photo of Kennan Scott

Kennan Scott

VP
Bitwise Industries

Kennan Scott is in charge of adapting the Bitwise ecosystem to fit Oakland’s authentic DNA. This includes training, apprenticeships, and jobs in software design, sales, and more. Previously, looking to empower a new generation of black and brown engineers, Kennan launched the West Oakland MS Engineering and computer science department and supported curricular and professional development for teachers, in addition to being a founder of CODEd Academy, a proposed interdisciplinary computer science school in Oakland, which is focused on connecting students of color to technology-related jobs in the Bay Area. He partnered with public, private, and nonprofit entities to expand work-based learning and career opportunities for Oakland’s youth while managing the district-wide vision of ensuring over 3,000 students receive high-quality, 6-12 computer science instruction. At Bitwise, Kennan can now help OUSD students get jobs in tech, the very ones he taught how to code in 8th grade. Kennan won the 2019 Golden State Warriors Impact Award and the 2019 State of Black Education Educator Award. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering focusing on transportation and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Events featuring Kennan Scott
Events featuring Kennan Scott