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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jerelyn Rodriguez, CEO and Cofounder of The Knowledge House, on Digital Equity and Tech Workforce Development
3:13:28
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159 sec
Jerelyn Rodriguez, CEO and Cofounder of The Knowledge House, testified about their nonprofit's mission to empower a talent pipeline of technologists from underrepresented communities. She highlighted the digital divide, emphasized their programs' impact on increasing income for participants, and expressed support for legislation to enhance connectivity opportunities for low-income New Yorkers.
- The Knowledge House offers three main programs: Innovation Fellowship, Karim Karbouche Fellowship, and a digital literacy program
- Their students' average income increases from $20k to $76k after completing the program
- Rodriguez specifically supported Intro 1122 and Intro 486, which aim to provide a roadmap for equitable internet access and information on low-cost internet options
Jerelyn Rodriguez
3:13:28
Okay.
3:13:29
Great.
3:13:29
I was waiting.
3:13:30
Thank you.
3:13:32
Good afternoon, chair Gutierrez and members of the technology committee.
3:13:37
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
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My name is Gerilyn Rodriguez, the CEO and cofounder at the Knowledge House.
3:13:43
We are a nonprofit with proud roots in the South Bronx who deliver tech workforce development programs throughout New York City, New York at Liente, LA, and Washington DC.
3:13:54
Our mission is to empower and sustain a talent pipeline of technologists and digital leaders who will uplift their communities.
3:14:01
41% of households with incomes below 30 k per year don't own a computer, and 43% are without broadband access.
3:14:11
Historic underrepresentation in STEM workforce continues to persist with only 11% of blacks and 9% of Hispanic workers in STEM roles.
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And we work to change that.
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Having impacted over 2,500 students through fellowships, the Knowledge House is committed to changing the career trajectory of young men and women across New York City and breaking the cycle of poverty by providing high paying fellowships for student in the tech space.
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We operate three programs, the Innovation Fellowship, focus on job training and data science, web development and cybersecurity, which ends certification, job placements.
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And we also offer our high school program, the Karim Karbouche Fellowship, which trains high school students in foundational coding and design.
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And we we help them explore STEM careers and provide college prep or opportunities for industry facing internships.
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And our newest our newest program, digital literacy, helps any New Yorker regardless of their age or background, develop basic digital literacy skills and provide employable technology, which helps participants understand how to use AI responsibly.
3:15:14
Our students have an average of 20 k in individual income, which then skyrockets to 76 k after taking our program.
3:15:25
Affordable Internet connection is a critical piece of our work.
3:15:28
We are so grateful to the council member Gutierrez Juan, Holden, Menin, Ressler, and Brewer for championing legislation being heard today to enhance connectivity opportunities for low income New Yorkers and ensure there is transparency around such opportunities.
3:15:44
We would specifically like to uplift the following legislation, intro eleven twenty two and four hundred 80 six, which would provide a road map to equitable Internet across New York City and urge DOE to provide necessary information on low cost Internet options to families.
3:16:01
This year, the Knowledge House is requesting for some funding from the speaker Thank you, initiative, college.
3:16:07
Thank you.