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By Courtney Crane Dauer
Laptops snap open. Code comes to life — written, tested, put to use. Teams huddle and disperse, refining projects and digital pitches against the clock. Mentors ask the tough questions. New connections spark.
This is TechOlympics 2026 at GE Aerospace in Evendale. Over two days, nearly 400 students stepped forward as innovators, engaging with leaders from Kroger, Fifth Third, TQL, the University of Cincinnati, and other top tech and education partners. It’s a $200,000, entirely student-led event—the largest of its kind in the country — driven by the vision of a generation already in motion.
“When I met Noad, a student with Black Boys in Tech, he was curious about engineering but unsure where he belonged,” recalls Keith Koehne, Executive Director of INTERalliance, who brings more than 30 years of experience in education. “I introduced him to leaders at GE Aerospace. Instantly, you could see it — he realized he belonged. That moment ripples outward — impacting peers, schools and the community.”
For students like Noad, this is the moment a future in technology becomes tangible. Cincinnati’s tech sector supports 30,000+ jobs, but the flight path isn’t always visible.
At INTERalliance, it is.
Across Greater Cincinnati, students interested in technology often lack access to mentors, internships, cutting-edge equipment, and a clear trajectory into IT careers. Girls, students of color and teens from under-resourced schools face the steepest barriers. Today, women make up just 28% of tech professionals in the U.S. Without exposure, potential stalls. Without opportunity, the workforce falls short.
That’s where INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati comes in. Since 2007, the nonprofit has been building a diverse, local tech pipeline, connecting students with businesses, mentors and real-world experience. More than 5,500 students have gained skills, confidence and direction — turning curiosity into careers and local talent into a force for innovation.
INTERalliance connects teens through more than 50 high school tech chapters — blending affluent and underserved schools — plus competitions, career camps, mentorship and professional development events. Students design projects, pitch ideas, practice interviews and work alongside professionals who treat them like future colleagues.
“I came to INTERalliance to learn tech, but now I focus on helping students like me see their path,” says Eva Winchester, INTERalliance Leadership Council Chief Chapters Officer, who spoke at Impact 100’s 2025 Annual Awards Celebration. “Leadership roles let us learn from mistakes, handle real conflicts and grow confidence before college.”
Last year, more than 700 students participated in INTERalliance programs. Through the INTERnship Program, 230+ students stepped into paid roles with local employers — gaining experience, professional confidence, and lasting networks. Hundreds of alumni now mentor the next generation, creating a cycle of opportunity that continues to grow.
Students don’t just learn technology. They navigate challenges, soar in confidence, lead with vision and discover where they belong.
“Our programs create the next generation of tech champions,” says Keith. “Students leave with resilience, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to harness technologies like AI. Each success ripples across schools and communities — it’s a multiplier effect — the exponential impact we see every day.”
In September 2025, INTERalliance received a $10,000 Extend Your Impact Award from Impact 100 Cincinnati. The funding was invested across three cornerstone programs — where Impact 100 is recognized as a sponsor — guiding students from curiosity to career:
Together, these programs spark curiosity, build skills and open doors, turning Cincinnati students’ potential into real-world change.
Technology is shaping Cincinnati’s future. The region needs more talent from every neighborhood, every school and every background.
INTERalliance — with assistance from Impact 100 — makes that future visible and reachable.
You see it in a student presenting their first project.
In a mentor pointing the way.
In a young woman envisioning a career in software engineering.
In a student finally realizing, I belong here.
Opportunity grows when talent meets access. In Cincinnati, that access is turning potential into Impact in Action.
See how Impact 100’s investment in bold, transformative projects promotes thriving communities throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.
