WE Connect the Dots

We Connect Students, Teachers, Parents and Industry Experts to Create Amazing Learning Experiences

Organization OVERVIEW

We Connect The Dots is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with opportunities to acquire STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills through hands-on learning experiences. By collaborating with educators, industry professionals, and community leaders, the organization creates programs and events that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Their goal is to bridge the gap between education and the needs of the modern workforce, empowering youth to succeed in the digital economy.

Mission Statement

Empowering individuals, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, with a focus on young adults aged 13-18 and adults over 18. Our mission is to ignite passion and knowledge in modern-day skills such as coding, cybersecurity, business automation, and more, emphasizing the pillars of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Through robust partnerships with community leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, and industry pioneers, we strive to bridge the gap between the demands of the 21st-century workforce and the opportunities that await those who embrace a STEAM-driven path. With a commitment to making a difference at local, national, and global scales, our programs are designed to foster an insatiable thirst for learning, enabling participants to carve their unique routes to achievement.

Vision Statement

To create a world where all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to highquality STEAM education and opportunities. They aim to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, fostering innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Core Competencies

Training and Development: We specialize in designing and delivering high-impact training programs tailored to the unique needs of our community members. Our expert instructors bring industry-specific knowledge and practical experience to every engagement.

Curriculum Development: We have a proven track record of creating dynamic and engaging curriculum materials that align with industry standards and best practices. Our curriculum development services ensure that learning objectives are met effectively and incorporate innovative methodologies to meet diverse learning objectives.

E-Learning Solutions: In an increasingly digital world, WCTD offers cutting-edge e-learning solutions, including interactive online courses, webinars, and multimedia content, to facilitate remote learning.

Certification Programs: Our programs prepare individuals to earn certifications across various fields. We provide comprehensive certification programs that help enhance the credentials and skill sets of individuals.

Key Differentiators:

Customization: We understand that one size does not fit all. We Connect the Dots tailors its training solutions to meet the specific needs of each industry, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.

Expertise: Our instructors and consultants are subject-matter experts with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in their respective fields. We deliver training that prepares students for tomorrow’s challenges.

Harnessing Technology: At WCTD, we embrace technology to provide innovative learning experiences and equip students with advanced tech solutions tailored to the demands of the tech industry.

Metrics

  • 82% of graduates feel prepared to be successful

  • 73% of graduates feel they will be successful in college

  • 73% of graduates want a career in STEAM

UPSKILL PROGRAM:

  • 90% completed workforce training

  • 70% completed workforce experience

  • 65% hired by their assigned workforce experience employer or enrolled in further education

HACK-A-THON PROGRAM:

  • 91% U.S.students; 9% International

  • Male: 63%, Female: 37%

  • Over 1000 students from 50+ schools

AI SUMMER PROGRAM

  • National program participants in the AI Summer Program

    • Virginia (including variations of VA, Va): 77.78%

    • New York (including NY): 11.11%

    • Pennsylvania (PA): 5.56%

    • Maryland: 5.56%

  • Male: 77.8%, Female: 22.2%

  • Age Distribution: Ages 14 to 18

D-U-N-S Number: 07-947-4315

Charity Registration Number: 44-04-29

Contact Information:

  • Address: 300 Great Oaks Blvd Suite 300, Albany, NY 12203

  • Phone: 631-468-7475

  • Email: events@we-connect-the-dots.org

  • Website: https://nebulaacademy.com

Past Performance:

  • Suffolk County Department of Labor: We have successfully partnered with SCDOL to develop our initial concept for our UpSkilltraining program. This program targeted young adults ages 18-24 who were either unemployed or disconnected youth. The outcomes from the program created a repeatable program that is now in its eighth iteration and trained over 200 participants across multiple states. Participants gain skills in entry level tech roles and build portfolios of their work experience and participated in a work experience with local and national organizations.

  • NYS Department of Labor: We have successfully partnered with NYSDOL through grant funding to train over 200 NYS residents in entry level tech career paths with a focus on Microsoft Business Automation, including providing participants with an opportunity to earn an industry certification.

  • Long Island Community Foundation: We successfully developed and delivered curriculum for Spanish speaking students to participate in our annual Hackathon Program. This initiative supported the development of curriculum for our online Learning Management System and Live instructor lead program to teach students ages 13-18 how to code and be a part of an entrepreneurial learning program.

  • Microsoft: We successfully developed an industry partnership program called “Discovery Day at Microsoft”. This program provided young adults ages 13-18, including educators, and education administrators with a full day of exploring careers in tech at the Microsoft Times Square facility. This program was delivered annually from 2016- 2019 Over 1000 Participants and educators attended this program. Quote from educators “ I have never seen my students so engaged in learning complex math. I learned so much myself and look forward to learning more ways to introduce technology to support real world applied math with students”

  • City of Charlotte, NC: Tech training with Mayors program in Charlotte NC. Designed a tech training program for the Mayoral Summer Program for the City of Charlotte NC. This program was introduced to an existing summer internship program that has been available for over 20 years. The introduction of the “Tech Charlotte” program enhanced the current program and enabled a broader focus on career paths in technology where participants worked within Nonprofit organizations to apply their new skills.

  • Annual Hackathon Program: Now in its 9th year of running, our annual Hackathon program has supported hundreds of students, educators, and community members each year. This program provides students ages 13-18 with exposure to an entrepreneurial program where students learn to code using modern web development tools and work as teams to create conceptual businesses aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. All curriculum delivered in this program was designed in collaboration with industry partners including Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Google, and many others.

  • CreatingSTEAM Program and CreatingIDEAS: Two annual summer programs supporting approximately 85 participants ages 13-19 each year working collaboratively with school districts and hosting at various universities in New York State and online. These programs introduce studentsto an immersive learning experience where they have the opportunity to explore an entrepreneurial experience in the CreatingSTEAM program and learn about the world of video game design and development in the CreatingIDEAS program. Outcomes from this program increase awareness of the current and developing career paths and opportunities that are evolving in the workplace. Creating excitement for both STEM and STEAM career paths and the skills necessary to succeed. All curriculum delivered in this program was designed in collaboration with industry partners including Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Google, and many others.

Contracts Awarded:

  • NYS DOL CFA WDI Round 2 UWT

    • Contract #: DOL01-C21346GG-3550000

    • Award Amount: $249,450

  • NYS DOL CFA UWT

    • Contract #: DOL01-C19303GG-3550000

    • Award Amount: $196,010

Capability Statement Date:

November 04, 2024

Point of Contact:

  • Shauna Oenning

  • Title: Executive Director

  • Phone: 631-468-7475

  • Email: info@wctd.org

Student Testimonials:

  • "The challenge was incredible, it really exposed me to things I didn't know before. Today I'm okay with cloud technologies and can work with them effectively. Thanksto AWS for helping in making it all possible."

  • "I loved the Keynote Speaker presentations, especially Intro to Machine Learning. It's a concept that I didn'tthink about before and Isaw a new world of opportunitiesto explore"

  • "We Connect The Dots is a great option for anyone looking to learn how to code. I am a high school student and returning alumni to the annual Code-A-Thon. As a result, I have passed my Microsoft Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS exam."