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Mission

Mission of Techie Youth

Techie Youth's mission is to create economic opportunities for teens in foster care and at-risk youth by utilizing technology-focused career skills training to establish financial self-sufficiency and long-term professional stability. Our emphasis is on redirecting the life-path of youth and young-adults who are on a track towards homelessness or incarceration.

Our programs provide each participant with opportunity & attention; this is our core coaching ideology implemented by each Techie Youth team member.

Each youth participant receives an accelerated education in computer-based career training, tailored to their interests, with individualized coaching. Our goal is to empower them to become financially self-sustaining technology professionals.

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All | Blog | Charitable Projects | Recognition | Computer Giveaways | Suit Giveaways | Media | Foster Care | En espaƱol
Meet the NYC Females in Tech and hear their experiences of women participants in Techie Youth, New York City

Meet the NYC Females in Tech and hear their experiences of women participants in Techie Youth, New York City

Women have traditionally been underrepresented in the technology industry. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to increase the participation of women in technology. This is important because diversity in the technology industry leads to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
Techie Youth helps balance the quantity of women in technology by:

Encouraging girls to learn STEM topics in our Techie Youth Learn to E-Earn program. Many girls are not exposed to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) early on in their education, which can discourage them from pursuing careers in technology. Encouraging girls to learn STEM subjects and providing them with role models and mentors in the technology industry can help to break down barriers and increase participation.
Providing training and support to women in the industry helps increase their chances of success in this male-dominated industry.
Techie Youth promotes diversity and inclusion within the technology industry. This includes actively recruiting women and other underrepresented groups into our training programs, as well as creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Providing flexible work arrangements; Techie Youth trains participants to earn income from remote computer based jobs, and many career-paths offer flexible hours. Women in the technology industry face obstacles such as balancing work and family responsibilities. Providing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, can help to make it easier for women to succeed in the industry.

Increasing the participation of women in technology is important for creating a more diverse and innovative industry. By encouraging girls to study STEM subjects, providing training and support, promoting diversity and inclusion and providing flexible work arrangements, we can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive technology industry.

GRADUATION DAY at Techie Youth, narrated by a student speaking about her experience

GRADUATION DAY at Techie Youth, narrated by a student speaking about her experience

Watch and experience a graduation day at Techie Youth! This is from one of our early classes when Techie Youth was just beginning!
At that time, Techie Youth was training our constituents to be help desk support technicians.
Support technicians play an important role in the information technology (IT) industry by providing technical support and troubleshooting services to users of computer systems and other IT devices. To become a successful support technician, individuals must develop a set of key skills and knowledge that enable them to effectively diagnose and resolve technical issues.
One of the most important skills for a support technician is strong problem-solving skills. This involves the ability to analyze complex technical problems, identify potential solutions, and implement effective troubleshooting strategies. Support technicians must also be able to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Another critical skill for support technicians is a strong understanding of computer hardware and software systems. This includes knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems, networking protocols, and other key technologies. Support technicians must be able to quickly and accurately diagnose technical issues, identify the root cause of problems, and apply appropriate fixes or workarounds.
In addition to technical knowledge and skills, support technicians must also possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills. The Techie Youth program trained for both the technical aspects of the role as well as the soft-skills such as the ability to listen actively to users, understand their concerns, and communicate solutions in a clear and empathetic manner.
To develop these skills, the Techie Youth support technician training program included a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical experience via simulated support environments. Upon completion, participants earned credentials in the form of a certificate of completion to demonstrate proficiency in their technical skills.
Support technician skills training is an important part of preparing individuals for a successful career in the IT industry. By developing strong technical, problem-solving, and customer service skills, support technicians can provide effective technical support and troubleshooting services to users and help ensure the smooth operation of IT systems and devices.

