Kicking Off Computer Science Education Week, Mayor de Blasio Announces New Partnerships with Tech Industry, Business and Higher Education to Support Computer Science Education and Work Experience for City Youth

December 7, 2015

Seven employer partners commit to provide internships, mentorship and other work experiences to NYC youth

22 companies support new Computer Science curriculum development through the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline

13 NYC colleges and universities will help align curriculum, tech education with workforce needs

NEW YORK—In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, a global call to action to inspire students to take interest in computer science, Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced commitments by 42 partners from New York City’s tech industry, business community and higher education institutions to support the de Blasio administration’s vision to expand access to computer science education and work experiences in the tech sector to all New York City youth. These commitments will include offering internships and on-the-job experiences to “out-of-school, out-of-work” young people, and helping to align computer science curriculum with the current workforce needs of the tech industry, all in coordination with the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline.

“The importance of providing the training and opportunities necessary to access quality jobs cannot be understated,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our administration knows this – that’s why we committed to providing Computer Science education for all public school students – and our partners in the academic and private sectors know this too. By offering vital experiences like internships and mentorships and helping to align curricula with the needs of the industry, they are joining in our mission to improve access to 21st century jobs for all New Yorkers.”

“New York City truly is the most innovative and tech-friendly city in the world, home of the world’s top tech companies spanning nearly every sector,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “A pipeline of quality local talent is key to the vibrancy and success of our tech sector, and that pipeline starts with education at all levels.  The partnerships announced today strengthen the work we are doing with our Tech Talent Pipeline, youth and broader training programs to cement our commitment to building the great tech workforce of the future.”

Today’s commitments follow the September launch of Mayor de Blasio’s Computer Science for All initiative, an $81 million public-private partnership that has received initial funding support from CSNYC, the Robin Hood Foundation and the AOL Charitable Foundation. Computer Science for All will deliver computer science education to every student in New York City public schools over the next 10 years – making New York City the largest school district in the country to provide universal access to these valuable 21st century skills. At launch, Computer Science for All was publicly recognized and supported by 25 tech companies and business leaders as a critical investment in the nation’s future.

Heeding the Mayor’s call to action, the following New York City companies have signed on to make valuable internships available to out-of-school, out-of-work youth ages 18-26 through the NYC Web Development Fellowship, delivered in partnership with the Flatiron School: Bounce Exchange, Eikos Partners, RMS, Senna, Shapeways, Wieden + Kennedy, and XO Group.

They join existing employer partners, such as Foursquare, Spring, and Spotify who have committed to opening internship opportunities to homegrown NYC talent.

In addition to work-based learning experiences, the City’s businesses are partnering with the City’s education and training providers to ensure that the skills New Yorkers receive inside the classroom adequately prepare them to succeed in the future. Working together with the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, the following companies will provide resources and insight into curriculum development in a variety of fields from mobile development and cloud administration to data analysis, quality assurance, and IT engineering. Together, these partners will help to improve alignment between today’s computer science education and training programs, and available job opportunities in the tech industry: Adobe, AppNexus, Artsy, Capital One Labs, Doable Innovation, Etsy, Foursquare, Goldman Sachs, Google, Handy, JPMorgan Chase & Co., LinkedIn, Microsoft, MongoDB, Morgan Stanley, News Corp, Spotify, Stack Overflow, Trello, Viacom, Warby Parker, and Wheelhouse.io.

Building upon the Administration’s commitments in the K-12 and training arenas, the Administration today is proud to recognizing the following higher education institutions have committed to serving on the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline Academic Council. Participating institutions pledge to further develop pathways for New Yorkers to careers in tech fields by working with the City to support the alignment of computer science education and tech workforce needs across the five boroughs through curriculum review, the adoption of proven programs, the development of new industry-informed models, and faculty-industry collaboration: Borough of Manhattan Community College, Cornell Tech, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University, Hunter College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, LaGuardia Community College, Lehman College, Macaulay Honors College, New York City College of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Pace University, and Queens College.

“Computer science skills provide the foundation for a successful career and contribute to important innovations in society,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I applaud this initiative to give more New Yorkers the tools to be successful and productive in the 21st century.”

“It is so crucial that our young people have access to engaging, hands-on work experiences,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “I applaud these partnerships with university and business partners that will support our young adults, and this critical initiative aligns with the work our Pre-K-12 schools are doing as we implement Computer Science for All.”

“Through the Tech Talent Pipeline and the partnerships announced today, we are investing in the future of New York City’s tech workforce and ensuring that local businesses have access to world-class tech talent right here in the five boroughs,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “I want to thank our industry and higher education partners for joining this critical effort to generate a pipeline of homegrown talent for our thriving business community and equip our young people with the skills necessary to build successful careers in the 21st century economy.” 

“New York City’s future lies in growing the diversity of our tech talent, and across industry, education, and government, we all have a stake in it. This partnership demonstrates that we can work together to make that happen," said Chief Technology Officer for the City of New York Minerva Tantoco. "As a women technologist who attended all NYC Public Schools, I know firsthand the incredible opportunity that a career in computer science can provide. Expanding computer science education and internships in tech companies will provide the opportunity and exposure that is essential to creating the next generation of technologists.”

“The de Blasio administration has made it a priority to work with the private sector to help equip our young people with the skills and work-place experience they need to thrive in a 21st century economy.  Today’s partnerships continue that important work that was begun with Computer Science for All and the Center for Youth Employment, all initiatives that will give New Yorkers a leg up to securing a good future and our City’s economy overall,” said Gabrielle Fialkoff, Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships.

“Together, New York City's industry and academic leaders are delivering stronger futures for New Yorkers across the five boroughs,” said Kristen Titus, Founding Director of the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline. “Today, their investments are helping to provide 21st century education and opportunities to all, furthering the City's continued commitment to deliver quality jobs for our people and quality talent for our businesses.”

“Aligning curriculum, building the talent pipeline, and expanding opportunities for candidates across NYC is critical to our work,” said David Kline, Chief Technology Officer, Viacom. “Together with our partners at the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, Viacom is proud to help cultivate local talent which will benefit not only our company, but companies like ours in New York and around the world.”

“With the launch of the Tech Talent Pipeline Academic Council, the City has taken an important step forward in providing students across the city with industry-aligned education and opportunities,” said Felix V. Matos, President of Queens College. “Bridging the academic strength of institutions like Queens College with the insight and economic potential of the tech industry is critical to achieving scale and diversity in the city’s tech ecosystem.”

“Computer science knowledge is a basic requirement of most modern jobs and I applaud all efforts to increase the training and opportunities that our students will receive,” said Council Member James Vacca, Chair of the Council Committee on Technology. “New York City is the home of world class educational institutions along with a host of industry leading corporations and businesses. Utilizing our cultural capital to improve educational opportunities is a smart investment in our future.”

"Our city's public school students must be equipped with the knowledge and skill sets they need in order to succeed in the workplace, including the rapidly expanding field of technology," said Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Education. "I want to thank Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña for spearheading this important partnership which will expand access to computer science education and related work experience in the technology sector to all young people in NYC."

“This partnership is a way of chipping away at the still existing digital divide, and guiding our young people to be technology producers, not just consumers of apps and games designed to occupy their time and attention. We know they have the interest and capability, so it’s only right to show them the path. I extend my thanks to every partner in government in industry who has contributed to making this happen,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.

"Computer science is an essential field for a generation of kids who have known nothing but a digital world," said Council Member Ben Kallos. "The educational and workforce opportunities announced today will make New York's burgeoning tech industry accessible to the city's youth. Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio for bringing these partners together and continuing to advance computer science education in our schools."