Studies have shown that unemployed individuals are more likely to face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and increased vulnerability to violence. In the United States, black youth grapple with disproportionately high risks of unemployment, lower educational attainment, and gun violence. These challenges, deeply rooted in systemic racism, perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage that stifles opportunities and perpetuates inequality.
Brandon Nicholson, the founder of The Hidden Genius Project, is tackling these challenges head-on. By focusing on education, mentorship, and opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Nicholson is empowering black male youth and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth.
Since its inception in 2012, The Hidden Genius Project has provided over 750,000 training hours and served more than 11,400 students. This initiative is particularly vital given the alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which show that black individuals are at the highest risk of gun homicide. In 2021, guns accounted for 51 percent of deaths among black teens aged 15–19.
Looking ahead, the Hidden Genius Project plans to expand globally, targeting cities like Lagos, Johannesburg, and London. By developing a curriculum platform that leverages their Catalyst Program, Immersion Program, and community partnerships, they aim to ignite students’ interest in technical skills and careers in technology.
Brandon Nicholson’s Hidden Genius Project highlights education’s crucial role in reducing crime and unemployment, fostering safer, more prosperous communities. Investing in inclusive education paves the way for a future where everyone can thrive and contribute to society’s well-being.
Credo CEO Awele Okigbo stated, “Supporting initiatives like the Hidden Genius Project is not just an investment in education but an investment in a brighter and more equitable future for all.”
To learn more about Brandon Nicholson’s Hidden Genius Project, visit: www.hiddengeniusproject.org and follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, & LinkedIn. Listen to the full episode on Spotify.
New episodes of Credo Voices are released monthly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube as part of Credo Advisory’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a global community of change-makers.
