The Hidden Genius Project Programs
1441 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
About
The Hidden Genius Project Programs include introductory workshops and events, as well as on-site, exposure-based technology workshops. The program offers mentorship and training in computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Participants take part in coding, computer coding, web and app design, and team building through a 15-month Intensive Immersion Program that includes 800+ hours of mentorship and training for Black male high school students.
• 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. Catalyst Programming includes introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color, and Community Partnership Programming provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops delivered by Youth Educators for local youth throughout the cities they serve. The organization’s headquarters is located at the Oakland Ubuntu Center, which is described as a free, drop-in tech space for youth.
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 Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic); Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. (Learning & Evaluation Director); and Kristina Hardy (Curriculum Director). The Hidden Genius Project was a 2023 Honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award.
Testimonials describe the program as “a great opportunity for young Black men like me to see what else there is in the world” (Zebreon Wallace, OAK2 Hidden Genius Alum & Youth Educator). Other media quotes note that the program immerses high school men of color in coding, web and app design, team building, and other skills (The New York Times), and that teenagers in the program study computer coding (KQED). Additional coverage includes headlines such as “Black teens hack the Silicon ceiling to 'unleash their genius'” (CBC), “The Hidden Genius Project Gives Young Black Men STEM Skills” (Ebony), “Google.org awards $500,000 each to 6 nonprofits to boost Bay Area” (SF Gate), “Brothers Code is fueling the diverse tech talent pipeline by teaching 250+ young men of color code” (GISUSER), and “Hope Grows Through Mentorship in Oakland” (MSNBC).
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. Catalyst Programming includes introductory workshops and events led by Youth Educators for youth of color, and Community Partnership Programming provides on-site, exposure-based technology workshops delivered by Youth Educators for local youth throughout the cities they serve. The organization’s headquarters is located at the Oakland Ubuntu Center, which is described as a free, drop-in tech space for youth.
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 Parham (Regional Director, Mid Atlantic); Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D. (Learning & Evaluation Director); and Kristina Hardy (Curriculum Director). The Hidden Genius Project was a 2023 Honoree of the Walter Kaitz Foundation Social Impact Award.
Testimonials describe the program as “a great opportunity for young Black men like me to see what else there is in the world” (Zebreon Wallace, OAK2 Hidden Genius Alum & Youth Educator). Other media quotes note that the program immerses high school men of color in coding, web and app design, team building, and other skills (The New York Times), and that teenagers in the program study computer coding (KQED). Additional coverage includes headlines such as “Black teens hack the Silicon ceiling to 'unleash their genius'” (CBC), “The Hidden Genius Project Gives Young Black Men STEM Skills” (Ebony), “Google.org awards $500,000 each to 6 nonprofits to boost Bay Area” (SF Gate), “Brothers Code is fueling the diverse tech talent pipeline by teaching 250+ young men of color code” (GISUSER), and “Hope Grows Through Mentorship in Oakland” (MSNBC).
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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