About
The Hidden Genius Project offers Black male high school students hands-on experience in technology creation, computer science, software development, computer coding, and web and app design. The program also includes entrepreneurship training, leadership skills development, and team building activities through its Intensive Immersion Program.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: 15-month Intensive Immersion Program
The Hidden Genius Project is a national nonprofit organization founded in Oakland in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs and technologists. Its mission is to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. The 15-month Intensive Immersion Program provides Black male high school students with more than 800 hours of mentorship and training in computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Since 2012, The Hidden Genius Project has served 18,000 students and provided 1,248,800 hours of direct training.
The organization also offers a free, drop-in tech space for youth at the Oakland Ubuntu Center. Catalyst Programming includes introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color that focus on gaining technical skills and exploring careers within the technology landscape. Community Partnership Programming provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops delivered by Youth Educators for local youth throughout the cities they serve. Brothers Code teaches code to more than 250 young men of color.
The leadership team includes Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D. (Chief Executive Officer); Tariq Norris (Chief Finance and Operations 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); Franklin D. Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic); Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. (Learning & Evaluation Director); and Kristina Hardy (Curriculum Director). Staff credentials also include Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D., Tariq Norris, Mounir Tyler, LCSW, Hodari Tourè, Ph.D., Kayla Mason, MSW, Brian Garrett, Ph.D., and Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. The Hidden Genius Project was a 2023 Honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award. One alum shared, “The Hidden Genius Project is a great opportunity for young Black men like me to see what else there is in the world,” attributed to Zebreon Wallace, OAK2 Hidden Genius Alum and Youth Educator.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: 15-month Intensive Immersion Program
The Hidden Genius Project is a national nonprofit organization founded in Oakland in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs and technologists. Its mission is to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. The 15-month Intensive Immersion Program provides Black male high school students with more than 800 hours of mentorship and training in computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Since 2012, The Hidden Genius Project has served 18,000 students and provided 1,248,800 hours of direct training.
The organization also offers a free, drop-in tech space for youth at the Oakland Ubuntu Center. Catalyst Programming includes introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color that focus on gaining technical skills and exploring careers within the technology landscape. Community Partnership Programming provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops delivered by Youth Educators for local youth throughout the cities they serve. Brothers Code teaches code to more than 250 young men of color.
The leadership team includes Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D. (Chief Executive Officer); Tariq Norris (Chief Finance and Operations 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); Franklin D. Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic); Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. (Learning & Evaluation Director); and Kristina Hardy (Curriculum Director). Staff credentials also include Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D., Tariq Norris, Mounir Tyler, LCSW, Hodari Tourè, Ph.D., Kayla Mason, MSW, Brian Garrett, Ph.D., and Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. The Hidden Genius Project was a 2023 Honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award. One alum shared, “The Hidden Genius Project is a great opportunity for young Black men like me to see what else there is in the world,” attributed to Zebreon Wallace, OAK2 Hidden Genius Alum and Youth Educator.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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