Community partner spotlight: Digital NEST
We at reWerk recently facilitated a donation of 30 desktop computers to one of our incredible nonprofit partners: Digital NEST to equip their Salinas and Modesto Digital NEST centers. As we work to uplift those working to bridge the digital divide, we’re such fans of the work they do to create sustainable and scalable tech learning centers.
We wanted to hear from their team to see what’s top of mind for them, see how they’re putting the tech to use, and put the spotlight on the impact they’ve been able to make so far. Dig into this Q&A with Monica Escamilla, the Center Director for their new Modesto location and Joe Gonzalez, Digital NEST’s Director of Program Operations.
“When we are fortunate enough to receive such a tremendous donation, we feel it is our duty to spread the wealth as best we can.
The donation helps support our efforts by providing the technology and creating an environment where Digital NEST can prepare underserved Latinx youth for tech-involved jobs.”
Photo courtesy of Digital NEST
reWerk: We love seeing the incredible work you’re doing to support Latinx youth. I’d love to hear about how donations like this support your mission.
Digital NEST: We intend to widen our impact with all technology as much as we can. The more youth we can serve with any one donation, the better. With all of the communities we find ourselves serving in, the same theme is consistent, unfortunately, which is “We are always not thought of,” or “Why did the resource or service stop right before our community?” With that, all have lived through this shared experience here within the NEST, so when we are fortunate enough to receive such a tremendous donation, we feel it is our duty to spread the wealth as best we can.
The donation helps support our efforts by providing the technology and creating an environment where Digital NEST can prepare underserved Latinx youth for tech-involved jobs. The NEST provides free technical and essential soft skills training in web design, data management, coding, project management, and on-the-job training that allows our advanced members to work with local businesses on digital media production projects and an opportunity to earn money while building a portfolio, refining their technical and soft skills, and building self-confidence. We launch careers by connecting our students to jobs with regional corporate partners—jobs that provide a living wage and the potential for career advancement and benefits.
We intend to use the computers to establish the first set of full-on computer labs that will be offered to our youth members in three distinct ways:
We will now have the ability to allow all members to use a designated lab space to work quietly in a small group setting without needing to check out laptops during our non-programming hours and support research and studying during finals, midterms, and study sessions, ensuring success inside as well as outside our Digital NEST walls.
The computer lab will allow us to provide more broad capabilities of our Web Information & Technology programming to scale up and add more depth to the class offerings for those students entering into our pathway programming.
With the computer lab being a welcoming and open space, it will provide additional opportunity for all 3 branches of our programming to use for larger group work that requires everyone to have larger computer monitors when doing projects such as editing video or design work.
Image courtesy of Digital NEST
reWerk: I’m thrilled to hear that you’re expanding with a new Modesto Digital NEST center! What needs does the new center hope to fulfill within the community?
Digital NEST: The new Modesto Digital NEST center aims to address several critical needs within the community, as outlined in the "Stanislaus 2030" report commissioned by the county. One of the key areas identified in the report is the necessity for improved access to technology and a skilled workforce in the tech industry. Our center is designed to fulfill these needs by focusing on the youth in the community and bridging the digital divide.
At the Modesto Digital NEST center, we are dedicated to providing young individuals with access to technology and empowering them with skills in various digital disciplines, including digital arts, web information and technology, and digital marketing and communication. We believe that all industries are inherently connected to technology, and by equipping our youth with these skills, we strive to reshape the perception and application of technology in the future.
Our primary goal is to nurture and develop young professionals who can contribute to the tech industry while addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in the field. By offering access to high-quality education and training at no cost, we aim to create opportunities for local youth to secure well-paying jobs within their own community, thus preventing brain drain.
Through our comprehensive approach, we provide not only technical expertise but also essential soft skills necessary for professional success. By empowering our youth with a strong foundation of both hard and soft skills, we seek to enhance their employability and long-term career prospects.
The road to opening the Modesto Digital NEST center has been marked by extensive research and collaboration with various stakeholders in the community. We have closely aligned our vision with the needs identified in the "Stanislaus 2030" report, ensuring that our center addresses the specific challenges faced by the community. We have also established partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders to ensure a holistic approach in fulfilling the needs of the community.
Overall, the Modesto Digital NEST center is driven by a commitment to empower the youth, bridge the digital divide, and foster a vibrant and inclusive tech industry within the community. We are excited about the potential impact of our center and the opportunities it will provide for the future generation of professionals.
Photo courtesy of Digital NEST
reWerk: How many locations do you have now?
Digital NEST: We are currently located in five locations in California: Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton. We currently have 3 locations open with staff working on plans for summer and beyond (Watsonville, Salinas, & Modesto), while our 2 other locations (Gilroy & Stockton) are set to come online in late Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 respectively.
reWerk: Can you share some highlights from the great work your team has put into supporting the community thus far?
Digital NEST: Since opening our doors, Digital NEST has placed over 140 youth in high-paying, career-path jobs and served more than 3,700 primarily working-class, Latinx youth.
Members who complete our advanced skill training benefit from an average pay increase of $24,788 annually. This economic mobility is a lifeline for rural, especially BIPOC youth who have been historically underrepresented in white-collar professions. The workforce racial equity that Digital NEST promotes benefits not only individual Latinx young professionals & their families but also has a significant positive impact on the Bay Area economy. Eliminating the racial gap in income would grow the Bay Area’s GDP by 37% to $348 billion (2021 USC Equity Research Institute).
Our strong partnerships with tech companies that support the Digital NEST mission & values help create a pipeline for NEST members to transition into internships & career-path positions in tech & tech-driven industries. NEST members not only acquire the skills & work experience they need to transition into tech careers but also benefit from 1:1 mentorship from tech leaders—many of whom are BIPOC and/or women—who advise NEST young professionals as they work toward their career goals.
Members are exiting our program more empowered about their futures and feeling more confident about their ability to attain their career goals.
Program successes include NESTCorps, our community engagement project led by NEST youth. NESTCorps was developed during the early COVID-19 pandemic to respond to the Latinx community’s need for support. NESTCorps students developed campaigns during the pandemic to address health equity, bridge the digital divide, and decrease food insecurity. Since then, it has developed into a vibrant youth-led community advocacy program. Youth create social media campaigns, community events, and Digital NEST open houses to raise awareness about pressing issues that align with our mission to decrease the digital divide and create economic equity for the Latinx community.
Photo courtesy of Digital NEST
reWerk: Can you share any upcoming events or opportunities for people to support you?
Digital NEST: Modesto Digital NEST's first event is in collaboration with Google I/O Extended on June 30th at 6 pm to learn about AI, Flutter, and more. The event is open to the community.
Local-focused Community Open House events will be taking place throughout our five Digital NEST centers in late August our organization invites all ages into our centers to share what opportunities are available for youth 14 - 24 year-olds.
reWerk: From your perspective, what's the biggest issue with bridging the digital divide that could make the biggest impact if solved?
Digital NEST: Enhancing access to high-quality technology among young people, and ensuring equitable distribution, is an ongoing challenge. As the famous saying goes, "Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not." With the right support, Digital NEST has the potential to catalyze change. Tech companies, governments, educational institutions, and foundations must introspect and recognize their ability to contribute, provide assistance, and financially support underserved youth communities.
Please take action now by visiting digitalNEST.org to discover more about our mission and find out how you can support us in preparing underserved youth for tech-involved jobs. Join us in making a difference today!