Toledo Codes

Empowered AI is proud to officially announce the return of our Young Empowered Authors Summer Cohort! 🥳

📅 June 19 – July 2
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
💡 Cost: FREE

This program is designed to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and tools to become published authors—while introducing them to the power of AI in storytelling, design, and creative development.

Participants will:
• Write, illustrate, and publish their own book
• Learn practical applications of AI tools
• Develop literacy, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking

To remove barriers to access:

• Each student will receive a laptop to keep
• Daily meals will be provided

We are grateful for the partners making this possible:
• Huntington National Bank for providing laptops for our students
• The City of Toledo for funding this summer programming initiative

As a culminating experience, students will participate in what we are building to be the largest gathering of young authors in the world at our annual Publisher’s Party, hosted at the incredible Vista on the Docks.

Special thanks to Vista on the Docks for their partnership and support in helping us elevate this experience for our community.

🚨 Capacity is very limited, and we expect this cohort to fill quickly.

If you know a young person who would benefit from this opportunity, encourage them to apply today.

👉 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/NmHgzBud4smQ9jzXA

Let’s continue building a future where every child has the opportunity to become an author.

Ever wonder what the person interviewing you is actually looking for?

Dalien Ahiekpor is an Amazon Bar Raiser – he's the guy in the room deciding if candidates clear the bar. He's evaluated hundreds of people and mentored 10+ into tech careers. At our next Toledo Codes meetup, he's sharing what gets people hired.

Not resume tricks. The real stuff: how to tell your story, how to structure your answers, what interviewers are actually listening for. Actionable frameworks for every stage of the process.

After the talk, Open Hack. Bring your laptop and come build alongside other makers.

Heads up on parking: Bailey Zimmerman is at Huntington Center that same night (7 PM), so downtown will be busier than usual. Come early if you can.

- Street meters nearby are free after 5 PM
- Superior Street Garage at 334 N. Superior St. is right next door – 1,000+ spots, usually ~$6, but rates may climb closer to $10 as the concert approaches
- Kwik Parking lots in the area run $2–$5

Thursday, April 16th
6 PM doors / 6:30 talk / 7 PM hack
The Loft 419 – 336 N Superior St, Toledo, OH