Supporting Coded by Kids’ 1Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s “Most Diverse Tech Hub” initiatives, Philadelphia entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups can access Mentor Connect without the prerequisites of PACT membership or Ben Franklin investment.
1Philadelphia’s exists to make Philadelphia the capital of equitable tech and innovation by creating an unstoppable network of education, resources, and support to empower underrepresented people in tech and innovation. 1Philadelphia connects funders, employers, schools and community organizations to build an equitable tech and innovation ecosystem to help young people succeed while simultaneously diversifying the tech talent pipeline.
Guided by the principles and standards of MIT Venture Mentoring Service, Mentor Connect’s mentors deliver impartial and unbiased advice by a code of ethics to which all must adhere. The opportunity to participate will also connect tech startups to a pipeline of diverse talent to support growth.
“The vision of 1Philadelphia can only come to life through partnerships like these,” said Sylvester Mobley, founder of Coded by Kids and the driving force behind its 1Philadelphia initiative. “I’m grateful that Ben Franklin and PACT have recognized the need -- and have stepped up to provide valuable opportunities for underrepresented people in the tech and innovation space within our city that otherwise may not have been available. We look forward to working with them -- and other organizations, corporations and individuals -- to make meaningful change and realize a city we can all believe in where there’s no shortage of tech talent or equitable opportunities.”