First Tech Fund founder honored for leadership, positive social change in NYC
FTF receives several recognitions from city-wide and state-wide media
NEW YORK, NY - Josue De Paz, CEO and Co-Founder of First Tech Fund—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering low income NYC high school students in identifying, navigating, and attaining academic and professional opportunities—has been honored in late 2023 with several awards recognizing the impact that his organization has made on the lives of students within New York City.
In early December, Josue was recognized and included in the 2023 PoliticsNY & amNY Metro Nonprofit Power Players, which highlights dedicated leaders championing causes from accessible education to affordable housing and everywhere in between. Later in the month, Negocios Now announced its prestigious “Latinos 40 Under 40” list, acknowledging the exceptional leadership of young Latinos in the NYC Tri-State area, where De Paz was one of the featured honorees.
“First Tech Fund has always been driven by the belief that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves access to a brighter future. We aim to be a career catalyst, providing the necessary resources and mentorship to empower these young minds. Josue has built a community that firmly believes that First Tech Fund students are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our world, and we are committed to nurturing their talents as they strive to accomplish their personal and academic dreams.” said Jerome J. Sanders, First Tech Fund Board Chair.
In the December 2023 announcement by Negocios Now, publisher Clemente Nicado expressed enthusiasm and stated, “We are thrilled to once again showcase an extraordinary group of young Latinos from Tri-State NYC. They represent just a glimpse of the immense talent within a segment that never ceases to amaze.”
“Co-founder Josue De Paz (@nycjdp) himself overcame the challenges of growing up as an immigrant under the poverty line in a single-mother household, personally experiencing the inequities and challenges students face in education when they don’t come from means or access,” shared @newyorklocals in a recent feature celebrating Josue’s story. “Josue broke into the corporate sector without any support – and once there, didn’t know how to navigate the workforce and professional landscape. Now, he's on a mission to ensure other students can find academic and workforce success without relying on a lucky break.”
To support First Tech Fund’s work catalyzing careers for NYC high school students, make a donation at firsttechfund.com/donate-now or contact info@firsttechfund.com.
In spring 2024, First Tech Fund will open the application for its free fellowship program to New York City high school students. The program runs from September to June via weekly, virtual workshops in the evenings where students receive digital skills training, personalized mentorship, career exploration and networking opportunities to build social capital. Workshops cover various topics including navigating the college admissions process, resume writing, financial literacy, brand building, and more. Through virtual and in person career panel events, fellows gain insight into a broad range of fields including law, medicine, finance, business, public service, technology, and more. Community members, partners, families, and students can sign up for First Tech Fund’s newsletter at firsttechfund.com to learn more.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FUND
First Tech Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering low income high school students in identifying, navigating, and attaining academic and professional opportunities. First Tech Fund provides a supportive, adaptive ecosystem where students get access to free tech, free broadband, skills training, social capital, mentorship, and more. Follow First Tech Fund on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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