More funding dollars, best practices and resources are coming to Western New York amid a local nonprofit getting accepted to the second cohort of a Microsoft fellowship.
TechBuffalo, a local nonprofit working to grow an accessible and inclusive tech community, recently was accepted to round 2 of Microsoft’s TechSpark program. The local organization joined the first round of the six-month program last fall.
“It’s a powerful network to be a part of,” Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, president and CEO of TechBuffalo, said.
Why it matters: Microsoft is a multinational technology company, and TechBuffalo is on the only New York state-based nonprofit in the fellowship program. That’s a big step for Buffalo, which aims to create a more equitable and inclusive tech ecosystem and attract more people into the tech field.
Between the first and second round of the fellowship, that brings a total of $100,000 in Microsoft grant funding to TechBuffalo.
The first $50,000 and fellowship resources has helped TechBuffalo launch and host four Family Code Nights which pairs adults and kids for free, entry-level coding to introduce them to digital literacy and computer science through Minecraft Education.
The nonprofit has had more than 100 people participate in those sessions so far and has partnered with organizations such as M&T Tech Academy, 43North, Northland Workforce Training Center and the University at Buffalo.
Microsoft trained TechBuffalo staff host the coding events and connect them to other resources and help with the playbook of the event. The Buffalo nonprofit also received assistance from another fellowship member, Educate Maine.
TechBuffalo has used the Microsoft funds to bring a few Microsoft team members to Buffalo to present to more than 100 local nonprofits about available resources available.
Between the two types of events held, TechBuffalo has created about 118 connections, according to Rachel Eastlack, TechBuffalo community impact program lead.
She’s taking over the Microsoft relationships as Tanbakuchi-Ripa, an executive on loan for three years from M&T Bank, prepares for her scheduled return to the Buffalo-based bank at year-end.
Round 2 of the fellowship, which starts in September, means TechBuffalo can scale programming and continue to learn from Microsoft and the other 41 cohort members.
The goal is to hold 10 to 12 Family Code Night sessions in the next six months with the target of serving 300 community members.
“It all comes down to access, seeing yourself in (tech),” Eastlack said.
"TechBuffalo's selection as TechSpark Fellow to participate as a continuing Fellow not only demonstrates the impact of TechBuffalo's efforts to ensure that Buffalo and greater Western New York will have the talent and capabilities to compete in the 21st century economy, but also reflects the commitment and engagement in the community itself to embrace digital transformation, engage with critical programming, and build people and organizations that make communities great," J.J. Childress, TechSpark Texas community manager, said via email.