Testimonials from our Techie Youth while they get FREE Brooks Brothers suits

Testimonials from our Techie Youth while they get FREE Brooks Brothers suits

While we gave away free $1,398 Brooks Brothers suits to our Techie Youth participants, the youth had shared their deep wisdom and spoke about their extraordinarily-challenging life experiences.
At-risk youth often possess a unique perspective on the world, informed by their experiences and the obstacles they have overcome. They may have insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and they may be motivated to create positive change in their own communities.
Despite the challenges they face, many at-risk youth are determined to succeed and make a positive impact in the world. They may be resourceful, creative, and resilient, and they may possess a strong sense of purpose and direction.
It is important to recognize the wisdom and potential of at-risk youth, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive - this is what Techie Youth strives to do. Programs that provide educational and vocational support, and positive social interactions can help at-risk youth develop their strengths and reach their full potential.
Foster Gifts by Techie Youth gave free Brooks Brothers suits to many hundreds of youth.
Brooks Brothers is a well-known American clothing brand that was founded in 1818 by Henry Sands Brooks. The company is headquartered in New York City and is one of the oldest clothing retailers in the United States. Brooks Brothers is known for its classic, timeless style, which is characterized by clean lines, traditional fabrics, and a focus on understated elegance.
One of the key features of Brooks Brothers is the quality of the materials used in its clothing. The company uses only the finest fabrics, including wool, cashmere, and silk, to ensure that its products are comfortable, durable, and long-lasting. It also pays close attention to the details of its clothing, with features like hand-stitched lapels and functional buttonholes on the sleeves.
Brooks Brothers is a popular and well-respected clothing brand that is known for its quality, style, and craftsmanship. Its classic, timeless style has made it a favorite among many generations of customers, and its commitment to using high-quality materials and attention to detail have helped it maintain its reputation as one of the premier clothing retailers in the United States.

Giving Away FREE $1,398 Brooks Brothers Suits! Foster Gifts by Techie Youth (not MrBeast, lol)

Giving Away FREE $1,398 Brooks Brothers Suits! Foster Gifts by Techie Youth (not MrBeast, lol)

Foster Gifts by Techie Youth is giving away HUNDREDS of suits FREE from Brooks Brothers and Macy's! Watch the follow-up to this video at https://www.TechieYouth.org/see/n8ljZumk7jE
A special HUGE THANK YOU to Brooks Brothers and Macy's for providing us with these suits and formal-wear to give away!
Brooks Brothers is a well-known American clothing brand that has been in business since 1818. The company is famous for its high-quality suits, which are widely considered to be among the best in the world.
Brooks Brothers suits are a popular choice for those who value quality, style, and craftsmanship. They are widely regarded as some of the best suits available on the market, and have been worn by numerous famous figures, including American presidents and business leaders.
Brooks Brothers suits are known for their classic, timeless style, which is characterized by clean lines, traditional fabrics, and a focus on understated elegance. The company offers a wide range of suit styles, from slim-fit modern suits to more traditional, classic cuts.
One of the key features of Brooks Brothers suits is the quality of the materials used in their construction. The company uses only the finest fabrics, including wool, cashmere, and silk, to ensure that their suits are comfortable, durable, and long-lasting. They also pay close attention to the details of their suits, with features like hand-stitched lapels and functional buttonholes on the sleeves.
Foster Gifts by Techie Youth is giving away these Brooks Brothers suits like Mr. Beast!
Mr. Beast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a popular YouTuber, philanthropist, and entrepreneur from the United States. He was born in Greenville, North Carolina.
Mr. Beast gained fame on YouTube for his attention-grabbing stunts, challenges, and giveaways. He is known for his extravagant videos, which often involve giving away large sums of money to strangers, performing outlandish stunts, or breaking world records. He has also been involved in various charity initiatives, including fundraising for homeless shelters and planting trees. The Mr. Beast YouTube channel is one of the most subscribed-to channels on the platform.
In addition to his YouTube career, Mr. Beast has also launched several successful businesses, including a merchandise line and a mobile game. He has also appeared on various TV shows and podcasts, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Mr. Beast's success on YouTube and his philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous accolades and awards. He was named Creator of the Year at the 2020 Streamy Awards and was included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for social media in 2019.
Overall, Mr. Beast is a popular and influential figure in the YouTube community, known for his generosity and his willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible on the platform.

iHeartRadio interview of Techie Youth Founder, Eric Benari, on This is America with Rich Valdes

iHeartRadio interview of Techie Youth Founder, Eric Benari, on This is America with Rich Valdes

Eric David Benari, Founder of Techie Youth, interviewed on the iHeartRadio show This is America with Rich Valdes, a conservative political commentator, radio host, and author based in New Jersey, USA.
During this interview, Eric and Rich discuss one of the primary motivations for starting Techie Youth, preventing homelessness before it starts via addressing a major root causes of the problem, foster kids losing their housing when they age-out of care.
Techie Youth provides computer-skills education and technology-career job training to guide foster youth towards acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to secure stable employment and increase their earning potential. Over 80% of homeless people in NYC were formerly youth in foster care, so providing services to improve this outcome for aged-out foster children is a key step to reducing new cases of homeless-youth and gaining control over the homelessness crisis.
Rich Valdes was born in Newark, NJ, and grew up in a working-class family of Cuban immigrants.
Rich has participated in several Techie Youth charitable activities including the Foster Gifts program where over 100+ foster care teens and at-risk youth were gifted free laptop computers.
Rich is known for his outspoken and often controversial views on politics and social issues. He is a strong supporter of conservative principles, including limited government, individual freedom, and free-market capitalism. He has been a vocal critic of progressive policies and politicians, particularly in the areas of immigration, race relations, and education.
Rich began his career in politics as a staffer for former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. He later worked as a producer for Fox News and as a speechwriter for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
In 2018, Rich launched his own radio show, "This is America with Rich Valdes," which airs on several stations across the United States. He is also a frequent guest on other conservative media outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax.
Rich is the author of the book "This is America, You P***y!" which was published in 2020. The book is a collection of essays and commentary on politics, culture, and the state of the country.
Overall, Rich Valdes is a prominent conservative voice in the United States, known for his passionate and controversial views on politics and society.

