Tech Visionaries of Tomorrow: How Cultívate Pathways Unlocks Economic Mobility For Young Learners

Rocio Garcia De Leon working with other Cultívate Pathways students.

Unlocking career advancement opportunities and financial freedom doesn’t just benefit young people seeking upward mobility in the short term, it has long-reaching impacts that ripple through students’ journeys into successful careers.

Even before getting involved with Cultívate Pathways, Rocio Garcia De Leon knew she was interested in a digital marketing career. But it was the experience she had in the program, including gaining real skill development and team time in the AbreTech program, that expanded her horizons in ways she could have never imagined.

"Since being in the program, I have learned new skills in graphic design and web development and have a portfolio of my work. I’ve also learned so much about working in a team,” said Rocio. “Before AbreTech, I never had experienced working in a team — in the program, I learned what it's like to work in a group setting where I can share my opinions about the work and get feedback from my teammates. AbreTech is an opportunity that all students, regardless of immigration status, should have. It has really helped me prepare for my future!"

Latino/a students are widely underrepresented in today’s tech industry, creating barriers to achieving economic mobility through high-paying, fast-growing jobs. While Latino/a workers make up 17 percent of the workforce overall, they account for just 6.6 percent of tech roles across the country.

Students from mixed-status immigration status families and English language learners face additional barriers to accessing the work-based learning opportunities and employer-connected training pathways needed to secure employment.

Cultívate Pathways is on a mission to break down these barriers and ensure students like Rocio have access to on-ramps to develop in-demand tech skills. Since launching its pilot in March 2023, the organization has equipped the students it serves with the skills, work-based learning experience and networking they need to create successful and impactful careers. One hundred percent of the students they work with are first-generation immigrant students.

“It’s critical that English language learner students have opportunities in high school to prepare for jobs that lead to economic prosperity,” said Michele Rudy, co-founder and executive director at Cultívate Pathways.

Cultívate Pathways also provides access to industry-valued credentials, such as the Google Career Certificate and social capital by connecting them to industry professionals who reflect their background and experience. Additionally, the organization provides career coaching services to help students determine the next steps in their journey to landing fulfilling tech jobs.

Through the Catalyze Challenge, the organization has provided 18 students in grades 11 and 12 with virtual internships through its AbreTech program —which was established in partnership with fellow Catalyze grantee CodeSpeak Labs, which provides young people with real-world experience in web development.

“Every day we see students exceed the expectations that others have for them,” said Rudy. “Without question, students are able to master technical career skills at the same time as they master a new language. We are investing in the young bilingual tech workforce of the future.”