HHF & Google: Jam Sessions in 15 Nat’l Markets!

More than 250 Students Sign Up for Jam Session at Cesar Chavez Public Charter
Schools in Washington, DC – Next up San Jose, CA

WASHINGTON, DC – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Google announced they will host LOFT Coding Jam Sessions across America in over 15 markets after launching the program in Boyle Heights in Los Angeles in December and on February 21st at the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School where more than 250 students signed up to learn the basics of coding and learn about career opportunities in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) from a panel of experts. The free, bilingual Jam Sessions will instruct minority youth on how to code using HTML and CSS with hip-hop, jazz and salsa music playing in the background and a Google Chromebook laptop will be provided to the student with the best idea to make a positive impact on their community.

LOFT is HHF’s award-winning leadership and workforce development program and the Coding Jam Sessions – which are being executed all over the country – are part of LOFT’s Innovation & Technology Track. Other LOFT Tracks include Science & Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, and Media & Entertainment. In addition to Los Angeles and Washington, DC, the Coding Jam Sessions took place in Austin as part of SXSW Festival (March 7), Wheaton, MD (March 24), and in Chicago (March 12). The next Coding Jam will take place at Silver Creek High School (830 N. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133) as part of Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Conference (May 2), Miami (TBD in spring), New York (TBD in spring), Pittsburgh (TBD in spring), Coachella in CA (TBD in spring), Salem, OR (TBD in spring), and other markets TBD. HHF will also video the events to post online for students, educators, nonprofits and even parents to access the LOFT curriculum as an introduction to coding.

“Driving this effort is the belief that every youth throughout our communities deserves to have access to high-level technology programs and trainings,” said Emanuel Pleitez, Chairman of HHF. “We are thrilled to partner with Google and innovative educational institutions such as the Cesar Chavez School to inspire and equip minority youth to be world-class innovators.”

“There is no greater way to make an impact than through technology and to encourage innovation,” added Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We believe these are young leaders of today, not tomorrow. America can’t wait. The time to fill the skills gap in America is now. Ahora sí!”

About HHF and LOFT
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit originally established by the White House in 1987, inspires, prepares, positions and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.)

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 “Tracks,” or industries, which are priorities for America including Innovation & Technology, Science & Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Law, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas. Tens of thousands of students and young professionals are connected to each other, guides and resources; over 30 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas are hosted across the country; creative initiatives are executed; and hundreds of minorities are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 100 companies and government agencies. Visit www.loftinnovation.org, and join http://loftnetwork.org to get on the fast track to leadership.

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