakout sessions were skillfully facilitated by young mentors from the TECC BOSS program, aged between 16 and 24. These mentors employed generative AI techniques to develop and deliver engaging one-hour workshops on the subject of artificial intelligence. The conference attracted a remarkable 180 signups, and as a testament to the appeal of these sessions, a total of 10 AI workshops were conducted, providing young attendees with valuable insights into the world of technology and AI and fostering the transfer of knowledge between different generations of tech enthusiasts.
Curriculum Development
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UX Design
The UX/UI/Us: Highlighting Identity, Uniting Community course offers a comprehensive exploration of key topics. It delves into the significance of UX Design for Identity and Community within the broader societal context, emphasizing how this field plays a vital role in shaping our communities and individual identities. Throughout the course, participants will gain insights into how identity and community dynamics directly influence user experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between design and the human element. Furthermore, the curriculum introduces design thinking and user-centered design principles specifically tailored to the realm of identity and community, equipping students with valuable tools and perspectives to navigate this dynamic field effectively.
Game Design
The TECH-Nique Game Changers Course is a unique game design program that equips students with Unity essentials while exploring personal identity and community. Students gain knowledge and practical skills in Unity, including game object manipulation, scripting, and user interface design. The culminating activity is a social change-focused video game that they create based on their own community and identity. By the end of the course, students will grasp Unity essentials and understand how games can be created using their own personal identity and community.
Implementation of ID+ Academy at Grace James Academy
we proudly initiated the ID+ Academy at Grace James Academy, a transformative program that welcomed 30 students in its inaugural year. This academy serves as a hub for comprehensive tech education, empowering students to explore diverse tech disciplines, equipping them for the future, and amplifying the impact of tech education within our community.
The TECH-Nique Docurriculum
A Revolutionary Hybrid Approach to AI and Tech Education
What is a "docurriculum"?
The TECH-Nique Docurriculum is an immersive learning experience invented by TECH-Nique that interweaves the educational content of an AI/tech training program with a segmented documentary, Designed for both self-led and hybrid instruction, this innovative approach places learners alongside a diverse group of individuals who have previously journeyed through the same training.
Why "docurriculum"?
Traditional self-led educational materials often lack the human context that connects learners to the content, especially in the rapidly evolving field of AI. By integrating real stories from a diverse set of individuals, the docurriculum fosters a sense of community, relatability, and inspiration, making the learning experience more engaging and accessible.
The Experience
Segmented Learning: The course is divided into coherent segments, each focusing on a specific AI concept or skill.
Integrated Documentary: Each segment is paired with a part of the documentary, showcasing real individuals learning, struggling, succeeding, and reflecting on the same content.
Reflective Exercises: Learners are prompted to reflect on both the educational content and the documentary, connecting their own experiences with those portrayed in the film.
Interactive Engagement: Opportunities for discussions, Q&A sessions, and forums where learners can interact with each other, facilitators, and even some of the individuals featured in the documentary.
Hands-on Practice: Practical exercises and projects that mirror those undertaken by the documentary's subjects, reinforcing skills and fostering a deeper understanding.
Inclusive Design: Careful attention to representation ensures that the documentary reflects the diversity of the learners, enhancing connection and inclusivity.
Benefits
Enhanced Engagement: Watching peers grapple with the same concepts increases interest, empathy, and perseverance.
Democratizing Education: Seeing instructors and learners who reflect different backgrounds and perspectives helps to democratize AI education, fostering a sense of belonging.
Real-World Context: The documentary provides insights into how the skills are applied, the challenges faced, and the real-world impact of AI.
Community Building: The shared experience of watching and learning from the documentary fosters a sense of community among learners.
Potential Impact
Wider Reach: The engaging format can attract more diverse learners, breaking down barriers to entry in AI education.
Scalable Model: The docurriculum can be adapted to various AI topics, levels, and audiences, providing a scalable and flexible approach to education.
Empowerment: Empowering learners with not only the knowledge but the confidence to see themselves as part of the AI community.
Community Events
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In this spirit of inclusivity and Ujama, we celebrated cultural events such as Kwanzaa by partnering with River City Drum Corps and Play Cousins Collective to facilitate workshops like PoeTech that seamlessly integrated cultural and technological elements. These gatherings served as unique spaces of cultural and technological synthesis, embodying our community-first approach. By blending cultural celebrations with tech-focused activities, we not only honored the rich heritage of our participants but also highlighted the inherent connection between culture and technology, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and empowerment among our community members.
