Everyone learns differently, and Tech Unlimited embraces that. They have been uncovering pathways to computer science discovery for neurodiverse students and young adults through courses incorporating technology training and social-emotional learning to ignite unlimited futures. The program began with summer sessions for schoolchildren in 2009 and has grown to become a thriving non-profit. It has broadened its curriculum to include programs that cater to children and young adults ages 10-24. In fact, the organization recently changed its name to Tech Unlimited from Tech Kids Unlimited to reflect the maturing demographic it serves.
There is a place for every pace of learner at Tech Unlimited. Its portfolio of programs helps students explore and absorb knowledge about the creative power of technology and develop work readiness and technical skills needed to pursue future careers and opportunities.
In a world where technology is the driving force behind nearly every industry, one thing has become clear: the future belongs to those who can create, innovate, and adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape. But for many children and young adults, including those from underserved communities, acquiring technology skills and knowledge can be challenging.
Tech Unlimited is a New York City-based nonprofit launched in 2014. Its founder and Executive Director Beth Rosenberg, an educational technologist and Adjunct Professor at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, established Tech Unlimited. At first, she wanted to provide her neurodiverse son with the ability to help design and customize the technology and media he was using to engage and express himself.
From that start, the nonprofit now serves 545 students annually with valuable training in a supportive and fun learning environment. “I wanted to find a way that could guide students like my son along a pathway to meaningful, purposeful life experiences,” said Rosenberg. “Neurodivergent students may inch along, but, with the proper attention and guidance, those inches turn into miles. Perhaps not in a straight line, or within the traditional construct of learning, but in expanding their window of opportunity, and the expectation of what could happen, learning becomes unlimited.”
Historically, neurodiverse youth have been an underserved group, contributing to a lack in confidence and abilities required to thrive in today's competitive job market. Tech Unlimited’s ultimate goal is to help bring about a world where neurodiversity does not limit personal and professional opportunities.
To facilitate this change, Tech Unlimited is constructing an educational pathway for neurodiverse young people that brings together the development of tech skills and essential soft skills through a variety of programs, focusing on acquiring essential tech abilities for the 21st century. Tech Unlimited’s offerings are organized into two core initiatives: Tech Knowledge Workshops and Career Ladder Programs.
Tech Knowledge Workshops are programs that inspire students to explore the creative power of tech through an array of hands-one activities, while Career Ladder Programs integrate real-world experiences with classroom instruction to help students practice work readiness skills to prepare for employment. For example, Digital Agency, a virtual six-week afterschool program, engages students in completing tech projects for corporate clients, working collaboratively with their peers and earning a stipend. The Creative Tech Internship is a 32-week program where interns spend Fridays from September through May with the nonprofit and receive school credit for completing projects.
A more advanced workforce program, known as CRISP - Career Readiness Internship Summer Program – is a paid, six-week work session for students, ages 16-24, interested in building real-world tech and soft skills. Intern supervisors at partner companies appreciate the initiative, responsiveness, independence, and technical skill that make CRISP students immediate assets. They have “meticulous attention to detail and an eye for UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design,” remarked one supervisor, whose feedback was representative of the impact the program is making in career preparation.
Mizuho is proud to support Tech Unlimited through the Mizuho USA Foundation. Individuals and organizations can support Tech Unlimited’s mission through various volunteer opportunities. For more information about the nonprofit, please contact them at: https://techunlimited.org/contact/