SWITCH IS
An effective workshop through which YOU empower opportunity youth to dream, connect with training programs and succeed in the workforce and life.
Live Right Now!!!
If unable to view, click the buttons below for direct access.
Why Switch
YOUTH DISILLUSIONMENT IS A TOP GLOBAL RISK
The Switch workshop effectively empowers opportunity youth giving them the motivation and tools necessary to connect with and benefit from training as a path to succeeding in the workforce.
It’s not a substitute but a complement to existing training programs. Why? As we say in Texas, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
At the intersection of art and technology the two afternoon Switch workshop combines a proven set of questions to look inward, activities of one hour or less, and guest speakers with whom they can identify, enabling opportunity youth to DREAM and switch into a success mindset.
To achieve scale all components are available in English and Spanish, and have been designed to be combined and adapted by any community in North America.
In 2019 an opportunity emerged in the mountains of rural Mexico to train young adults in tech skills at a center created by an artist entrepreneur, Bernardo Rosendo, to develop highly skilled artisans. Our co-founders Adriana de Urquidi and Carlos Carpizo met and seized the opportunity.
In 2020 Anayeli Escamilla graduated from the pilot program and our co-founder Carlos Carpizo published his book “At Risk of Greatness. Re-imagining youth outcomes through the intersection of art and technology.” (New Degree Press, December 2020).
Fast forward to 2023 and Anayeli was a speaker at a Switch workshop sharing her story comprised of challenges and successes, inspiring younger peers!
In 2021 a workshop was designed alongside Education Unbound and its founder Weeda Hamdan. The Future Bound workshop took place at HEXA’s co-working space in Richardson, TX. It was a fun and productive Saturday where we learned many lessons.
Kosmos Arts & Tech was incorporated and received it’s 501c3 non-profit status.
We applied the lessons learned to have a successful Switch workshop at the National Museum of Art in Mexico City in collaboration with two NGOs: ASIICSO Habitus and Movimiento STEM+ https://www.movimientostem.org
Very special thank you to Arturo Zubieta, Erick Serna and Jose Luis Avila.
We applied for the Pegasus Prize of The Dallas Foundation and were on of the 3 finalists among 67 organizations. We received $10,000 to cover the cost of a workshop.
We entered the BIC Foundation Ideas World Cup under “Switch the World” and ended up ranked number 6 out of more than 500 ideas.
Held the Switch workshop at the Dallas Museum of Art in April of 2023 with the funds from the Pegasus Prize and a donation from 5th 3rd Bank. It was a success thanks to the collaboration with multiple volunteers and organizations:
After8toEducate, CitySquare, and Academic Success Program from Dallas Independent School District, RosaEsRojo among others that referred us young adults
Compudopt that covered the STEM field, showed the young adults how to use an open source graphic design software and invited them to follow-up by taking their 10 week Learn 2 Earn course which teaches them to monetize the free computer they received during the workshop
We also held the Switch workshop at Olinalá, Mexico. The first time that the community led and we incorporated a Meditation/Visualization/Manifestation activity on both days.
Our first “Borderless” workshop took place on April 19 & 20 at an esports arena with unlimited streaming capabilities.
We connected Yuma, Arizona & San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Thank you to Chase Bank for sponsoring and the outstanding financial literacy session.
Scalability proven!
Workshops
Welcome to the Switch workshop, where we’re dedicated to igniting the potential within opportunity youth and guiding them towards a future filled with possibilities.
Our workshop is carefully crafted to inspire, equip, and empower participants to dream big, connect with invaluable training programs, and thrive in both their professional and personal journeys.
Here’s what awaits you in our transformative program:
Dream: Unleash your aspirations and tap into your hidden potential through guided self-reflection and creative expression.
Connect & Thrive: Access a wealth of training programs and resources by connecting with insightful guest speakers and our network of partnering organizations.
Skills for Success: Equip yourself with essential life skills to rewrite limiting narratives and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
Inclusive & Adaptable: Our workshop is designed to be inclusive, available in both English and Spanish, and adaptable to the unique needs of your community.
Join the movement and be the catalyst for change in your community. Discover how you can unlock a brighter future for yourself and those around you.
Ready to make a difference? Scroll down to the Make A Difference section, where you’re just one click away from contributing to something truly meaningful.
Borderless
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
There are many ways for YOU to get involved. Click the tab below that best describes you.
YOU can have a fun and rewarding time interacting with youth during a workshop. Volunteering requires a 1 hour remote training session and a two half-day commitment to lead a group of 4 to 5 young adults during a Switch workshop on-site.
YOU are passionate about improving youth outcomes and want to be more involved than volunteering at a workshop. We would love to hear from you as well!
YOU want to hold a Switch workshop in your community?
YOU can leverage our proven framework and tools to positively impact the lives of young adults in YOUR community. We have gone through the learning curve to shorten yours and maximize your resources. All material is available in English or Spanish. We look forward to a discovery meeting with YOU.
YOU want to tap into an untapped talent pool that can improve your diversity and retention.
YOU are already making a positive difference and we thank you for it! Our communities need it and we ALL benefit from a better skilled workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market.
We would love to refer highly motivated youth to YOUR program.
YOU have research that contributes to improve Switch or are interested in data.
LATEST SWITCH NEWS
Blog or news info will go here
Still have questions? We have Answers
We love question so if you send us a message in the contact form, someone from our team will be glad to answer you.