- Season 1 | Episode 06
Unlocking Genius | SDG 4&8
Podcast Trailer
Brandon Nicholson is spearheading a transformative movement in youth empowerment through his organization, The Hidden Genius Project, in the United States. By providing Black male youth with comprehensive training in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership,
Nicholson’s organization is equipping them with the essential skills to excel in today’s competitive economy. The impact of The Hidden Genius Project is profound, with over 750,000 training hours logged and more than 11,400 students served. This initiative is not just breaking cycles of disadvantage; it is fostering resilient communities where young people are empowered to thrive and realize their full potential.
Nicholson’s organization is equipping them with the essential skills to excel in today’s competitive economy. The impact of The Hidden Genius Project is profound, with over 750,000 training hours logged and more than 11,400 students served. This initiative is not just breaking cycles of disadvantage; it is fostering resilient communities where young people are empowered to thrive and realize their full potential.
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Episode Introduction
Credo Voices, the podcast where we bring you inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I’m your host, Awele Okigbo, the CEO of Credo Advisory. Research suggests that people facing unemployment, financial instability, or limited job prospects may be more susceptible to engaging in criminal activities or become victims of violence.
A 2021 Center for Disease Control Research demonstrates African-Americans are at the greatest risk for gun homicide. In 2021, guns were responsible for 51% of all deaths of Black teens between ages 15 to 19. In this episode, we are in the United States to meet Brandon Nicholson, founder of the Hidden Genius Project.
Brandon is working to break the cycle of violence and socioeconomic hardship by empowering Black male youth through education, mentorship, and opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Hidden Genius Project is advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4, quality education, and Goal 8, decent work and economic growth. Let’s listen and be inspired.
Brandon Nicholson
Chief Executive Officer
The Hidden Genius Project
Brandon Nicholson, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of The Hidden Genius Project and a dedicated advocate for educational equity. An Oakland native, Nicholson’s commitment to public service and social justice is deeply rooted in his personal and professional background.
Before founding The Hidden Genius Project in 2012, Nicholson served as a Senior Associate at Social Policy Research Associates (SPR). In this role, he conducted extensive research, evaluation, and analysis across various critical social policy areas, focusing on equity and access in K-12 education for underserved populations. His work at SPR was instrumental in addressing these pressing issues.
Nicholson’s research consistently centers on education and youth development, particularly the intersection of race and class and their impact on the experiences and opportunities of young people. His substantial experience in these areas has provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Under Nicholson’s leadership, The Hidden Genius Project has empowered countless Black male youth by equipping them with technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. His work inspires and creates lasting change, transforming the ideal of educational equity into a reality for all.
Before founding The Hidden Genius Project in 2012, Nicholson served as a Senior Associate at Social Policy Research Associates (SPR). In this role, he conducted extensive research, evaluation, and analysis across various critical social policy areas, focusing on equity and access in K-12 education for underserved populations. His work at SPR was instrumental in addressing these pressing issues.
Nicholson’s research consistently centers on education and youth development, particularly the intersection of race and class and their impact on the experiences and opportunities of young people. His substantial experience in these areas has provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Under Nicholson’s leadership, The Hidden Genius Project has empowered countless Black male youth by equipping them with technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. His work inspires and creates lasting change, transforming the ideal of educational equity into a reality for all.
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