About - HYPE

About HYPE

Hope for Youth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that empowers girls of color to confidently pursue 21st-century careers in computing and technology.

A 2014 study from Google titled, "Women Who Choose Computer Science—What Really Matters" found that of 91 statistically relevant factors, four made the greatest difference in girls' decisions to pursue careers in computer science: Social Encouragement, Self Perception, Academic Exposure, and Career Perception.

Our education programs equip girls of color with essential technology skills and prepare them to become future leaders of the technology workforce while encouraging them to tap into their existing curiosity and creativity to solve real-world problems. We are establishing a diverse talent pipeline to fill high-demand roles in tech and tech-enabled careers, building girls' confidence while focusing on fostering a sense of community and belonging. And we are having fun while doing it!

Our Mission

HYPE's mission is to plug the leaky tech pipeline problem for women and girls of color by building a tech talent network through intentional exploration, education, and empowerment.

Our Vision

We aspire to achieve equitable representation of women of color in the tech industry.

Our Purpose

HYPE exists to inspire every girl to believe she can use her creativity, talent, and gifts to solve real-world problems and make valuable contributions in the world of technology.

Through our mission to plug the leaky tech pipeline we not only train talent, but we also support talent retention of women of color who currently make up the tech workforce.

What We Do

We develop expert-informed computer science and technology curricula and educational materials to support learners in a variety of educational environments.
We create high-quality programming to help girls of color develop technology skills, explore high-demand career fields, and define their passions while embracing their creativity and curiosity.
We support educators and school and district leaders by providing professional development experiences designed to improve the delivery of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content. Our culturally responsive trainings are designed to help boost student involvement and increase the participation of underrepresented students in tech fields.
We provide women professionals in STEM with purposeful opportunities to join our network as guest speakers, career exposure hosts, and mentors.

Why?

Because over 50% of our high schools don't offer computer science courses

Fewer than 4% of Black women are taking the AP Computer Science exam

More than 50% of Black women leave the tech industry within the first 5 years

These statistics must change, and that is where HYPE comes in. HYPE is about more than just teaching girls how to code. We are providing hope, leaving a legacy, and doing our part to make sure that our future is better than our past.

HYPE empowers girls of color with technology skills

Meet The Founder & Executive Director

Kristina Newton

In 2015, less than 1 percent of all U.S. engineering bachelor's degrees went to African-American women. Of the 106,658 engineering bachelor's degrees awarded that year, 937 went to African-American women. In 2006 I received my bachelor's degree in computer engineering.

As a Black Woman who personally experienced doubt and isolation due to lack of representation, mentorship, and upward mobility opportunities; I am committed to changing the statistics for Black and Brown girls in STEAM pathways – and I’m committed to doing it now.

After 7 years working as a tech consultant for a major consulting firm, I chose to do something that many considered to be risky and even career-ending. In search of purpose and in response to my inner voice that consistently told me “there is something more for you”, I left my job with no plan B.

I spent nearly a year traveling the world, serving & supporting nonprofit organizations in various capacities, and in 2017, Hope for Youth, Inc (d/b/a HYPE) was launched. I discovered how tangible skills combined with a genuine desire to make an impact can result in something powerful, purposeful, and productive.

I believe that hope and opportunity are life-changing gifts that should be available to everyone.

I believe that access to education and skills needed for 21st century opportunities is a right, not a privilege.

I believe that our girls deserve role-models who let them know that they belong here and that they can impact the world for good.

I believe that representation truly does matter.

And I’m confident that HYPE will change the face of what a computer scientist looks like, empowering others to live lives full of hope, driven by love, and void of fear.