We are excited to announce our 2025-2026 cohort of 41 diverse, talented, and ambitious young professionals in the BizzNEST Career Accelerator program. Over the next 11 months, our BizzNEST associates will develop their technical and professional skills, deliver high-quality client work to companies of all sizes, receive 1-on-1 mentoring and career services support, and prepare to step into their future careers.
Meet BizzNEST
This year, we had 537 applicants, interviewed 80, and made 41 hires. Each of our centers now has a dedicated team of associates working collaboratively, with Watsonville hosting 7, Salinas 9, Gilroy 6, Modesto 8, and Stockton 8.
Through BizzNEST, our associates lead real-world, “big tech” projects right in their communities. From developing software and hardware for museum exhibits to designing social media campaigns for international industry associations and producing product tutorial videos for global software companies, BizzNEST associates gain hands-on experience driving innovative tech-based solutions for their clients. They range in age from 18 to 24, and many are first-generation college students. For most of them, this marks their first professional experience, a significant step backed by substantial investment from Digital NEST in their development.
These individuals embody talent, skill, and dedication, positioning them to have a lasting impact on their families, communities, and the broader professional landscape. The success of BizzNEST is already evident, with alums working at companies such as IBM, Paystand, Crunchlabs, and GoFundMe.Among the 2025–2026 BizzNEST Career Accelerator cohort, Terry and Elizabeth have joined Digital NEST as Video Production Associates, contributing their creativity and technical skills to capture and tell the stories behind our work. Collaborating closely with the marketing and communications team, they help produce engaging visual content that highlights our programs, partners, and community impact.
“Joining Digital NEST has been great. As someone who does a lot of freelance work and often works alone, getting to be part of a team has been a breath of fresh air,” said Terry. “I am looking forward to growing my abilities and learning more about commercial workflows and client work, including collaborating with marketing, to diversify my skillset and bring these skills to my current and future clients.”
“I am thrilled to be a senior associate for the Watsonville Center,” said Elizabeth, “I look forward to collaborating with my team and fostering long-term connections.”
Refining the Model to Scale our Impact
Last year’s BizzNEST cohort had 58 associates. This year we have 41. But the smaller number actually reveals more opportunities for our youth, outside Digital NEST.
This year, in addition to BizzNEST, we’re piloting regional externships in both the Monterey Bay and San Joaquin Valley regions, partnering with organizations like Stanislaus County IT and Santa Cruz Works to place 15 (and counting) NEST youth in paid professional opportunities with local companies and organizations. Regional externships give our members the chance to gain valuable work experience outside of BizzNEST and prepare them for careers in tech. They also allow us to build placements in key regional pathways, such as IT support, creating stronger connections between youth talent and industry needs. Growing our externship partnerships means being able to provide more youth with the professional experience they need to secure entry-level employment.
Moreover, we’re aligning our BizzNEST services with the skills most in demand in the job market. That means integrating video production into digital marketing, which includes all forms of content creation. This year, we’re welcoming dedicated digital marketing associates.
How Does BizzNEST Work?
BizzNEST associates work on paid client projects in teams of three, with one senior associate leading two peers. This structure fosters peer mentorship and support while giving senior associates valuable leadership experience.
In the past, projects have included: marketing for the International Fresh Produce Association, websites for Pennsylvania United, videos for Adobe, a museum exhibit for Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, and Design for the Salinas Valley Adult Education Consortium. These are only a few of the projects our associates were able to work on, consulting with clients, developing their products, and finalizing them within their respective timelines.
Through these hands-on projects, BizzNEST associates gain real-world experience while building portfolios that set them apart in the job market. At the same time, our clients benefit from fresh ideas, creative solutions, and the energy of a new generation of talent.
How Can You Support BizzNEST?
You can engage BizzNEST for creative services in software development, digital marketing, UX/UI design, and other emerging technologies. Your support doesn’t have to end there. You can also hire our BizzNEST associates for full-time employment. They’re looking for jobs, regional externships, and other paid opportunities. At BizzNEST, we’re not just training; we’re getting them ready to be hired by you.
Lastly, you can support by funding the NEST. A $25-a-month donation helps an associate gain training in industry-standard tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python for development; Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud for design; Adobe Premiere Pro for video production; Salesforce and cybersecurity essentials for IT; and platforms like Canva, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Hootsuite for marketing. This support equips them with the technical skills and certifications needed to stand out in today’s workforce.
And of course, if you’re able, larger contributions make an even greater impact, helping us support more youth on their journey toward meaningful careers. At Digital NEST, 83% percent of all funding goes directly to programs. Donate today at www.digitalnest.org/donations.
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