The Hidden Genius Project
The Hidden Genius Project Headquarters, 1441 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
About
The Hidden Genius Project offers a 15-month Intensive Immersion Program where participants take part in mentorship and training in computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The program includes coding, computer coding, web and app design, team building, and introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color. It also provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops delivered by Youth Educators for local youth.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: 15-month Intensive Immersion Program
Founded in Oakland in 2012, The Hidden Genius Project is an Oakland-based nonprofit organization with national reach. Its mission is to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Since 2012, it has served 14,000 students and provided 1,248,800 hours of direct training, including more than 800 hours of mentorship and training through the 15-month Intensive Immersion Program. The organization also offers Catalyst Programming with introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color, as well as Community Partnership Programming that provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops for local youth. Additional initiatives include an Alumni Venture Fund, Uber Career Prep, and Responsible AI initiatives.
The leadership team includes Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D. (Chief Executive Officer); Tariq Norris (Chief Finance and Operations Officer); Alicia Pinn, PHR, SHRM-CP (Chief Human Resources Officer); Mounir Tyler, LCSW (Chief Programs Officer); Hodari Tourè, Ph.D. (Chief Innovation Officer); Kayla Mason, MSW (Vice President of Programs); Brian Garrett, Ph.D. (Regional Director, East); and Franklin Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic). In 2023, The Hidden Genius Project was an honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award. Testimonials from outlets and partners such as The New York Times, KQED, Mashable, CBC, Ebony, SF Gate, GISUSER, and MSNBC describe the program’s focus on coding, web and app design, team building, computer coding, mentorship, and STEM skills for young Black men and high school men of color.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: 15-month Intensive Immersion Program
Founded in Oakland in 2012, The Hidden Genius Project is an Oakland-based nonprofit organization with national reach. Its mission is to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Since 2012, it has served 14,000 students and provided 1,248,800 hours of direct training, including more than 800 hours of mentorship and training through the 15-month Intensive Immersion Program. The organization also offers Catalyst Programming with introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color, as well as Community Partnership Programming that provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops for local youth. Additional initiatives include an Alumni Venture Fund, Uber Career Prep, and Responsible AI initiatives.
The leadership team includes Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D. (Chief Executive Officer); Tariq Norris (Chief Finance and Operations Officer); Alicia Pinn, PHR, SHRM-CP (Chief Human Resources Officer); Mounir Tyler, LCSW (Chief Programs Officer); Hodari Tourè, Ph.D. (Chief Innovation Officer); Kayla Mason, MSW (Vice President of Programs); Brian Garrett, Ph.D. (Regional Director, East); and Franklin Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic). In 2023, The Hidden Genius Project was an honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award. Testimonials from outlets and partners such as The New York Times, KQED, Mashable, CBC, Ebony, SF Gate, GISUSER, and MSNBC describe the program’s focus on coding, web and app design, team building, computer coding, mentorship, and STEM skills for young Black men and high school men of color.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
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