Perez Hilton on Techie Youth helping LGBTQ+ teens become financially self-sufficient

Perez Hilton on Techie Youth helping LGBTQ+ teens become financially self-sufficient

Perez Hilton is one of the most influential celebrity gossip columnists. He is of Cuban descent and a Miami native who currently resides in Hollywood. In 2009, the magazine Hispanic named him the "Hispanic of the Year." His perezhilton.com blog is currently one of the leading go-to sites for celebrity gossip.
Perez has been featured in many publications and media throughout the years, including The Wall Street Journal, MTV, Larry King, E!, Time Magazine, Howard Stern, LIFE, Us Weekly, LA Times, Billboard, Cliché Magazine, The Insider and much more. 
Apart from blogging, Perez Hilton also has a record label called Perezious Music. He is also an author credited with two best sellers- Perez Hilton’s Red Carpet Suicide and True Bloggywood Stories along with the recently released My Life in Scandal. 
Perez Hilton is a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights; Techie Youth guides LGBTQ teens, and other at-risk youth, to learn technology career skills so they can become financially self-sufficient.

Meet Our Techie Youth Students, hear their stories about being homeless, in foster care, LGBTQ, incarceration, etc.

Meet Our Techie Youth Students, hear their stories about being homeless, in foster care, LGBTQ, incarceration, etc.

Techie Youth helps youth who are experiencing the most-challenging of situations, including teens in foster care approaching their age of emancipation ("aging out",) homeless youth, LGBTQ+ teenagers, justice involved minors, etc.
Aging Out of Foster Care
Aging out of foster care can present a number of challenges for young adults who have been in the system. Among the major challenges are lack of housing and financial issues. The lack of stable housing is a major challenge faced by young adults aging out of foster care, many of them may experience homelessness. Young adults who have aged out of foster care often struggle with financial instability due to the lack of a permanent family support system and limited access to government assistance. These challenges can make it difficult for young adults who have aged out of foster care to establish stable, independent lives.
Homeless Youth
Homeless youth, also known as youth who are unaccompanied or undomiciled, face a wide range of challenges due to their lack of stable housing. Homeless youth are at an increased risk for a variety of health issues, including physical and mental health problems, due to a lack of access to proper healthcare, nutrition, and hygiene. Homeless youth have statistically higher risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, due to their experiences of instability and instability, abuse, and neglect. Homeless youth often experience social isolation and disconnection from friends, family and community. They are also at an increased risk for physical and sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation, due to their vulnerability and lack of safe, stable housing.
LGBTQ+ Teenagers
Transgender & LGBQ+ teens often experience discrimination and marginalization in their communities and schools, and may be the target of bullying and harassment. This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. LGBTQ teens may struggle to find acceptance and understanding from family, friends, and society at large. This can lead to feelings of rejection, alienation, and a lack of support. Trans/LGBQ+ teens may be at a higher risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicide, due to the challenges they face related to their gender identity. It is important that transgender teens are provided with a supportive environment that recognizes and respects their gender identity, including access to appropriate healthcare, education, and legal protections. They also need a supportive and understanding community, in which they can build positive relationships and be themselves.
Justice-Involved Minors
Justice-involved minors, commonly referred to as "juvenile delinquents", face many struggles. Many youth in the justice system have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or other forms of violence. This can make it difficult for them to trust adults, form positive relationships, and regulate their emotions. Trauma can also contribute to their involvement in the justice system. Youth of color, particularly Black and Latino/a youth, are disproportionately represented in the justice system. This can lead to feelings of injustice and alienation. Youth in the justice system often have limited access to education and vocational opportunities, which can make it difficult for them to successfully reintegrate into their communities and achieve long-term success. Youth who have been involved in the justice system may face significant challenges when returning to their communities, such as lack of stable housing, difficulty finding employment, and difficulty building positive relationships. Youth who have been involved in the justice system may face significant stigmatization, which can make it difficult for them to build positive relationships and move forward with their lives. These struggles can make it difficult for youth in the justice system to achieve stability, safety and success in the long-term.
Childhood victims of extreme abuse/neglect
Victims of extreme abuse and neglect often struggle with self-esteem and self-worth, due to feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt. As such, they have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to problems such as impulsivity, aggression, and difficulty with anger management. The trauma can manifest in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
How Techie Youth Helps
A differentiating aspect of Techie Youth is that we have open non-selective admissions and are a totally-free program, aiming to help every youth who needs us. Youth who were not accepted into other career-training programs are welcomed at Techie Youth with outstretched arms, and without judgment.
Techie Youth focuses on at-risk youth populations who are facing extreme life-challenges, those who are in dire-need of guidance and assistance to learn how to become financially self-sufficient. Most of our students are statistically-likely to become homeless or incarcerated in the near-future; our goal is to pivot their life-paths towards a positive professional track.

