#INTENTIONALLYGOOD #TECHDONERIGHT
TECH TRAINING PROGRAMS
A COMMUNITY FOR THOSE OPERATING PROGRAMS THAT ARE DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENTS COLOR & YOUNG WOMEN IN AN ASPECT OF TECHNOLOGY.
Relationships are the catalysts of our lives, yet where we grow up, the institutions we attend and the cities we choose as professionals act as future determinants of success – particularly for traditionally under-valued communities and sectors.
Goodie Nation is on a mission to change trajectories of the next generation of tech leaders – accelerating futures by putting people and relationships at the center of tech. We recognize the life stage preceding college is a critical juncture for them, and our Intentionally Good: Tech Training Programs initiative focuses on building infrastructure and bridging gaps on their potential founder journey. We’re deconstructing historic and systemic barriers to success.
Launched with a grant from Walton Family Foundation, Intentionally Good Project: Tech Training Programs is a relationship and growth initiative for those that operate the best tech talent training programs. Think coding academies, STEM bootcamps, etc. The overall objective is to put them in better position for funding by fine tuning their curriculum to align with the changing economy and workforce – specifically by creating pathways for students of color and young women to deep tech fields such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blockchain, robotics, photonics, electronics, and quantum computing.
In short, we’re helping top organization leaders realize their potential of their students by leveling the playing field for them. Relationships matter. This is tech done right. Join us.
OUR LEAD PARTNER
THESE PROGRAM OPERATORS GOT NEXT
WHAT WE DO TO COMBAT THE RELATIONSHIP GAP
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We evaluate the strengths and areas of improvement of founders through readiness evaluations; help them with goal & milestone setting; provide advice from experts including with storytelling & media training; and hold them accountable through groups, partners, and progress reports.
WARM INTROS
We connect our founders to professionals from prestigious universities & companies for increased opportunities; influencers for endorsements and advisor roles; large companies for pilots and partnerships, and to sponsors/foundations for potential funding.
MENTAL HEALTH
We host Founders’ Therapy each month – small group support sessions where the founders vent amongst themselves about problems only they can understand. It amplifies peace of mind.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Holding Founders Accountable for Making Progress and Helping Them Grow as Leaders. All Sessions are Virtual
Readiness Evaluations: 45 minute sessions where 3rd parties assess your readiness to take on influencers, large companies, and funders.
Weekly Stand Ups: 30 minute small group video calls to report your morale, recent wins, plan for the upcoming week, and needs.
Weekly Peer Accountability + Review: You’re matched with another founder for check-ins on each other’s OKR progress as well as to rate each other’s fundability.
Monthly 1:1’s: 30 minute check-ins with Program Manager and Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Office Hours: Book 45 minute calls with coaches for instruction on OKR improvement areas.
Educational Sessions: Workshops, group coaching sessions, etc.
Events: Invites to program events like mental health sessions and partner events.
Progress Report Events: online events where you report your recent progress to key stakeholders.
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: TECH TRAINING ORGS
Is the program only for tech talent training entities?
Yes. We define entities as for-profit companies, non-profits, programs within organizations, and projects.
How are you defining diverse-led entities?
We define diverse-led entities as they founded by or led-by people from groups underrepresented in tech for Year 1: African/African-American, Latinx, and women (from any background). For Year 2, we’ll look to expand to other groups like LGBTQ.
How is this program different from existing support programs in the city?
It is meant to compliment them. Think of it as concierge-level support as we’re providing access to high-powered social networks in an effort to improve your social capital. Essentially, it boils down to making a ton of connections for you. The first part of the program is shoring up your weakest areas so that you are ready for great opportunities. Think of it like a social network + sales/marketing program.
How much does it cost for an organization to participate in this program?
Zero. It’s completely free.
How is it possible that this is free?
Because our amazing sponsors, partners, and volunteers want to help save the world.
Can I be a solo founder/leader?
Yes, but we prefer organizations with at least 2-3 people as it increases the likelihood of success. It takes a lot to be successful, and it is extremely difficult for one person to do by themself. But it is possible.
My team doesn’t have an idea yet. Are we eligible to get helped?
We’re looking for those past the idea stage. However, a few of our community partners have programs that help those with only ideas get it out of your head, and refine it.
Is this initiative only for non-profit companies or can for-profits take part?
As long as you are a tech talent training program, then your tax status doesn’t matter.
Is funding provided as part of the program?
Nope, but we do provide a ton of free resources.
Do you or your partners take equity in my company?
Not as part of the official programming. However if a partner wants to make an investment in your org outside of the official program, then those terms are worked out between you and them.
I’m not in Atlanta. Can my program participate?
Yep. We are virtual, remote-first program.
Is this a full-time program? What is the time commitment?
Nope. We’ve designed it to not get in your way, but to hold you accountable. Expect to put in 4 hours a month at minimum, and more if you want extra coaching. The main thing is keeping in contact with your coaches and other experts to which we introduce you.
Can my org participate if we've been a part of an accelerator?
Yep. We’ve designed this program to compliment accelerators, and serve as a support system for accelerator alumni.
Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?
We think so. We only make introductions to funders if it makes sense for you. But potentially getting strategic partnerships from large companies is helpful to most startups, and the process of preparing for funders is great whether you go for it or not. It makes your company better.
What is the application process?
Our application process includes a company application as well as phone and video interviews.
Is the programming in-person or virtual?
Our programming is 100% virtual during the pandemic. We will produce high-value in-person programming when it is safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PARTNERS + SPONSORS
My organization is part of the tech ecosystem. What role can we play?
There’s a bunch of ways to plug in depending on what you want. We can refer organizations to your program for training, and/or you can send them our way. You could also provide strategy, curriculum development, marketing, and design mentors.
My company is part of the corporate ecosystem. What role can we play?
In a few different ways. The biggest opportunity is partnering with an organization for a pilot. Also, you could serve as industry expert mentors. And you can always be a sponsor!
My organization is part of the social good ecosystem. What role can we play?
You can really help the orgs whether it’s with domain-specific advice and connections or assistance with strategizing for funding. And, like the others, sponsors are always welcome.
As a sponsor, what type of role can I play?
Great question! Thanks for asking:) The Walton Family Foundation Grant is awesome, but to really reach this initiative’s potential, we’re looking for financial, venue, and food/beverage sponsors.
