WASHINGTON, DC – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Google will host a Code as a Second Language (CSL) Jam Session at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) Career Academy in Washington, DC, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. September 16th in an effort to introduce Latino youth to computer science as a bridge to career paths in technology. The free Jam Session is part of HHF’s CSL initiative to engage, educate and promote career paths for minority youth in programming.  Fifty Google Employees have travelled from Mountain View, CA-headquarters to volunteer in the effort and to celebrate the three-year-anniversary of the CSL partnership with HHF during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The after-school program will include an introduction to coding, technological training as well as insights from by dozens of Google staff also known as “Googlers” who will share their career paths, expertise and personal stories in the tech industry to inspire and provide a path to careers in the technology sector.

“We started CSL with Google volunteers in Los Angeles three years ago and thanks to a start-up support, the program is now in over 20 regions, has reached thousands of students and is being funded by a dozen other companies,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “We are grateful for Google’s shared vision to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn not only about a career path in coding, but a useful tool for social innovation, expression and productivity going forward.  By having 50 Latino Googlers fly in to DC to take part in this Jam Session also demonstrates the personal commitment by employees.”

Code as a Second Language (CSL) is a national initiative that introduces, teaches and engages minority youth to computer programming.  Programs include Jam Sessions, Boot Camps and 8-16 week CSL Academies where HHF mobilizes their developer network to work directly with schools to teach the students.  Students are then fed into the LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) Network to build an eco-system of talent in CS to share ideas, support each other and provided with opportunities for internships, fellowships and full-time positions with top companies.  To learn more about CSL, become a sponsor or to request CSL come to a school or community, visit www.loftcsl.org.   

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programming jobs are growing at two times the national average and by 2020 approximately 2 million tech jobs will need to be filled yet 90 percent of schools don’t teach computer coding.  According to the College Board, which is responsible for administering the Advanced Placement (AP) program, less than five percent of high schools currently offer AP computer science and a recent report found that about 7.5 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields were actually in computer science.

About LAYC Career Academy

The LAYC Career Academy is an innovative model that provides youth ages 16-24 years with college credits / AP-style classes; a rigorous and flexible GED, college preparatory curriculum, and career preparation in the healthcare and information technology fields. www.laycca.org

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation inspires, prepares, positions and connects Latino 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, Miami, New York, Silicon Valley, and a new office in Mexico City, Mexico (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.) 

For press inquiries please contact: Cynthia@hispanicheritage.org, 909-730-2077