The Hidden Genius Project, a national nonprofit organization founded in Oakland, trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. The Hidden Genius Project seeks to reveal the true potential of Black male youth and transform their communities from the inside out. Through our student-centered, project-based approach, we invest in young Black men, give them access to technology training, and plug them into an ecosystem of innovation and empowerment.

The Hidden Genius Project was founded in 2012 and established a full-time infrastructure in 2015. The organization now operates programming sites nationwide in Oakland, Richmond (CA), Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, and Baltimore (launching in June 2024), and delivers short-term programming to catalyze interest in the technology space globally. As the program continues to grow, The Hidden Genius Project seeks to impact thousands of more Black males and young people in the coming years.

About Our Creation and Commitment

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Founded in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs/technologists who were unnerved by the dramatic juxtaposition between the high unemployment of Black male youth and the plethora of career opportunities within the local technology sector, The Hidden Genius Project connects young Black males with the skills, mentors, and experiences that they need to become leaders in high-performing entrepreneurs and technologists.

The Hidden Genius Project is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or a need that requires an accommodation, please let us know. 

We value diversity and inclusion and encourage people of color to apply for our open positions. To be successful in our work, one must have a passion for young Black males and through operational excellence, be able to serve them in their current state and for the betterment of their future.

Our Benefits and Perks

By far, the biggest benefit of working at The Hidden Genius Project is contributing to our mission, which is to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.

We offer a plethora of traditional benefits for full-time employees:

  • Competitive salaries commensurate with education, experience, and competency
  • Significant employer contributions to and options in Health, Dental, and Vision benefits
  • Life Insurance, AD&D, and Short/Long Term Disability (some with voluntary contribution options)
  • Many voluntary benefit options (Flexible Spending Accounts, Aflac, MetLife Pet Insurance/Legal Insurance, EAP (Employee Assistance Program with counseling options), Identity Theft Protection, Farmers Group (home & auto insurance), Chubb Personal Excess Liability Insurance, and Commuter Benefits)
  • Access to TriNet’s Marketplace (Discounts on everything from gym memberships to vacations and much more)
  • 401k with company matching
  • Generous PTO, observance of 11 bank holidays, plus an allocation of Floating Holidays, and 4 annual reading days
  • Individual Professional Development annual allocation

Traditional benefits for part-time employees:

  • Sick Time
  • Access to the Employer Assistance Program (EAP) benefits

Non-traditional benefits available for all employees:

  • Working in a Black Lead Organization (BLO)
  • A workspace where you and your contributions matter and impact the lives of young Black men
  • Genuine care for your life and families overall well-being and appropriate employer support
  • Opportunity for hybrid work schedules provided they do not conflict with programming
  • Participation in cutting-edge work that will challenge and reward you
  • Social connection with like minds
  • EAP options to support your personal finances and more
  • Modern workspaces that foster collaboration and creativity
  • Family planning benefits