Digital illustration of four interconnected circles with icons representing career discovery, workforce development, diverse workforce, and volunteering giving back, connected by dashed lines, with labels beneath each circle.

OUR MISSION

Our mission:

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.

Our Legacy of Impact:

Situated in Albany, NY, We Connect The Dots, Inc. has been a beacon of educational excellence and empowerment since its inception in 2013. As an esteemed non-profit organization, we are driven by our commitment to provide underserved and underrepresented youths, as well as adults, with unparalleled access to experiential learning programs centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

Milestones of Success:

Hack-A-Thon’s Global Influence: Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation Now in its 10th year, the Hack-A-Thon (formerly known as Code-a-Thon) has left an indelible mark on the global educational landscape. Each year, hundreds of students aged 13–18 from across the globe come together to tackle real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, and showcase their creativity and technical skills. This program has significantly increased student involvement in computer science and entrepreneurship, shaping a generation of tech-savvy, solution-driven thinkers who are ready to make a difference.

Community Ambassador Program: We champion youth empowerment through our Community Ambassador Program, fostering entrepreneurial skills and leadership among students. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), encouraging students to think globally and act locally by creating meaningful solutions that address community needs while making an international impact.

UpSkill for Sustainable Careers: Understanding the workforce challenges faced by adults aged 18 and over, our UpSkill program equips participants with essential business and workforce skills. Focused on business automation and administration, participants gain proficiency in tools like Microsoft PowerApps, empowering them to build sustainable and thriving career paths.

Founded by visionary entrepreneur and Microsoft leader Laurie Carey, We Connect The Dots was created to bridge the pervasive digital divide experienced in many communities nationwide. Over the past decade, we’ve unlocked opportunities for students and adults from diverse regions, including Long Island, the Greater New York Metro area, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington, California, Illinois, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Iowa.

Our programs, rooted in STEAM education, have empowered marginalized populations—particularly those from low-income communities—enabling them to explore, learn, and excel in disciplines critical to the future workforce.

Here’s to 10 years of innovation, impact, and growth—and to the changemakers we’re inspiring for tomorrow.