The Hidden Genius Project

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The Hidden Genius Project

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology and leadership skills.

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. 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.

06/17/2026

Bay Area, we’re bringing Genius City to LakeFest. Saturday, June 27 in Oakland. 10,000 square feet of gaming, AI, robotics, music tech, and hands-on workshops inside the Garden Center at Lake Merritt, all designed and led by Oakland youth. Free and open to all LakeFest attendees. Come build. Come learn. Come see what Genius looks like. Link in bio for more information. We hope to see you there!

05/14/2026

💫Nassor At-thinnin Gant, a Hidden Genius Alum of our Richmond Cohort 7 (RICH7), began his journey with ambition, but searching for confidence and a sense of belonging. After being introduced to The Hidden Genius Project, he stepped into our Intensive Immersion Program where he was challenged to grow beyond his comfort zone, finding his voice, building confidence, and discovering new ways to express himself through both technology and storytelling.

🔥Surrounded by a strong brotherhood and supportive mentors, Nassor transformed from someone who once felt like “a silent and reserved person” into a leader willing to speak up and share his perspective. Today, as an 18-year-old student at the University of California, Riverside studying African American Studies, he continues that journey through his writing, including his book The Way We Choose to Walk, which uplifts the voices and experiences of Black men across communities.

💪🏿Reveal Nassor’s journey with The Hidden Genius Project by reading his story here (or the link in bio): https://buff.ly/SZABpJH

05/11/2026

“New data showing rising unemployment and widening economic gaps for Black Californians framed a statewide conference at UCLA, where more than 200 advocates, policymakers, elected officials, scholars, entertainers and community leaders gathered to examine the conditions facing Black Californians and to push solutions for a thriving Black California.”

✏️Dr. Brandon Nicholson, CEO of The Hidden Genius Project, was among the community leaders who spoke at the State of Black California Conference, hosted by the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies in partnership with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). During the conference, Dr. Nicholson advocated for stronger investments in Black futures, highlighting the incredible accomplishments The Hidden Genius Project’s young men continue to achieve through access to mentorship, education, and opportunities that empower them to pursue their genius.

✅Read more about this monumental convening in an article by The Observer at the link (or visit our bio): https://buff.ly/yu2yYUz

05/06/2026

💪🏿Kamren Lake, a Hidden Genius Alum of our Chicago Cohort 2 (CHI2), began his journey at a time when he had big dreams but was still searching for direction and confidence. After discovering The Hidden Genius Project at a local event, he stepped into our Intensive Immersion Program, where he was challenged to think more critically about his future, build discipline, and step into his voice.

💫Through hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship and technology, Kamren not only developed practical skills like public speaking and networking but also learned how to turn ideas into action, bringing his vision for Pryde, an injury prevention sportswear brand, to life. Today, at 16 years old, Kamren is a student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, continuing to grow as a leader and preparing to step into a Youth Educator role, while pursuing his goal of becoming a physical therapist with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.

🔥To reveal Kamren's journey with The Hidden Genius Project and beyond, click the link (or see our bio!): https://buff.ly/UyDm7D3

05/04/2026

Catch a glimpse into our Atlanta Intensive Immersion Programming! Our brilliant youth have been working tirelessly on their coding projects, as they dive into their specialized tracks: Game Development, Mobile App Development, and Applied AI. During our summer session, our outgoing Atlanta Cohort 3 brothers will work five days a week to wrap up their projects. Keep up the good work!

05/01/2026

The Hidden Genius Project is preparing young people for an agentic AI future, and we’re proud to be part of the conversation shaping what’s next. Huge shoutout to for inviting our Chief Programs Officer, Mounir Tyler, to the TDX 2026 Conference.

At the event, our CPO sat down with Salesforce to discuss the future of AI, how The Hidden Genius Project is equipping our youth to embrace it, and the role partnerships like this play in expanding opportunity.

🎥 Watch the full conversation and see how we’re building the next generation of leaders by clicking the link or visiting our bio: https://buff.ly/B5appIN

03/19/2026

💻 to Brothers Code 2025 in Philly!

⭐Last year, The Hidden Genius Project hosted our annual Brothers Code across 7 cities, welcoming young participants for a day of hands-on exploration in coding and technology. From learning foundational concepts to discovering the tools and resources behind tech careers, youth got an early look at what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.

🥳These photos come from a special first for us — our inaugural Brothers Code in Philadelphia! 🎉 The energy, engagement, and enthusiasm from the Philly community made it a standout moment in our 2025 programming.

👏 Huge shoutout to our Philadelphia site for making history with us. We’re excited to keep building in the city and can’t wait to welcome our first cohort of Philly Geniuses this summer. 🚀

03/17/2026

💫 Are you looking for your next volunteer opportunity? Join The Hidden Genius Project for our annual Interview Days on March 21 and March 28!

🤖During Interview Day, volunteers meet one-on-one with Genius applicants and help us identify the next cohort of incredible young leaders who will join our program.

💪🏿 If you’re in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia, or Richmond (CA), we’d love to have you join us!

💪🏿Sign up to volunteer at the link (or visit our bio):
https://buff.ly/W1mYmD6

Givetocommunity

03/16/2026

💪🏿Frederick Livingston III, Detroit Cohort 1 (DET1) Hidden Genius Alum, is a thoughtful leader driven by curiosity and purpose. Currently 17 years old and a senior at Walled Lake Northern High School, Frederick is preparing to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati.

💫Through his time in The Hidden Genius Project, he strengthened his confidence, communication, and leadership skills while learning how to navigate and challenge systems, both technical and social. From collaborating with his cohort on hands-on projects to stepping into mentorship as a Youth Care Coordinator, Frederick’s journey reflects the power of community and self-belief.

⭐Read now to reveal Frederick’s journey with The Hidden Genius Project: https://buff.ly/WrZXLrH

03/13/2026

to Super Bowl LX!

🏈Thanks to the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, Adrian Buttram, an Oakland Cohort 11 Gold Hidden Genius Alum, had the opportunity to attend the big game.

⭐ We’re grateful to the NFL, EA Sports, and Microsoft for their continued support and for inviting our Genius Alumni to their joint activation ahead of game day.

💪🏿Stay tuned to hear more from Adrian about his experience and his passion for the intersection of sports and tech. 🤖

Address

1441 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor
Oakland, CA
94612

Website

http://www.hiddengeniusproject.org/

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