Participants Page
Program Outcomes
2025 / 2026
What do participants think of BTCI?
"After joining BTCI, through real life experience gained through the internship at with City of Oakland, I was able to make professional connections with people who already work in the industry and was able to see what it's really like working in the tech industry."
Andy Liu
BTCI Cohort 1 Graduate
"This program provided me with the opportunity to explore different options and learn about why I want to explore these different options. If you looking for an internship experience, this is the best program ever. It gives you the stipend and paid internship, so you do not just gain the experience, but also some extra money for yourself!"
Aylin Thu
BTCI Cohort 2 Graduate
"Whether you have a career trajectory or not, just try the program! If you currently feel stuck in life, I definitely recommend it more knowing how supportive and caring this program is."
Savanna Vigil
BTCI Cohort Graduate
Participant Success Stories
BTCI isn't just a training program - it's a stepping stone for emerging tech leaders in Oakland. It provides participants with practical experience, sought-after technical skills, and the support system needed to grow, adapt, and succeed.
Through a collaborative workforce partnership with BTCI, CEWS completed its first two cohorts in 2025/2026, training two interns through 150-200 hours of hands-on experience in a sustainable technology refurbishment environment. The interns' work directly supported community-focused programs, and the company had already hired one participant into a full-time IT technical role. These participants received mentorship and financial support while gaining real-world work experience.
Eligibility
- Age 18-30
- Currently enrolled in a WIOA Youth Program
- Intermediate computer and digital literacy skills
- Unemployed or underemployed at the time of enrollment
- Resident of Oakland or the East Bay region
How to Apply