Investment will expand training and alumni support for high school students
HOUSTON, TEXAS, June 9, 2026 — Genesys Works, a national nonprofit that creates pathways to career success for high school students, today announced it has received a $250,000 grant from Okta for Good to expand cybersecurity and digital skills programming nationwide.
The funding will support curriculum development, alumni mentorship, and organizational growth, including the launch of a new site in Nashville. It will impact more than 2,500 students and alumni in 2026.
“As AI and cybersecurity continue to reshape the workforce, access to early, high-quality training is critical,” said Byron V. Garrett, CEO of Genesys Works. “Support from Okta for Good allows us to equip students with the skills, credentials, and experiences that open doors to long-term economic mobility.”
Okta for Good’s $250,000 grant will support the co-creation of a cybersecurity curriculum designed for high school learners, expansion of digital skills instruction within Genesys Works’ summer training, and the launch of a new alumni mentorship initiative. The mentorship program will provide early-career guidance and networking for alumni as they transition into postsecondary education and professional roles.
“The global cybersecurity talent gap, combined with an unprecedented demand for AI expertise, isn’t just a staffing problem — it’s a security imperative,” said Victor Cordon, Director of Social Impact, Okta. “We’re proud to invest in building the next generation of cybersecurity and AI professionals, and our strategic partnership with Genesys Works is a vital part of that commitment. By prioritizing foundational AI and technical skill development, we’re enabling next-generation talent to build the human durable skills needed to thrive in the age of AI.”
Since its founding in 2002, Genesys Works has helped more than 14,000 students in underserved communities transition from high school to college and professional careers. Its proven model includes technical and professional training, paid internships at companies such as Okta, and long-term alumni support. Six years after high school, program alumni earn a median income of $70,000, more than double the national average for their peers.
To learn more about Genesys Works or to become a corporate partner, visit genesysworks.org.
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tulsa, and Washington’s National Capital Region. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
