SamaUSA launched its very first class in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco in March. The ten week rigorous boot camp prepared students to market themselves effectively on online platforms in including oDesk, Elance and Task Rabbit. The classes also trained them in high demand soft skills, computer skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

14 students graduated and received certificates and free laptops. Graduation was a high energy celebration, student’s families and friends, and community partners came to cheer on the students, including Google and the YMCA. A representative from our funder, the California Endowment, also came to support.

5 students have already found online jobs, including work on Task Rabbit and data entry projects, and we will be following up with alumni to track their employment and educational status and other outcomes. All students will also participate in our alumni program, which includes ongoing events, mentoring, job clubs, a Sama internet cafe, and a Facebook alumni group.