(Seattle, WA, Monday, October 17, 2022) – For the second time this season through its world-first Sponsor X initiative, Smartsheet (NYSE: SMAR), a leading work management software company, selected a nonprofit to take its sponsored place on McLaren’s Formula 1 cars at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, TX, this weekend.

The Hidden Genius Project was chosen for its efforts in tackling the misconception that there’s a lack of Black STEM talent for careers in the tech sector. Formula 1 is one of the largest stages in the world, with 445 million global viewers in 2021. This is why it’s so impactful to see The Hidden Genius Project’s logo in a prominent placement on one of the fastest cars in the world. Smartsheet’s mission of driving meaningful change is all about unlocking hidden potential, which includes deserving organizations doing important work like The Hidden Genius Project.

Despite an increase in Black STEM talent, representation at tech companies is not following suit. This juxtaposition between the high unemployment of Black professionals and the plethora of career opportunities within the technology sector is a huge blind spot.

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in tech creation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. As part of the Sponsor X initiative, local high school students will also get hands-on experience learning with the McLaren Racing engineers and other technologists at the racetrack in Austin.

Founded in Oakland, California, The Hidden Genius Project operates programming sites in Oakland, Richmond, Los Angeles, and Detroit, with plans to expand their footprint to two additional U.S. cities next year. As they continue to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, The Hidden Genius Project encourages other organizations to join with their mission and ensure Black male youth across the nation have access to tech, leadership and entrepreneurship development.

Join Smartsheet in supporting The Hidden Genius Project during their anniversary year by donating, and learn more about Smartsheet’s Sponsor X initiative.

Soundbites: Dr. Brandon Nicholson, Founding Executive Director of The Hidden Genius Project

• OUR BLACK MALE YOUTH POSSESS LIMITLESS POTENTIAL TO BUILD, LEAD, AND THRIVE IN TECH CAREER PATHWAYS. WE EXIST TO CONNECT THEM WITH THE SKILLS, NETWORKS AND RESOURCES TO ENSURE THEY ACCESS THE PLETHORA OF MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES TECH HAS TO OFFER THEM.
• AT THE HIDDEN GENIUS PROJECT, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO TRAIN AND MENTOR BLACK MALE YOUTH IN TECHNOLOGY CREATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR OVER TEN YEARS. WHEN SMARTSHEET AND MCLAREN RACING APPROACHED US TO TEAM UP FOR THE US GRAND PRIX IN AUSTIN, WE SAW A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE AWARENESS AND GLOBAL EXPOSURE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE OF COLOR AND COMMUNITIES.
• EXCELLING IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH OFFERS REALISTIC PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITIES PEOPLE USUALLY TELL US ARE IMPROBABLE–INCLUDING PRO SPORTS CAREERS. OUR PRESENCE ON THE MCLAREN CAR AT THE US GRAND PRIX IN AUSTIN SIGNALS TO BLACK YOUTH AND YOUNG PEOPLE OF COLOR ALL AROUND THE WORLD THAT WE BELONG WHEREVER OUR DREAMS CAN TAKE US.