Brooklyn Public Library recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Teen Techies, its long-running paid internship and service initiative designed to equip local youth with hands-on technology skills and professional experience. The ceremony honored this year’s cohort of graduates while welcoming back alumni who have gone on to build careers in the tech industry.
“When Teen Techies started in 2005, we could not have imagined the giant leaps technology would take: the proliferation of social media, smart phones, cloud computing, AI and so much more,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Brooklyn Public Library.
The program begins with an intensive two-week workshop, followed by a six-month commitment of volunteering at local library branches. Participants assist with technology support, lead digital programs and contribute to workshops covering topics from computer literacy to robotics.
To date, more than 2,000 young people have completed the program, collectively contributing an estimated 20,000 hours of service. Many alumni have transitioned into careers at leading tech companies such as Google, Mozilla and Meta, while others have taken on roles as educators, data analysts and engineers across multiple disciplines.
In addition to technical training, Teen Techies emphasizes the development of soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and public service. These competencies have helped participants navigate both academic and professional paths with confidence.
The program is supported by a range of partners, including Optimum, Google.org, the Hearst Foundation, National Grid Foundation, Macy’s and New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications through the NYC Connected Communities initiative.
“Aside from these technologically related skills, the (Teen Techies) program also gave me better social skills to talk to people more easily. The experience I gained in this program is tremendous. All of these skills are just a part of the whole experience. I met great staff members and volunteers; and I made a lot of new friends,” said Jason Tan, a graduate of the 2015 class.
