For over a decade now, the Digital Nest has been changing lives, transforming futures, and inspiring youth ages 14-24 through their work in hands-on career exploration.

Its founder, Jacob Martinez, started the Digital Nest back in 2014, and since then it's gained well over 4,000 members, of which 78% are of Latinx background, providing hands-on experience in marketing, video production, web development, graphic design, and much more.

Jacob Martinez, after realizing the lack of proper resources that were available for Latinx and other underserved communities, decided to provide a space where they can have free technology, tools, and opportunities to address the lack of resources for youth in rural areas, especially within Latinx and underserved communities. Starting in Watsonville, California, he created a space where young people could access the tools and opportunities often only available in big cities.

Currently, the Digital Nest is available to youth in Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and now Stockton. Although Stockton is the newest, it’ll take some time to make all the services available in Stockton, but they will be here in early 2025.

In Stockton, the youth are often left without activities, work experience, and social interactions. Well, the Digital Nest's program found out a perfect way to incorporate all of those elements while staying community oriented, focused, and driven.

Located in downtown Stockton, the Digital Nest offers Stockton youth ages 14 through 24 opportunities such as free memberships, mentorship, and, most importantly, equipment and technology to help with career development and exploration. Best of all, it’s free!

In a quote to the Stockton narrative, Shaquoya Jones, a member specialist at the Digital Nest, stated, “As a member specialist at Stockton’s Digital NEST, I believe this center can be an integral part of transforming our city. It’s more than a place to learn—it’s a hub for innovation, where new ideas are born, and members can take charge of creating real change. My goal is to help build a model where Digital NEST becomes a driving force for Stockton’s future.”

As Shaquoya Jones stated, the Digital Nest is where true transformation can occur. When the youth engage in career exploration, they bring new ideas and innovation, helping to create a brighter future for Stockton and beyond.

The Digital Nest has a program for 14-18-year-olds called Quest Club. Quest Club essentially allows these teen youth to explore career fields they are interested in. From there, they will be able to expand on their career choice and build a strong foundation.

At the Digital Nest, you’ll be able to engage in resume building, prepare for interviews, search for quality jobs, and engage in unique learning experiences like no other. Learning at the Digital Nest is different; it’s engaging, fun, and interactive.

In the Digital Nest's 2023 end-of-the-year campaign, "Join the Journey," a Digital Nest member and former 2023 summer intern, James Leach, stated, "I was really excited when we got to go to the Netflix headquarters... I’ve enjoyed the community very much; everyone’s very nice and welcoming. I appreciate that everyone here [Digital Nest] accepts people who don’t automatically know everything."

This isn’t just a moment; this is a movement to accelerate the youth towards a better, brighter future. In addition, this is a nonprofit (Digital Nest) that wants their members to find the best possible careers to improve themselves and their journey.