While many see California as a tech hub, in the Monterey Bay and San Joaquin Valley regions, the economy is largely driven by agriculture. These communities have been impacted by the tech boom of Silicon Valley, but excluded from the opportunities it affords.
Digital NEST works to connect students ages 14 to 24 from under-resourced communities with the resources, skills, and network they need to launch careers in the digital economy. The organization is getting some help, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Foundation, the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts.
“Digital NEST is providing technology learning centers with industry-grade technology, mentorship, career navigation, and professional skills, and getting great results for young people,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “Last year, 41% of those participants who were ready to begin working landed jobs, 33% secured internships, 11% found contract work, and 5% launched their own venture. That’s the kind of hard work and commitment O’Reilly values.”
Digital NEST serves approximately 325 members from five area centers.
“Our members go on to become AI innovators, digital creators, and community leaders,” said Jacob Martinez, founder and CEO of Digital NEST. “Our programs remove the barriers between our young people and the high-paying careers they deserve.”
Digital NEST is always looking for support to continue offering its programming. To learn more, visit digitalnest.org/.
The organization’s grant is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, which awarded nearly $1.5 million across 50 nonprofits nationwide in 2025. It’s the largest distribution of funds from the foundation since its founding in 2020.
About O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.
The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as a dependable community partner, supporting organizations and programs that address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. The Foundation concentrates its giving in the areas of economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services and disaster relief.
About O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve.