Redfoo LMFAO supports Techie Youth

Redfoo LMFAO supports Techie Youth

Redfoo is a rapper, singer, and DJ best known as a member of the electronic dance music duo LMFAO, along with his nephew SkyBlu. LMFAO is known for their party-themed music and energetic live performances. The group formed in 2006 and released their debut album, Party Rock, in 2009. Their second album, Sorry for Party Rocking, was released in 2011 and featured the hit single "Party Rock Anthem," which topped charts in multiple countries and was certified 6x platinum in the US.
Redfoo, whose real name is Stefan Kendal Gordy, is also known for his flamboyant style and energetic stage presence. He is credited for coming up with the concept for the group and is the lead vocalist for the band. He also produced and wrote many of the band's most popular songs.
In 2012, Redfoo announced that he would be taking a break from LMFAO to pursue other interests, including a solo career. He later released several singles and music videos as a solo artist. He has also made guest appearances on TV shows, movies, and other events.
Redfoo has also been involved in other ventures such as fashion and game development, In 2012 he launch a clothing line, "I Am Many" and also developed an mobile game "Party Rock Mansion" under the name of Party Rock Entertainment.
Redfoo continues to produce and perform music, and his style is still known for its party-centric themes, catchy beats and fun lyrics, that he keeps bringing to his fans.

What does Techie Youth do? How we help foster teens & at-risk youth become financially self-sufficient

What does Techie Youth do? How we help foster teens & at-risk youth become financially self-sufficient

Teenagers in foster care face unique challenges as they approach the age of emancipation, which is the age at which they are legally considered adults and are no longer in the custody of the state. At this point they typically lose all of the benefits that were provided by foster care, including housing. Some of the challenges include:

Lack of Support: Many teens in foster care have never had a stable or nurturing family environment, which can make it difficult for them to develop the skills and relationships they need to succeed as independent adults.
Lack of Permanent Connections: Teens in foster care may lack permanent connections to adults who can provide them with emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance as they transition to adulthood.
Difficulty with independent living skills: Teens in foster care may have had little or no practice with independent living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and managing their own healthcare.
Education and Employment: Teenagers in foster care may face challenges when trying to finish their education and secure employment due to disruptions and changes in their schooling and lack of consistent family support.
Mental and Physical Health: Teens in foster care may have higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can make it difficult for them to succeed as independent adults. They may also have unaddressed physical health needs.
Legal Issues: Teens in foster care may struggle with understanding the legal system, particularly when it comes to issues like accessing their birth records, obtaining identification documents, and navigating the process of emancipation.

Due to all these challenges, it is important that they are provided with a support system that can help them make a successful transition to adulthood, such as counseling and therapy, career guidance, independent living programs, and mentoring.
While teenagers are in foster care, they also face extraordinary challenges. These can include difficulty forming attachments with foster parents and other caregivers, emotional and behavioral difficulties related to the trauma of being removed from their birth families, and struggles with identity and self-esteem. They also face challenges in school and with transitioning to adulthood, including finding stable housing, completing their education, and obtaining employment.
Additionally, teens in foster care often have a harder time building and maintaining relationships. This can be due to trust issues stemming from their experiences of abuse and neglect, as well as the instability and lack of permanency in their living situations. Studies also show that teens in foster care are at a higher risk of mental health issues, substance abuse and are at risk of becoming homeless.
It’s important to note that each teenager may face different challenges, and may require different support to overcome those. That is where Techie Youth steps in; we provide each youth with individualized attention and opportunity. Many of them tell us that Techie Youth was the first time in their life that anyone cared whether they succeed or not.

