Agyapong “Kwame” Ntrah, Class of 2024 Intern, has begun his postsecondary journey this semester at CUNY Brooklyn College to continue pursuing his lifelong goal of a career in software engineering. To support his education, Kwame was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, made possible by the New York chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM NY) for one Class of 2024 Genesys Works NYC high school graduate interested in a career in technology. Alongside the financial assistance, SIM NY will provide a mentor from their network to guide and support Kwame as a freshman in college.
SIM New York is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community amongst senior executives in technology. As a Genesys Works NYC supporter, they have been committed to finding opportunities for Genesys Works NYC and our alumni to share more about our program and our impact to the greater tech community.
Growing up in Ghana, Kwame’s interest in technology went largely unexplored because he was unable to access a computer. Despite this, he spent his time learning about binary code, a two-symbol computer code. It wowed him that combinations using just two symbols could represent extensive information. Kwame dreamed of studying computer science and developing a deepened understanding of how computers work. His dream would eventually become a reality with the support of his future high school and Genesys Works NYC.
After moving to the United States in 2022, Kwame wasted no time in taking advantage of the computer science classes offered at his high school, Eagle Academy for Young Men. Taking note of his passion, his guidance counselor recommended that he apply for the Genesys Works NYC program.
After successfully completing Genesys Works NYC’s Summer Training, Kwame earned a year-long, paid internship at Kirkland and Ellis LLP, working in their IT department. As an intern, Kwame exercised the technical and professional skills learned during Genesys Works NYC’s eight-week Summer Training that prepares Young Professionals to excel in corporate work environments. Kwame was responsible for reimaging laptops, taking inventory of company laptops and cell phones, and solving IT requests from employees.
Kwame also leveraged the communication and networking skills taught in Summer Training to further expand his knowledge related to his college and career interests. “I got to talk with leaders in the technology industry and lawyers about my future goals and learn more about machine learning and artificial intelligence.” Kwame adds, “I met one of the best people at my internship with Kirkland & Ellis who helped me complete my college essay and application. He gave me advice when thinking about what I wanted to study in college.”
Genesys Works NYC is proud to open doors to transformative opportunities that align with our Young Professionals’ interests while also making sure they learn new skills and are exposed to different areas of their internship’s department and company. Our partners, including SIM NY, are important members of the Genesys Works NYC support system for our youth as they take on new challenges. Genesys Works NYC is thankful to SIM NY and to all the partners that help to play a role in the hundreds of journeys like Kwame’s.