Through our partnership with River City Drum Corps, the drummers took their performances to the next level with wearable tech that they programmed themselves, in the TECH-Nique workshop. The lights in the center of their chest not only add an element of visual excitement to their performance but also amplify their voices and identities, during Umoja. This showcases how identity, community, technology, and creative expression can seamlessly intertwine.
Future Strategic Goals
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Diversity and Leadership Development:
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Develop and launch three new tech youth leadership programs by 2025 focused on femme-identifying Black and Brown individuals interested in the tech sector.
Youth Engagement:
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Engage 2500 youth by 2025 and reach the cumulative target of 1,000,000 youth engaged by 2030.
Program Expansion and Collaboration:
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Establish 5 international partnerships by 2026 to expand global collaboration.
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Launch or refine five new or existing programs by 2026 that emphasize community-driven technology and leadership.
Financial Sustainability:
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Increase annual fundraising revenue by 15% year-over-year.
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Goal: Secure long-term funding agreements or endowments to ensure operational stability for a minimum of five years.
Industry Influence:
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Collaborate with 20 tech industry partners by 2026 to promote equitable practices and inclusivity within the sector.
Operational Expansion:
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Open our first facility by 2024, with two additional regional centers by 2025, extending TECH-Nique's footprint and reach.
The FOLD Leadership Training
Coming Soon!
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TECH-Nique unveils "The Fold", building on the momentum of our esteemed TECC Boss program. With its roots firmly in Louisville's community, "The Fold" has a dual mission: catalyzing grassroots technological empowerment in Louisville and crafting a globally-scalable learning model. The outcome? Over 1,500 Louisville community members engaged with generative AI/technology in one year. Additionally, our pioneering "docurriculum", an initiative that's already proven its mettle with the upcoming release of the TECC Boss docurriculum.
In "The Fold," our leaders undergo a comprehensive training journey, including in-depth Tech Workshops that delve into the intricacies of AI and technology, ensuring they are thoroughly equipped with knowledge. They also benefit from Mentorship, receiving guidance and insights from seasoned tech experts in the field, fostering individualized growth.
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Additionally, they have the opportunity to expand their horizons through Conference Attendance, immersing themselves in the larger tech ecosystem while networking with industry leaders and peers. To ensure effective communication, we provide Public Speaking Training, recognizing that knowledge alone is insufficient; our ambassadors become articulate communicators. Furthermore, the program emphasizes Leadership Training, cultivating leaders who not only possess technical proficiency but also visionary qualities for their communities. Lastly, through Local Insights sessions with city leaders, our ambassadors gain a deep understanding of their communities' immediate needs and challenges.
Financials
We are dedicated to transparent and responsible financial management to maximize our impact. Our recent impact report reflects a strategic allocation of resources, ensuring our mission remains at the forefront of our endeavors. The majority of our budget, $263,865.83, is directed towards program expenses, underscoring our commitment to the cause and the communities we serve. Additionally, we invest $45,000.00 in Research and Curriculum Development, highlighting our ongoing pursuit of innovative and effective methods to achieve our mission. Administrative functions, which include both staffing costs of $20,573.21 and other administrative expenses at $46,702.00, are optimized to ensure operational efficiency without compromising the quality of our initiatives. Our fundraising expenses, totaling $30,000.00, facilitate essential campaigns to gather support and resources for our programs. We remain steadfast in our pledge to make every dollar count and are deeply grateful to our supporters for their continued trust and contributions.
At TECH-Nique, Inc., we deeply value the importance of financial stability and sustainability, and our diverse revenue structure is a testament to this commitment. Among our valued partners, we have secured multi-year contracts with esteemed organizations such as JCPS and KentuckianaWorks and have been honored with multi-year grants from Metro United Way and the Community Foundation of Louisville. These partnerships represent a portion of our total contract funding of $217,000 and grant donations of $200,000. This blend of contract and grant funding underscores our dedication to diversifying our revenue sources. As we set our sights on scaling our impact beyond Louisville, our financial goal necessitates a significant increase in funding in the coming years. To this end, we invite forward-thinking partners and stakeholders to invest in our continued success, ensuring that TECH-Nique, Inc. can further its reach and create lasting positive change in even more communities.
Special thanks to our partners and funders:
