Attachment 6
StreetCode Academy (STEM) Proposal
April 28, 2022
Dear Measure HH Administrator,
StreetCode Academy (SCA) acts as a bridge between Black/Indigenous/People of Color (BIPOC) and the technology they need to thrive in a digital age. Our STEM-focused mission features programs that support participants’ creative and technical processes, build digital literacy, and shift mindsets while reinforcing the learning of core skills. Our model removes barriers to digital equity using a combination of technology-driven solutions, strong professional networks, and the work of world-class education champions. Bridging the digital divide is one of the most practical and effective pathways to upward mobility for underserved East Palo Alto residents. Our proposed job training program provides services for STEM opportunities and is a natural evolution of our current programming.
We are prepared and well equipped with the infrastructure needed to advance the Measure HH mission of reversing the inequalities and barriers that people of color face in tech careers. Working with strategic local partners, we are scaling our programs to further facilitate access to job opportunities for East Palo Alto residents in the STEM sector. Our work will offer a direct path to economic development for underserved BIPOC residents. To achieve this goal, we propose a newly developed job training and internship/apprenticeship program.
Supporting the development and growth of local enterprises centering marginalized segments of the community is critical to turning the tide of inequality that marks the California economy. We know that multiple entry points and partners are critical for our ability to move this work forward. As such, SCA is committed to partnering with local institutions (including Stanford University, Creating Coding Careers, and Cañada College) so that we can further guide community members through the many hurdles involved in becoming a professional in a STEM field. Our new partners, including Cañada College and Creating Coding Careers, offer comprehensive training in tech fields followed by placement in paid internship positions—a bridge to both job experience and fair pay for work.
We have reviewed all aspects of the City’s Contractor and Professional Services Agreement (Attachment 5), including the City’s insurance requirements, and we agree/are in compliance with these documents.
Your support for these critical SCA programs outlined in this proposal will further our capability of fostering innovation and enterprise related to tech. Based on the local innovation ecosystems, partnerships, and networks available to support the success of the program, we expect to see increased job security, creation, and economic development via pipelines to and innovations in AI, biotechnology, digital media, information technology, fintech, health care, and much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with the City of EPA to ensure that EPA residents are equipped to follow the career paths necessary to keep up with the Bay Area’s high cost of living.
With Gratitude,
Jasmyne Sanders
Interim CEO| StreetCode Academy
1 Experience & Expertise
StreetCode Academy has offered free STEM classes to East Palo Alto residents since 2016. To date, we have enrolled 9,000 students in classes, and have successfully placed a number of students in paid internships. We continue to scale and grow, even as we nurture local industry relationships that support our goal of placing students onto career-track positions. 100% of the recipients of the tech devices we loan out use them for personal economic empowerment.
The StreetCode Academy leadership team consists of tech professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. They are passionate about removing the systemic barriers between STEM education/opportunities and the BIPOC community to achieve greater economic equity and prosperity. Collectively, SCA leadership brings more than four decades of experience serving the East Palo Alto community through STEM education and community outreach and support.
Tamara Sobomehin, Chief Education Officer, has spent over 20 years working in education from teaching to administration and is currently earning her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teacher Education & Learning Sciences and Technology Design—gaining expertise that is already bringing benefit to StreetCode. Chief Operating Officer Jasmyne Sanders (currently operating as Interim Executive Director) earned a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurial Studies while working full-time with 2 children, and owned and operated a successful business before co-founding StreetCode Academy. Co-founder Olatunde Sobomehin has been working in community-building and tech education for more than 20 years.
Aaron Barron is a primary curator of StreetCode’s crucial partnerships. A graduate of Stanford University, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Biomechanical Engineering, he is a technology inventor and a tireless advocate for social justice and education. For the last three years, he has worked as the SCA Partnerships Director, where he develops the strategy and capacity for scaling StreetCode access programs. He's invested in building bridges for communities of color and exploring how our future will reflect our interconnected past.
StreetCode mentors provide 1:1 mentorship to the students, ensuring their progress is moving according to plan. Mentors come from various professional backgrounds and generally have at least a decade of experience in their respective fields. They offer individual support to StreetCode students, answering specific questions, and assisting in professional development. 2 Program Design
StreetCode Academy is requesting funds to support STEM-centered workforce development in conjunction with strategic partnerships to generate economic opportunities for East Palo Alto community members. The scope of this project aligns with our mission and is deliverable using our already-established organizational infrastructure and network.
Program Duration
The initial pilot program we propose can support at least 20 individuals with City funding. Our apprenticeship/internship programming will last from 12 to 18 months, depending upon which program track the participant chooses. However, our tracking, support, and reporting will extend for a 3-year period to ensure that the Measure HH living wage income requirements are being met. We have the intention of scaling this program based on the available resources and the results of the pilot.
Program Description
StreetCode has identified a training program track to be funded in part with support from Measure HH Funds. Though we encourage students to matriculate into one of the following partner programs after completion of their StreetCode Academy course, mentors can also assist in determining alternate paths that will result in a similar outcome. ● Creating Coding Careers or Cañada College job training Streetcode partner Creating Coding Careers shares our mission of making tech equitable. Their program leads candidates through a three-month pre-apprenticeship learning phase, preparing them for their Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program. From there, candidates embark on a 12-month apprenticeship program working remotely for a premier software company. SCA will assist students in their search for permanent job placements as their apprenticeship approaches completion.
StreetCode partner Cañada College offers a Unity Developer Program that requires students to take a free (virtual) pre-apprenticeship summer course to qualify for their new 18-month-long apprenticeship program in Unity Video Game Programming.
Qualifying candidates will begin the paid, 18-month apprenticeship in September 2022.
SCA will assist students in their search for permanent job placements as their apprenticeship approaches completion.
Mentorship
Mentors will play a critical role in the program. Throughout their participation in the program, students will be paired with mentors who will help them stay the course, advising them and supporting their progress, successful completion, and subsequent sustained success. 3 Program Logistics
Program Delivery
Our job training programming will employ a hybrid model. StreetCode Academy classes will be held in-person classes at SCA headquarters and remotely via Zoom. StreetCode Academy instruction would consist of one class that encompasses a variety of professional development topics. Curriculum would include coding, interviewing techniques, life skills, financial literacy, and similar. Our partners, Creating Coding Careers and Cañada College, offer their programming virtually through digital platforms.
Strategic Inclusion
To reinforce the inclusivity of our programs, we will remove barriers to participation by scheduling class sessions during non-working hours, offering asynchronous classes, providing vouchers for transportation, child care assistance, and meal delivery on class days, as needed as well as providing instruction in both Spanish and English. Additionally, StreetCode will assist students financially through covering miscellaneous fees associated with our partner organization’s programming.
Economic Success Goals
We envision a multi-point entry to a clear pipeline leading to sustained economic success. Both of our tracks start with SCA classes and then progress to our partner organizations’ job training and apprenticeship programs.
StreetCode will provide mentorship and tracking for all participants in the program over a 3 year period to ensure that employment and income goals are being met and sustained. We will track participant success in two main ways: quarterly check-ins with a mentor and alumni surveys.
These methods will help us gather data for internal and external reporting.
Program Path to Real Employment
Program Stage Employment Stage
Pre-apprenticeship
Candidates complete an introductory 3-month pre-apprenticeship course in order to qualify for the apprenticeship program
Apprenticeship
After completing the three-month pre-apprenticeship with CCC/Cañada College, students are matched with an apprenticeship program at a tech company and guaranteed 12-18 months employment.
Post-Apprenticeship
After the 18-month apprenticeship program at Cañada College, there is an 85% matriculation rate into the company full-time. After the 12-month CCC apprenticeship, SCA will assist in a job search & salary negotiation. 4 Job Generating Relationships
In addition to StreetCode’s partnerships with job training programs, we also have developed partnerships and connections with tech companies in the Bay Area. Due to our geographic proximity and many professional connections, StreetCode Academy enjoys an exceptional level of access to and support from the tech community. Our networks have successfully placed students in paid internships in the past, and we continue to nurture industry relationships that support our goal of placing students into career-track positions.
StreetCode has piloted a number of different internships, ranging from full-time to part-time, both virtual and in-person, with tech companies and local organizations such as:
● Flex: A multinational electronics company
● Youth Community Service x3: Nonprofit organization
● Saundra’s Place: Independent Contractor
● Herban Health: Nonprofit organization
● East Palo Alto Academy: High School
● Hustle Clean: Health Product Start-Up
● East Palo Alto Kids Foundation: Volunteer organization Key Metrics for Measuring Program Success
StreetCode Academy will use four primary metrics for measuring the success of this pilot program: retention rates, mindset growth, the time it takes for students to be placed in full-time positions, and earnings benchmarks at each stage leading to a minimum livable wage.
Retention
For the purpose of this initiative, we aim for a retention rate of 85%. Because of the qualification and temporal parameters of these program tracks, we will not be able to replace participants who drop out mid-program. For this reason, we will use a thorough screening process to enroll the candidates we deem most likely to complete the program and succeed beyond it.
Mindset Goals
As with all StreetCode classes and programs, we will conduct surveys upon enrollment and completion to measure the progress of participants. We expect to see a 10-15% increase in confidence and belief in skills and abilities for at least 95% of participants between the beginning and end of the program.
Time to Placement
Our program participants’ time between completion of apprenticeship and full-time placement will vary based on which program they are enrolled in. For Creating Coding Careers apprentices engaging with a 12-month apprenticeship, we ideally want to see candidates placed into full-time jobs within 15 months of the program beginning. For Cañada College apprentices engaged with 18-month apprenticeships, we aim for a 21-month time from program beginning to placement.
5 Earnings Benchmarks
With job-training track program participants, the objective will be to secure $20/hour employment within 15 months of program enrollment. This should scale to at least $28/hour by the end of the 36-month Measure HH program reporting period.
Program Recruitment
StreetCode Academy has a strong presence and reputation in the East Palo Alto community, which contributes to a large reach within our target demographics. We currently serve ~3000 students a year within a wide age range, giving us a large pool to recruit from. We will employ the same tactics that we have found to be effective for student recruitment: direct mailers, fliers, and signs throughout the city, targeted social media posts, emails, text message campaigns, referrals, and word of mouth from past participants. All recruitment outreach is conducted in both Spanish and English. For this initiative, program participants must be 18 years or older and be a resident of East Palo Alto.
Statement Regarding Measure HH
StreetCode Academy’s mission is to reverse the inequalities and barriers that people of color face in both tech careers. Measure HH funding will enable us to offer a direct path to economic development for underserved BIPOC community members. It is well-recognized that employment opportunities associated with STEM fields present a broader spectrum of choices than those only associated with traditional technology companies. Measure HH funding for this pilot will support opportunities in the life sciences, government, and medical industries—as well as other STEM job opportunities, and training programs for these jobs may be supported by Measure HH funding.
In January of last year, the Public Policy Institute of California released a report entitled California’s Future, where they cover the racial/ethnic income disparities that existed before COVID-19. In 2019, the median annual earnings in the state were $80,440, with White and Asian-headed households earning $90-$100,000. Conversely, households headed by Black and Latino Americans reported earnings of $55,000 and $63,000, respectively. With over 3 million jobs lost in the state during the pandemic, women and Black Americans have been hit the hardest and report the highest levels of unemployment. According to the report, 26% of lower-income families (families of four earning less than $30,000) are experiencing unemployment, as opposed to just 5% in high-income families. The report assesses that innovation and state investments in education and training are necessary to counteract the economic impact COVID-19 has had on already-existing economic disparities.
Also last year, The Future of Work Commission presented its final report to Governor Gavin Newsom. The report seeks to understand the current state of jobs and work in California, examine the factors that created these conditions, and develop a vision for work and jobs in the future. One of the five priority recommendations for California was to future-proof California with jobs and skills that prepare for risks and shifts in the economy and environment. The 6 commission recommends creating future jobs through a blend of private-sector and government-supported investment.
Our Measure HH pilot program proposes just such a solution. We at StreetCode Academy understand that, to the best of our knowledge, the job training programs being proposed meet the intent of Measure HH.
Insurance Certification
StreetCode Academy is insured under Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC) and is more than able to meet the City’s minimum insurance requirement for the program period of June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. Please see attached document for policy details.
Firm & Personnel Experience (See attached resumes for more details) Carlie Jones
A member of the StreetCode Academy team since 2019, in her role as the Instructional Design Manager, Carlie is responsible for creating, evaluating, and maintaining instructional design systems, policies, and procedures within the organization. She is well-versed in instructional curriculum philosophy and applies best practices in teaching along with assessment tools to provide culturally sensitive, student-centered programs that drive intended learning outcomes.
Kyle L. Carter
With over a decade of experience in small event planning and management, Kyle has strong skills in the production, curation, coordination & hosting of in-person, live, and digital community events. In his position of Outreach & Community Engagement Associate for StreetCode Academy, he uses his knowledge of outreach and promotion to fulfill his duties as a community liaison. Kyle provides both logistical support and public-facing representation for SCA events.
Aaron Barron
As the StreetCode Academy Director of Partnerships, Aaron harnesses his background in engineering to develop curriculum and design programs to fit the students’ needs of various partner organizations. He is a strong leader within the organization and currently manages a team of nine and engages with a portfolio of 20 SCA partners to leverage community events, coordinate fundraisers, and secure sponsorships.
Tamara Sobomehin
After graduating as the salutatorian of her high school in Dallas, TX, Tamara graduated with a BA in psychology from Stanford University—the first in her family to graduate college. She went on to earn an MA in education policy and leadership from UTA. She has been worked continuously in education policy and leadership for the past 20 years, including as the Director 7 of Speak UP & Speak OUT, Level Playing Field Institute in Oakland, CA from 2005 – 2016. In this role she designed and taught a technical curriculum to increase engagement in STEM education for high school youth at Stanford University and UC Berkeley.
Cost Structure
For a cohort of 20 participants to complete the proposed StreetCode Academy program over the course of 3 years, we estimate operational costs of around $473,400, of which Measure HH funds would cover 50%, or $ 236,700.
From point-of-entry to program completion, the cost per participant would total $23,670, with Measure HH funds covering 50% or $11,835.
The funds will be allocated to three areas: Program Instruction, Recruitment, and Participant Retention and will cover one year of programming.
Program Instruction fees ($262,000 total, $131,000 covered by Measure HH funds) will be used to support:
● A full-time program manager to lead the workforce development program ● A part-time program lead to plan and execute recruitment activities, provide participant support and check-ins, and coordinate participant retention activities ● 6 part-time instructors to lead classes
● 4 mentors to support the cohort of participants through their apprenticeship and employment search process
● Facilities and Maintenance costs for program facility ● Provide software and other relevant technology for participants ● Cover fees associated with partner organizations’ programming Recruitment fees ($42,500 total, $21,250 covered by Measure HH funds) will be used to support:
● Design, printing, and distribution of informational mailers advertising the program to the East Palo Alto community
● Email and social media marketing targeting potential participants ● Supporting quarterly program-related events
● Designing and printing signage to be posted around East Palo Alto Retention fees ($90,000 total, $45,000 covered by Measure HH funds) will be used to support:
● Providing convenient childcare options for program participants ● Providing food for class participants on class days
● Assisting with transportation to and from classes
● Ensuring each participant has a device and internet access StreetCode Academy has a wide range of committed partners and funding sources that we can leverage to support East Palo Alto residents’ completion of the program. We receive funding 8 from a variety of sources including foundations, corporations, and individuals. Current partners include the NBA Foundation and SV2. Regionally, there is profound interest in workforce development programming and we are confident that if funded by Measure HH, we will have no problem finding funders eager to support this pilot.
In the event that a participant drops out of the program: The program manager will follow-up and offer other tracks or general continued mentorship. The program manager will also suggest other SCA classes and alternate tracks that require less commitment. We will conduct an exit interview as well as a survey to better understand how we can increase retention rates in future iterations of the program.
9 Measure HH Program Budget
Year 1
Funding Detail
Full Program
Cost % Measure HH
Program Instruction $262,000 50% ($ 131,000)
Program Administrator
1 Full time Program Manager to lead our
workforce development program. This person
will coordinate any new hires, oversee all
program staff, lead the stratgey for future
program expansion, build relationships with
new partners $90,000 50% ($ 45,000)
Lead Teaching Fellow
1 Part Time Program Lead, lead orientation,
develop curriculum, plan and execute all
recruitment activities, lead participant
support and check ins, coordinate participant
retention activities $60,000 50% ($ 30,000)
Instructors 6 part time instructors to lead classes $60,000 50% ($ 30,000) Facilities & Maintenance
StreetCode headquarters and program
facility $12,000 50% ($ 6,000)
Program Supplies
Software and other relevant technology for
participants $20,000 50% ($ 10,000)
Mentorship
4 mentors to support the cohort of
participants annually $20,000 50% ($ 10,000)
Recruitment $42,500 50% ($ 21,250)
Mailers
Design, printing and postage for
informational mailers to entire East Palo Alto
Community to advertise the program $15,000 50% ($ 7,500) Digital Communication
Email and social media marketing to recruit
participants $5,000 50% ($ 2,500)
Recruitment Events Quarterly events $15,000 50%
Advertisements Signage around EPA $7,500 50% ($ 3,750)
Retention $90,000 50% ($ 45,000)
Childcare
Provide convenient childcare options for
program participants $20,000 50% ($ 10,000)
Food Food provided each class $25,000 50% ($ 12,500)
Transportation Transportion to onsite classes $15,000 50% ($ 7,500) Technology Access
Ensure each participant has a device and
internet access $30,000 50% ($ 15,000)
SUB TOTAL $394,500 50% ($ 197,250)
Administrative & Overhead $78,900 50% ($ 39,450)
Full Program
Cost
Measure HH
Funds
GRAND TOTAL (for a cohort of 20 students) $473,400 50% ($ 236,700) Cost per Particpant $23,670 50% ($ 11,835)