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SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) -- On Tuesday, the City of San Jose received a special recognition from the White House after the capital of Silicon Valley was named one of the 10 cities in the country to qualify as a TechHire City.
It’s part of an initiative to help the unemployed and underemployed get a chance to work at some big tech companies.
With the new recognition, the City of San Jose can now compete for some federal grant money. The mayor is hoping will help employ as many as 1,000 people in tech jobs in Silicon Valley from programmers to web developers.
President Obama made the official announcement that San Jose is classified as a TechHire City at the White House. The program gives San Jose a chance at $100 million in federal grants to help with tech job training programs especially geared toward young adults and minorities. The city has already secured one point two million dollars in city and state funds.
“We are seeing the widening gap from rich and poor here and the city and throughout the valley,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We are also seeing a very large economic need for talent.”
The city also plans to work more closely with agencies like the nonprofit year up that help further job training. Ollie King said he didn't exactly grow up on the right side of the tracks surrounded by gangs and homelessness but through initiatives like this he now works for eBay.
“I’m a productive member as before I was taking what I can get,” said King. “I was taking from others so I could make ends meet and continue on. Now my opportunities are endless.”
Along with eBay, notable Silicon Valley companies like Cisco and Facebook are supporting this effort. In addition to San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland are also considered TechHire cities.