Program Philosophy
Breaking into tech isn't just about skills — it's about access. LA Tech Rising was built on the belief that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. The program embeds AI fluency into every aspect of the experience while building the social capital needed to turn skills into careers. By connecting untapped talent from Los Angeles County to a network of 80+ employer partners through paid, project-based learning, mentorship, and a recognized pre-apprenticeship credential, Rising creates a structured pathway from interest to opportunity in today's AI-driven economy.
Started in 2025
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LA County residents 18–24 launching careers in software, cybersecurity, IT, data, or AI
10–15 hours per week. Live virtual sessions every Tuesday and Thursday 4:00–6:30 pm, plus mandatory in-person events (intern retreat, tech campus site visit, Demonstration Day) and at least two virtual professional development workshops monthly.
AI-integrated project experience, Department of Labor-recognized pre-apprenticeship credential, mentorship, and tech employer network
Cost & Outcomes
This program is completely free for all participants. Starting day one of this 12 week program, participants are paid $17.87/hour for 10–15 hours per week.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
U.S. Department of Labor-recognized pre-apprenticeship credential
AI-integrated project-based learning designed by industry partners
1:1 mentorship with tech industry professionals
Access to 80+ employer partners across Los Angeles
Digital badges validating skills and competencies
Paid through LA County's Youth@Work Program
Day in the Life
- Live virtual training sessions twice weekly (Tue/Thu 4:00–6:30 pm)
- Project work with an industry mentor on real-world challenges
- 1:1 mentorship check-ins and small-group guidance
- AI-integrated case studies and applied projects
- Industry drop-ins, networking sessions, and career workshops
- In-person events: intern retreat, tech campus site visits, Demonstration Day
Program led by LA-Tech.org staff and a network of tech industry mentors who provide 1:1 coaching, project advising, and career guidance.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Balancing 10–15 hrs/week with school, work, or family obligations — especially for community college students with irregular schedules. Limited accessibility to AI tools may also be a challenge.
70% of the Spring 2025 graduating cohort attained paid work. Interns earn U.S. Dept. of Labor Registered Pre-Apprentice status upon completion, a rare and credentialed outcome for a free program. Interns have access to guest lectures, mock interviews, personal branding workshops, and 1:1 mentorship all in one program.
Employment Support
1:1 mentorship with tech professionals
Resume feedback and interview practice (mock interviews)
Career workshops (personal brand, LinkedIn, storytelling)
Industry drop-ins and panel sessions
Demonstration Day showcasing work to employers
Direct connections to 80+ LA tech employer partners
Pathway into year-round internship matching post-program
Hear From the Program
How It Works
Submit application at LA-Tech.org with a current resume
Application reviewed by the LA-Tech.org Recruitment Team
Selected candidates may be invited to an interview
Accepted participants receive an offer with cohort dates
Pre-program onboarding including paperwork for the Youth@Work Program
Program begins with virtual orientation on the published start date