WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will host the groundbreaking LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) Latin@ Coder Summit (LLCS) for more than 450 Latino developers (with more than 45 percent Latinas) from across the country including students, entrepreneurs and professionals. The LLCS will be held on Saturday, May 2, at Stanford University starting at 8:30 a.m.  The LLCS is a free, one-day event featuring back-to-back workshops, discussions, and opportunities to expand networks (see below for the agenda).  The LLCS is taking place during the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit which partners with HHF. For more details including agenda and to register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/latin-coder-summit-tickets-16104218150  The LLCS is the largest gathering of Latino American programmers.  

“The thought that the tech industry can’t find Latino programmers leads to the notion that there aren’t any Latino programmers and the next thought will be that Latinos aren’t capable, which is absolutely not true – and we want to prove it,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.  “Seeing a Latino programmer shouldn’t be akin to seeing a unicorn … We want to continue to shatter stereotypes and redefine the landscape of computer technology in Silicon Valley and across America while building a stronger community of innovators to move forward with greater unity, purpose and vision.  The Summit is the first step then the CSL Initiative and other programs throughout the year we have developed to ensure Latinos have a strong presence in the tech industry. ”  

Sponsors of LLCS include LinkedIn, Univision, Google, Kapor Center for Social Impact, Adelante Capital Management, Southwest Airlines and the Entertainment Software Association.  Partners include Es Tiempo, Saber es Poder, Voto Latino and NRCCUA.

Agenda

8:30am-9:00am: Breakfast/Registration

9:00am-9:15am: Welcome

9:15am-9:30am: Keynote

9:30am-10:00am: Ice Breaker

10:00am-11:00am: Workshop Session #1

o   iOS Development

o   Data Processing

o   Growth Hacking

o   Technical Interviewing 101

11:00am-11:15am: Networking Break Break

11:15am-12:30pm: Workshop Session #2 (Same options as above)

12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch Panel

1:30pm-4:30pm: Pitch and Judge for Latin@ Coders

4:30pm-5:30pm: Closing Roundtable Discussion

5:30pm-6:30pm: Networking

The Summit is part of HHF’s new LOFT Code as a Second Language (CSL) initiative which features HHF mobilizing their developer network to introduce computer programming to students across America.  Grade, middle and high school students in more than 10 markets and 50 schools are being taught how to code this year through an eight-session course, which includes certifications and engages private sector volunteers. (Although there are over half a million vacant jobs in tech field, 90 percent of schools don’t teach coding).  CSL is also being piloted at the San Jose Mexican consulate to teach coding to immigrants this summer through a partnership between HHF, the consulate, Saber es Poder.  The effort will be expanded into other consulates in other markets with funding. 

“We want to help immigrants provide America with a value proposition in the workforce from the moment they start the process to live in the US,” added Tijerino. The overall CSL concept is that in order to thrive in America’s workforce, Latinos need to be tri-lingual and learn a third language in addition to English and Spanish – Code. To learn more about CSL, become a sponsor or to request CSL come to a school or community, visit www.loftcsl.org. 

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 priorities or Tracks including Innovation & Technology, Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas.  Tens of thousands of students and young professionals (ages 15-35) in the LOFT Network are connected to each other, mentors and resources; attend over 75 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas hosted across the country and online; creative initiatives are developed and executed; and hundreds are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. LOFT has been recognized by The White House, Congress, the government of Mexico, Fortune 500 companies, and other nonprofits.  Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of the LOFT program.

About HHF

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which was originally established by the White House in 1988, inspires, prepares, positions and connects Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.  HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.)