GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Kent County Juvenile Detention Center is joining forces with the Midwest Tech Project to offer ex-offenders pathways into the tech industry.
Tech X is geared toward educating and connecting those in the juvenile detention system to the tech field before they re-enter the workforce, according to Midwest Tech.
“Most crimes and mistakes young people make are the result of a lack of opportunity or resources,” says Midwest Tech co-founder Jonathan Jelks. “The way to address these social ills is by directly connecting youth with opportunities in high-growth industries and helping them follow an educational path that will enable them to participate in the economy.”
We're told the program takes place on the first Friday of every month, during which tech companies and speakers interact with attendees and introduce them to multiple tech environments.
The program runs until December.
“We believe it is absolutely necessary for these young people to have the same exposure and access as other students at such a critical time in their journey,” says Midwest Tech co-founder Alvin Hills IV. “Our program is focused on exposing people of color and women to career paths in technology, and this is our opportunity to implement technology equity in West Michigan.”
Those seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Midwest Tech by emailing themidwesttechproject@gmail.com.
