About us

A new Philadelphia nonprofit that teaches kids technology for free.

Our Story

Why we started this

Our founder, Travis Thomas, works in tech and IT in Philadelphia. He has also worked in nonprofits and fundraising.

He kept seeing the same thing: kids in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas who never get a real chance to learn technology because their families can't pay for classes and camps. So he started a nonprofit to run those classes for free. The programs are for at-risk youth, and for adults who want a little guidance getting into IT.

Our first program is Bot Catchers, an 8-week program for kids ages 9 to 11 who learn to use AI by catching it being wrong. The home test with the founder's own kids starts this fall, and the first group cohort comes after that. TechStart Academy, a Saturday class on how computers work, is next. Nothing has run yet. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every program we run is free.

What we stand for

The short version of what we are here to do.

Our Mission

Teach technology for free to at-risk youth in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, starting with the kids whose families can't pay for classes, and give adults who want a little guidance getting into IT a place to start.

Our Vision

Every kid in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas who wants to learn technology can, no matter what their family can afford.

Our Values

Access. Free means free. Nobody pays.

Do it well. Small classes and real teaching.

Community. We are based in Philadelphia and our programs are for kids and adults in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.

Confidence. Kids should leave knowing they can do this.

Honesty. We say what we have done and what we have not.

Who runs this

The founder, with a board of members who care about the mission and are working on the programs for at-risk youth and adults.

Travis Thomas

Founder and Executive Director

Travis is a Philadelphia-based tech and IT professional who has also worked in nonprofits and fundraising. He started NextGen Tech Youth Foundation so Philadelphia kids can learn technology for free.

Board and volunteers

The board is in place and growing. If you want to join it, or volunteer for the first Bot Catchers cohort, email tthomas@nextgentyf.org or use the contact form.

Get in touch

Partners

The first partners get a say in how this runs.

Partner with us

Schools, community groups, and companies in Philadelphia: if you want a hand in free tech classes for kids, email tthomas@nextgentyf.org.

Email us

Want to help?

If you have a kid who might want to take a class, get on the interest list. If you want to support the work, you can donate.

Get on the interest list Donate