Recognizing that our communities were historically locked out of digital innovations and suffering from the digital divide, Jacob Martinez created Digital NEST. Digital NEST is a technology workforce hub providing Latino youth in rural communities with technology skills, mentoring and hands-on experience to prepare them for opportunities in the technology world.
Jacob Martinez recognized that Latino communities were locked out of the economic opportunities and digital innovations that were shaping the globe just across the Santa Cruz Mountains in Silicon Valley. He wanted to give Latino youth from rural communities opportunities to tap and develop their talents, perspectives, and passions to build their own thriving technology centers, and to prepare them for the technology workforce.
Since Digital NEST's inception in 2014, Digital NEST has opened two technology centers in Watsonville and Salinas, California. Over 2,000 youth have been empowered by this organization to develop essential work skills via job internships, school placements and employment opportunities in technology.
The economic opportunities for these youth is enormous and can change the trajectory of their lives, their families, and the communities in which they live. Jacob's passionate commitment to youth and their future in technology is awe-inspiring! We are proud to recognize him as one of HealthCare UnTold's Heroes.