Build Impact Story: The Knowledge House
Building Bridges: The Knowledge House’s Mission to Empower Through Technology
“There’s a powerful force in understanding your community, and at The Knowledge House, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re opening doors to new futures,” said Jerelyn Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO of The Knowledge House. Since its inception, The Knowledge House has been dedicated to creating pathways for underserved communities through technology training and digital literacy. This commitment has only grown stronger with time. The organization’s ability to stay connected to the needs of its community has made it a key player in the fight against systemic inequities in the tech industry.
In 2022, The Knowledge House introduced a new initiative focused on digital literacy, recognizing the digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Rodriguez noted, “We saw so many people who wanted access to tech training, but they weren’t ready for rigorous programs. We realized we needed to start with the basics—web fluency and digital literacy—to ensure everyone had a fair shot.” This proactive approach is helping The Knowledge House bridge the gap and ensure that underserved communities aren’t left behind in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The tech industry promises vast opportunities, but for many in low-income, underserved communities, these opportunities remain out of reach. The Knowledge House addresses this challenge head-on, offering programs designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in technology-driven careers. The organization’s two signature programs—one for adult learners and one for high school students—offer year-long training that goes beyond technical skills. They include wraparound support, ensuring that participants have the holistic support they need to succeed.
However, the challenge is not just about teaching tech skills; it’s about creating an ecosystem where economic mobility is possible. The Knowledge House targets low-income individuals, many of whom are first-generation immigrants or people of color, living in urban areas. These are populations that, despite their potential, face significant barriers to accessing tech careers. By providing a combination of tech training and wraparound support, The Knowledge House is creating a new narrative for these communities—one where technology is not an exclusive domain but a space where they can excel and lead.
The Knowledge House is led by a dynamic team that understands the importance of proximity to the communities they serve. As a Black Latina leader, cofounder and CEO, Jerelyn Rodriguez shares a background similar to many of the students, and embodies this principle. “As a leader, I’ve had to learn how to elevate parts of my identity to better serve our organization and our students,” Rodriguez shared. This proximity allows The Knowledge House to stay deeply connected to the needs of its participants and to adapt its programs accordingly.
The organization’s approach to leadership is intergenerational and cross-sector, a reflection of its belief that impactful change requires collaboration across different sectors and communities. The Knowledge House engages not just with tech companies but also with financial institutions, startups, and government agencies, ensuring that their students are connected to a broad network of opportunities. This approach aligns with New Profit’s belief in the importance of coalition building and working across sectors to drive systemic change.
One success story that highlights the effectiveness of this approach is that of Ezequiel Esparza, a graduate of The Knowledge House’s data science track. Last year, Ezekiel participated in a hackathon with Bloomberg, where he impressed the team with his skills and dedication. He was subsequently offered a position as an analyst at Bloomberg, a role that has not only advanced his career but also helped his family during a time they faced home eviction. “Ezekiel’s story is a testament to the power of our programs and the importance of industry engagement,” Rodriguez said.
In 2022, New Profit invested in The Knowledge House, recognizing the organization’s potential to scale its impact and advance economic mobility at a systems level. This partnership has been transformative for The Knowledge House, providing sustainable, multi-year funding that allows the organization to focus on internal infrastructure and expand its programs alleviating some of the pressure of annual fundraising.
Jerelyn Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly the role of their New Profit Deal Partner, Terrill North. “Having Terrell on our board has been incredibly meaningful. He brings a wealth of knowledge in nonprofit management and philanthropy, and as a Black man who shares a background with our students, his insights are invaluable,” Rodriguez said. This relationship has deepened The Knowledge House’s ability to engage with government agencies and other key stakeholders, further amplifying its impact.
Looking ahead, The Knowledge House is expanding its digital literacy program, an initiative born out of the recognition that many in low-income communities could be further strengthened through basic web fluency skills. With the rise of AI and other advanced technologies, the organization is determined to ensure that these communities are not left behind. “We’re introducing AI to the general public and making sure that everyone has the skills they need to navigate this new landscape,” Rodriguez said.
Additionally, The Knowledge House is preparing to expand its footprint to Washington, D.C., bringing its programs to more urban areas in need of tech training and economic opportunities. This expansion is a critical step in the organization’s mission to democratize access to technology and create pathways to economic mobility for all.
The Knowledge House’s work is a powerful example of how proximity to the community, combined with a cross-sector approach, can drive meaningful change. Through its partnership with New Profit, the organization is poised to continue breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underserved communities across the country.
““There’s a powerful force in understanding your community, and at The Knowledge House, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re opening doors to new futures.
Jerelyn Rodriguez