President and CEO, Naomi Jackson, said a child’s area code and economic circumstances shouldn’t determine their future.
“We want them to be able to get jobs and create jobs doing artificial intelligence,” said Jackson. “And what it can be used for, be able to create apps, be able to do those things that can actually help people in the job force.”
Jackson said the focus of Teen Tech is to advance their skills in technology, as A.I. is taking over jobs and they can be able to use A.I. to be beneficial in the workforce. BGCCM has partnered with Bean Path, Amazon, and other businesses that have donated computers and other resources for students to use.
The organization also received over $100,000 for their projects and is looking to start in the fall once those funds have been allocated.
Board member, Bud Sheppard, said having those resources for those students will help them become productive members of society and add on to the world with the skills they have. Sheppard said the Boys and Girls Clubs is making an innovative move to help the students find what they like and don’t like early on and explore career options sooner than later.
“If you don't start a process where you're improving the conditions and the opportunities and the education and the support for our youth,” said Sheppard. “You can't cry about it later, 15 years, if we didn't put that investment in early.”
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones was a club kid growing up and said that along with working in law enforcement, he knows that programs like Teen Tech helps the youth. He also said the club is a way for students to be in a safe space and get to know who they are.
“I take pride in everything that we do to make sure that we give back to the community,” said Jones. “We see the impact. We know the meaningful ways that the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi is needed.”
Jackson said the organization has received support from various businesses and donors to provide resources to students. As well as, expand their reach to other underserved areas. Jackson said some students have never been outside of their zip code and the club shows them a whole new world that will push them out on their curiosity.
“We want young people to become fluent in technology, artificial intelligence, not merely consumers of technology, but creators,” said Jackson. “We want young people to see a place for themselves. And the emerging economy and gain the confidence and skills to pursue it without going outside of Mississippi.”
The program will start next fall.
