Microsoft’s national program focusing on equitable access to tech skills is coming to Western New York.
TechBuffalo, a local nonprofit working to grow an accessible and inclusive tech community, has been selected to join Microsoft’s TechSpark program.
The Buffalo organization, along with 40 other groups across the country, will be part of the inaugural TechSpark community Engagement Fellow group, where a $50,000 Microsoft grant will support team members’ time to go to the tech giant’s headquarters outside of Seattle to learn about TechSpark’s best practices for fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem, as well as additional support like mentorship and access to technology resources.
Since it started in 2017, TechSpark has helped eight communities get more than $125 million in community funding, create 3,300 jobs and skill 55,000 people. This fellowship is the first time TechSpark has worked in Western New York.
“We get to bring the experience and learning of Microsoft and their eight TechSpark communities to Western New York, and apply those learnings and resources in a hyper-local way,” said Sarah Tanbakuchi, TechBuffalo president and CEO.
TechBuffalo will hold a community partner roundtable this fall for regional partners and community tech trainers who are interested in engaging with Microsoft and the local nonprofit.
The Buffalo organization will also be able to learn from other selected fellows from across the country to share lessons and best practices, bringing those back to the region in its capacity as a tech sector intermediary. The fellowship will last six months.
“The concept of cross-community convening is really important,” Tanbakuchi said. “There’s a lot of organizations that across the U.S. that are really focused on equitable access to tech skilling, and there’s no reason we should be doing this work in silos.”
