Rising Star Mentorship Program Returns to Bring Tech Careers into Focus for Black Canadian Youth

Athlete Tech Group’s specialized six-month internship for high school students is run in partnership with BlackMINT and RBC Future Launch

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Athlete Tech Group announced today the return of its acclaimed technology mentorship program for Black Canadian youth, Rising Star.

The expanded Rising Star program is designed to empower Black students across Canada to learn the technological skills that can help them prepare for diverse careers in the tech sector including data science, cloud computing and video game design.

In its inaugural year, Rising Star graduated all 25 of its students with each of them becoming more confident in tech situations. After completion, more than 80% of students are now interested in internship opportunities in technology, and 89% of the graduating class stated Rising Star had met their expectations.

In addition, select students were hired by RBC via a paid internship. Students gained access to engaging events, such as TFC and Toronto Raptors games, each graduate received $500 in scholarship funds, and $2,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to presentation winners.

Another highlight from the Rising Star program was one group project evolved into a startup that was accepted into the DMZ bootcamp program.

“We need to have more Black youth engaged and excited about Canada’s bustling technology sector,” said Randy Osei, Founder and CEO, Athlete Tech Group. “Black Canadians continue to be grossly underrepresented in the tech industry. Rising Star is helping to open doors and create a sustainable bridge between Black Canadians and ‘Silicon Valley of the North’ as we look to break barriers to employment and drive social participation.”

Rising Star 2023
Twenty-five students from across Canada will be selected for the six-month mentorship program with an opportunity to win up to $25,000 in academic scholarships to a Canadian post-secondary institution.

As part of the Rising Star program, students will explore different aspects of the technology sector using the Training Ground mobile app and through virtual workshops focused on key skills including ideation, market research, data science, UI/UX, code programming and digital marketing.

Students will apply what they've learned in tailored group projects addressing community based issues such as mental health, financial education and diversity. The group projects will be presented at the end of the program to a panel of business leaders.

Rising Star is run in partnership by the Athlete Tech Group, BlackMINT and RBC Future Launch. Selected students will have direct access to an all-star network of industry mentors.

“For far too long, Black kids have been pushed away from pursuing careers in the tech sector. Technology can improve Black futures and the Rising Star program will give Black kids access to opportunities that may have previously seemed beyond their reach,” said Bernie Uche, Co-founder, BlackMINT. “We’re grateful for the support of Athlete Tech Group and RBC Future Launch as we embark on this exciting endeavor.”

The Rising Star program follows Athlete Tech Group’s sold-out Tech Summit Black where attendees experienced four panel discussions, three workshops, and networking opportunities to learn from prominent business leaders and athlete entrepreneurs.

Students can apply now for the Rising Star program until May 10, 2023, at www.athletetechgroup.com/rising-star

Athlete Tech Group
Athlete Tech Group is a Black owned and minority-led business. ATG utilizes education, media and events to build well-rounded athletes. A bi-product of this success is creating wealth for reinvestment back into local communities, skills programs, and even new career opportunities for athletes themselves.

About BlackMINT
BlackMINT is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on getting more Black youth involved in the technology sector. Our mission is to mentor Black youth, provide them with practical skills, career advice, and the help that they need to become confident, career-focused and aspire to be leaders in technology.

About RBC Future Launch
RBC Future Launch is RBC’s commitment to empowering Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. RBC is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development, networking and access to mental well-being supports and services