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MEET KAI
When Kai first discovered AnnieCannons, they were looking for more than a class. They were referred from their current housing program, and they were looking for a career that could sustain them and their family. They were looking for a community that believed in their potential. During the Application and Intake process, Kai shared their hopes for building a career in technology but worried about where to start. The AnnieCannons team walked Kai through every step, ensuring the process was collaborative and accessible. From the beginning, Kai felt seen, respected, and supported.
Note: AnnieCannons does not disclose the names of our students.
TRAINING: KAI IN THE CLASSROOM
Once enrolled in Training, Kai began the Tech Career Foundations course, learning digital literacy, professional communication, and the basics of programming. As they progressed into Introduction to Programming, Kai found joy in problem solving and the creativity of coding. With guidance from patient instructors and peers who understood the importance of healing while learning, Kai built their first website, a small but powerful milestone. They then made their way into advanced training!
STUDENT SUCCESS: BUMPS IN THE ROAD
Student Success was not a straight line for Kai. Midway through training, personal challenges and moments of self-doubt made it hard to stay consistent. There were days when the material felt overwhelming and old fears of failure crept in. The Student Success team checked in often, helping Kai build strategies for focus and balance. Through one-on-one coaching and access to wellness resources, Kai regained momentum. These supports reminded them that growth includes setbacks and that resilience is part of learning.
Our Values
“They thought they buried us. They didn’t realize we were seeds.”
1: We will proudly be who we are.
Who anyone is, is hers to be. No shame allowed on yourself or any other. Never apologize for being who you are, or where you are.
2: We will constantly learn.
Learning is an investment in your own future and the future of our community. We will invest ourselves and accept challenges.
3: We will replace injustice through community.
No one shall be asked to pay for her lack of privilege. We will share any privileges we have with our community until they see the same opportunities we have had.
4: We will celebrate our differences.
Different is a good thing. Our differences make us all better, and make our community stronger.
5: We will honor the families that make us stronger.
Our children and our families give us purpose and strength. We will never treat them as a weakness or exclude each other on the basis of family need.
6: We will build a better world by combining all of our intelligence and talent.
Hierarchies do not generate the smartest decisions.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT: KAI'S PREP
When Kai started, advanced courses felt a million miles away. But time flew by and soon they were starting to dive into their career development. They had built a strong technical foundation and were ready to think about life after graduation. Kai worked with the Career Development Manager and a dedicated mentor in tech who helped them define clear career goals, refine their résumé, and develop professional networking skills. Together, they practiced interviews, explored company cultures, and connected with industry professionals who saw the value of lived experience in tech.
APPRENTICESHIP: KAI'S FIRST JOB
Soon after, Kai joined an Apprenticeship through one of AnnieCannons’ partner companies, contributing to a live client project alongside professional engineers. Their mentor continued to guide them through each challenge, offering feedback and encouragement. At the end of the program, Kai’s talent and dedication led to a full-time position as a Frontend Developer, a role that provided not only financial independence but a renewed sense of purpose.
KAI'S SUCCESS
Today, Kai returns to AnnieCannons as a guest speaker for new cohorts, reminding every student that their story matters and their future is full of possibility. Their journey from intake to independence shows what is possible when survivors are given the tools, training, and trust to thrive.