Break Through Tech’s First Decade: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Ten years ago, we set out with an ambitious vision: to transform the tech talent pipeline by ensuring that women had the opportunities, support, and pathways to join and thrive in the technology ecosystem. That vision began with WiTNY and our groundbreaking partnership with CUNY, backed by the knowledge and institutional support of Cornell Tech and the commitment of forward-thinking funders and industry partners. From the start, we recognized the urgency–not just for students, but for businesses and industries that need a workforce that reflects the world we live in and that can compete on a global stage.

A decade later, that urgency has only intensified as AI impacts every aspect of how we live and work. We collectively need to pay attention to who is in the room where AI investment, product, and development decisions are being made because those people will be writing the rules that shape the future for all of us.

Our commitment remains steadfast, even as our approach has evolved. Break Through Tech has expanded far beyond its original model, growing into a direct-to-student force for change. We’ve built on our early academic partnerships to develop a network of instructional hubs, leveraged virtual learning and networking, designed and delivered innovative programming to connect industry with the talent they want and need, and pivoted to meet the needs of a rapidly shifting AI/ML landscape. With over 1,000 Break Through Tech AI Program fellows entering the ecosystem each year, we’re not just preparing students—we’re reshaping the future of tech by fixing our broken tech talent supply chain and expanding the pool that fuels business growth and innovation.

But we’re not stopping here. The next decade will be defined by a singular goal: changing the path to power and influence in a tech-enabled world.

• Power through Opportunity: Our north star remains clear—connecting our fellows to career opportunities that will launch and shape their professional journeys and change the future of tech. We are expanding and strengthening our industry partner network to ensure students gain access to critical work-based learning experiences. Today, 80% of our fellows in the AI Program secure full-time internships or employment. Tomorrow, they will be leading the future of tech.
• Power through Innovation: Industry leaders recognize their gaps in tech talent. What they need are innovative approaches to fix the broken supply chain in tech, including programs and engagement platforms that allow them to reimagine where talent can be found and developed. That’s where we come in – with insights, innovation, and a delivery engine that will empower them to become co-developers of the tech workforce they need.  
• Power through Community: We are expanding our student reach, creating a nationwide instructional consortium, and deepening our industry mentor networks — all focused on ensuring transformative access to the tech economy. Our goal is to launch a generation of talent – a community that will lift as they climb and at long last, shape a new and sustainable culture in the industry that will use the extraordinary power of tech to build a better tomorrow for all of us. 

Break Through Tech began as an idea, a challenge to the status quo. Today, it is a movement. And over the next ten years, it will be a lasting force that ensures access and opportunity for the tech leaders of the future.

To our fellows, mentors, partners, and funders—thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next ten years of breaking through!