Crystal Waters sends 100% Pure Love to the Techie Youth students!

Crystal Waters sends 100% Pure Love to the Techie Youth students!

Crystal Waters is an American R&B and house music singer and songwriter, known for her hit songs such as "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" and "100% Pure Love."
Waters was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began her career as a background singer for artists such as Chaka Khan, C+C Music Factory, and Steve Winwood. She gained fame in 1991 with the release of "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)," which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold in the US. The song was a hit all over the world,
Waters went on to release several more successful songs throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including "100% Pure Love" and "Makin' Happy," both of which were also chart-toppers and continue to be popular in dance clubs today.
Waters is known for her soulful and passionate singing style, and her music is often characterized by its uplifting and energetic beats and positive messages. She continues to perform and tour, and remains a popular figure in the world of house and dance music.
Throughout her career, she has been praised for her unique fusion of R&B, soul and house music that makes her sound different from others in the same genre. She continues to produce and write music, and her style remains popular among fans of dance and electronic music.

Thank You For Your Support! Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark, Joanne & Fred Wilson and EnterpriseDB

Thank You For Your Support! Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark, Joanne & Fred Wilson and EnterpriseDB

Joanne and Fred Wilson
Fred Wilson is an American venture capitalist and business investor, who is one of the partners at Union Square Ventures (USV), a venture capital firm that was founded in 2003 and is based in New York City. He is also a co-founder of the company.
USV is known for investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on web, mobile, and internet-based businesses. Some of the companies USV has invested in include Twitter, Etsy, and Coinbase.
Wilson has been active in the technology industry for over 30 years and has been a leading voice in the New York startup scene. He is known for his writing and speaking on a variety of technology and venture capital topics, and is considered one of the most prominent venture capitalists in the technology industry. He is also known for his blog, A VC, where he writes about various topics such as entrepreneurship, technology and venture capital.
Throughout his career, Wilson has been an advocate for startups, and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry. He has been named to the Forbes Midas List of the world’s top venture capitalists. In addition, he is also known for his philanthropy and his support for a number of charitable and educational organizations.
Joanne Wilson is the wife of Fred Wilson, she is an art historian and collector, and has been active in the contemporary art scene for many years. She has curated exhibitions and written extensively on contemporary art, and has served on the board of various institutions including the Brooklyn Museum, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
Joanne and Fred are also known for their extensive art collection which includes a wide range of contemporary art, with an emphasis on works by artists of color, feminist artists, and LGBTQ artists. They also support emerging artists and alternative spaces, and are also known for their philanthropy and commitment to fostering diversity in the art world.
Together, the Wilsons have been active in promoting the work of under-represented artists, and have been strong supporters of alternative spaces and emerging artists. They have been recognized for their contributions to the art world, and have received numerous awards and honors.
Craig Newmark
Craig Newmark is an American businessman and internet pioneer best known as the founder of Craigslist.org, a popular classified ads website. He created Craigslist in 1995 as a platform for friends to exchange information and share resources. However, the website quickly grew in popularity and evolved into one of the most widely used classified ad platforms in the world.
Newmark is considered one of the pioneers of the early internet and continues to be an active supporter of internet freedom and online privacy. He has been recognized for his contributions to the technology industry and has been honored with numerous awards, including the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Newmark is also known for his philanthropy, particularly his contributions to causes related to technology and the internet. He has made donations to a variety of organizations, including the Wikimedia Foundation, the Center for Public Integrity, and the Sunlight Foundation. He also founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies in 2016, a charitable organization that aims to support veterans and military families, as well as journalism, voter protection and women in technology.
EnterpriseDB
EnterpriseDB (EDB) is a company that provides an enterprise-class database management system (DBMS) based on the open-source PostgreSQL database. EDB's software is designed to provide an open-source alternative to proprietary database management systems, such as Oracle, with additional enterprise-class features and capabilities.
The EDB Postgres platform is an open-source database management system, that is designed to help organizations modernize their legacy systems, implement new application and services, or to handle big data workloads. It provides a range of additional features such as data warehousing, scalability, and business intelligence capabilities, on top of the standard open-source PostgreSQL functionality.
One of the key features of EDB is that it is fully compatible with the PostgreSQL database, meaning that organizations can continue to use their existing PostgreSQL skills, applications, and tools while benefiting from the additional enterprise-class capabilities provided by EDB.
EDB also offers additional services such as database administration, management, and technical support, which are designed to help organizations manage and maintain their EDB databases effectively.
EDB has been widely adopted across various industries such as healthcare, finance, retail, transportation and logistics, and government among others for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility and scalability capabilities.

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