WE Connect the Dots

We Connect Students, Teachers, Parents and Industry Experts to Create Amazing Learning Experiences

Organization OVERVIEW

We Connect The Dots is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with opportunities to acquire STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills through hands-on learning experiences. By collaborating with educators, industry professionals, and community leaders, the organization creates programs and events that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Their goal is to bridge the gap between education and the needs of the modern workforce, empowering youth to succeed in the digital economy.

Organization OVERVIEW

We Connect The Dots is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with opportunities to acquire STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills through hands-on learning experiences. By collaborating with educators, industry professionals, and community leaders, the organization creates programs and events that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Their goal is to bridge the gap between education and the needs of the modern workforce, empowering youth to succeed in the digital economy.

Mission Statement

Empowering individuals, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, with a focus on young adults aged 13-18 and adults over 18. Our mission is to ignite passion and knowledge in modern-day skills such as coding, cybersecurity, business automation, and more, emphasizing the pillars of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Through robust partnerships with community leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, and industry pioneers, we strive to bridge the gap between the demands of the 21st-century workforce and the opportunities that await those who embrace a STEAM-driven path. With a commitment to making a difference at local, national, and global scales, our programs are designed to foster an insatiable thirst for learning, enabling participants to carve their unique routes to achievement.

Vision Statement

To create a world where all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to high-quality STEAM education and opportunities. They aim to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, fostering innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Transformative Training Solutions: We excel in crafting and delivering impactful training programs tailored to address the specific needs of our community. With instructors who bring both industry expertise and real-world experience, we ensure every session drives measurable results.

Core Competencies

Transformative Training Solutions: We excel in crafting and delivering impactful training programs tailored to address the specific needs of our community. With instructors who bring both industry expertise and real-world experience, we ensure every session drives measurable results.

Innovative Curriculum Design: Our expertise lies in developing dynamic, engaging, and standards-aligned curriculum materials. By integrating cutting-edge methodologies and best practices, we create learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences and achieve targeted outcomes.

Next-Generation Digital Learning: Embracing the digital age, we offer state-of-the-art e-learning solutions, including interactive courses, engaging webinars, and multimedia resources. Our digital platforms empower learners to access knowledge anytime, anywhere.

Comprehensive Certification Pathways: We design and deliver robust certification programs that equip individuals with the credentials and competencies needed to thrive in their respective fields. Our approach ensures participants gain both knowledge and confidence to excel.

What Sets Us Apart

Tailored Industry Solutions: We Connect the Dots specializes in designing customized training programs that cater to the unique needs of each sector, ensuring maximum relevance and results.

Unmatched Expertise: Our team of instructors and consultants are seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and real-world experience, equipping learners to face future challenges with confidence.

Tech-Driven Innovation: We embrace cutting-edge technology to deliver engaging learning experiences and prepare students with advanced tools for success in the tech-driven world.

Metrics

UPSKILL PROGRAM:

Population Served:

  • Female: 41.66%

  • Male: 58.33%

  • Asian or Pacific Islander: 10.41%

  • Black or African American: 50%

  • Hispanic or Latino: 31.25%

  • White / Caucasian: 8.33%

HACK-A-THON PROGRAM:

  • 91% U.S. students; 9% International

  • Male: 63%, Female: 37%

  • Over 1000 students from 50+ schools

AI SUMMER PROGRAM

  • 7 different states participated in the AI Summer Program

  • Virginia (including variations of VA, Va): 77.78%

  • New York (including NY): 11.11%

  • Pennsylvania (PA): 5.56%

  • Maryland: 5.56%

  • Male: 77.8%, Female: 22.2%

  • Age Distribution: Ages 14 to 18

Student Testimonials: 

  • "The challenge was incredible, it really exposed me to things I didn't know before. Today I'm okay with cloud technologies and can work with them effectively. Thanks to AWS for helping in making it all possible."

  • "I loved the Keynote Speaker presentations, especially Intro to Machine Learning. It's a concept that I didn't think about before and I saw a new world of opportunities to explore" 

  • "We Connect The Dots is a great option for anyone looking to learn how to code. I am a high school student and returning alumni to the annual Code-A-Thon. As a result, I have passed my Microsoft Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS exam."

Contracts Awarded

  • NYS DOL CFA WDI Round 2 UWT: Contract #: DOL01-C21346GG-3550000

    • Award Amount: $249,450

  • NYS DOL CFA UWT: Contract #: DOL01-C19303GG-3550000

    • Award Amount: $196,010

Past Performance

Suffolk County Department of Labor We collaborated with SCDOL to launch the UpSkill training program, targeting unemployed and disconnected youth aged 18-24. Now in its eighth iteration, this program has trained over 200 participants across multiple states, equipping them with entry-level tech skills, portfolio development, and work experience with local and national organizations.

New York State Department of LaborThrough grant funding from NYSDOL, we trained over 200 New York State residents in entry-level tech career paths, with a focus on Microsoft Business Automation. Participants were provided the opportunity to earn industry certifications, enhancing their credentials and employability.

Long Island Community FoundationWe developed and delivered a Spanish-language curriculum for our annual Hackathon Program, empowering students aged 13-18 to learn coding and entrepreneurial skills. This initiative supported the creation of our online Learning Management System and live instructor-led sessions, fostering innovation and career readiness.

Microsoft Our “Discovery Day at Microsoft” program introduced over 1,000 young adults, educators, and administrators to careers in tech at Microsoft’s Times Square facility between 2016 and 2019. This immersive program engaged participants in real-world applications of technology and inspired educators to integrate applied math and technology into their classrooms.

City of Charlotte, NC We designed the "Tech Charlotte" program as part of the City of Charlotte’s Mayoral Summer Program. This initiative enhanced a longstanding internship program by introducing participants to tech career paths and enabling them to apply their skills through internships with nonprofit organizations.

Annual Hackathon Program Now in its ninth year, our Hackathon program has engaged hundreds of students, educators, and community members annually. Participants aged 13-18 learn coding, modern web development, and entrepreneurial skills while creating conceptual businesses aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, and Google.

CreatingSTEAM and CreatingIDEAS ProgramsThese annual summer programs support around 85 participants aged 13-19, offering immersive experiences in STEM and STEAM. CreatingSTEAM fosters entrepreneurial skills, while CreatingIDEAS introduces students to video game design and development. Hosted in collaboration with school districts and universities, these programs inspire excitement for evolving career paths in STEM, STEAM, and beyond, with curriculum co-designed by leading industry partners.

Contact Information: 

  • Address: 300 Great Oaks Blvd Suite 300, Albany, NY 12203

  • Phone: 631-468-7475

  • Email: events@we-connect-the-dots.org

  • Website: https://www.we-connect-the-dots.org/

Point of Contact: Tuqa Youssef, Program Manager

Phone: 631-468-7475

Email: tuqa@wctd.org