Overview

I am a student at San Francisco State University working on a bachelor's degree in computer science. I was raised by a single mom in the Mission trying to feed 3 kids and keep a roof over our head. We have moved countless times trying to find a stable and affordable place to call home.

My goals are to be able to become a software engineer and from there be able to branch out and create a company of my own. I want to be able to create technology that are not only simple to use for the average consumer, but also be able to make it more accessible to people who wouldn’t have had accessed to it otherwise. I also want to be able to share all the knowledge I gain with others, hopefully closing the disparity gap we see today. My hope is to be able to rise up the disenfranchised communities and offer them the same opportunities everyone else receives.

I need $700 to be able to attend a coding bootcamp and be able to pay for transportation to and from the school. Attending a coding bootcamp will allow me to further progress and enhance my skills within the tech field, ultimately helping me achieve my goals in life. These bootcamps are costly and the money donated will help lighten all the expenses needed to be able to attend.

Being raised by a single parent, it is already difficult to be able to make ends meet. On top of trying to make ends meet, we also worry about helping me pay for college. Therefore with your help I can worry less about the actual cost and focus more on education.

Validated

Validated by Leonardo from Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) (What does this mean?)

I have known Christian Salas since the summer of 2014 where he has completed our sector based training called “Mission Techies Academy” from July 7th, 2014 - August 15th, 2014. This summer the Mission Techies program was a 6-week intensive technology summer camp open to San Francisco Latino residents from ages 17-24. During the intensive training, eager participants learn all about computers, hardware and components, plus how to provide tech support. MEDA is about solutions: the nonprofit sees this program as a vital entry point for low- and moderate-income young adults to have access to the Bay Area’s booming tech sector. Christian was always really punctual, reliable and trustworthy. He had excellent relationships with the others classmates, as well as the partners and most importantly the community. I always found him honest, hard worker and very enthusiastic. Christian completed a total of 72 hours of training in the following competencies: 1. IT Essentials 2. Hardware and Software 3. Customer Service (Tech Support) and 4. Job Readiness Training What I can say about Christian is that he is dedicated and passionate about coding and he is very sensitive to other young adults from undeserved communities to achieve success by the way they use Technology.

About Leonardo

Leonardo Sosa has mentored over 1,500 youth to become technology ambassadors, and he has trained over 100 instructors on best practices in a technology and leadership curricula across the country since 2003. In 1995 he launched Youth-Net, the first youth technology program serving the Mission. In… Read more