Pursuit is excited to partner with Amazon to ensure that our Fellows and graduates — talented adults with the highest need and potential — are able to seize these opportunities so that they can launch meaningful tech careers and start the companies of the future.
Amazon is coming to New York City in search of talent — and we believe that talent is right here at Pursuit.
As you have probably heard by now, Amazon has announced that it will open HQ2 right here in Long Island City, Queens. The company is set to bring 25,000 new jobs, space for training, and offices for entrepreneurs to the City. Over the next 25 years, it is projected to generate an estimated $186 billion in economic impact.
To ensure these opportunities are meaningfully delivered, Pursuit will play a key role in shaping HQ2. As the designated community partner and co-developer of HQ2, we will take a leading role in developing a long-term site plan. We will also create and operate an on-site job training center, startup accelerator, incubator, and other services that will enable us to expand on our work. Members of our community, including our Fellows and graduates, will have access to these resources. Finally, I have joined the HQ2 Community Advisory Council — a group formed to provide input on the project — to represent our community and advocate for our interests.
This effort will advance our mission to create transformation where it’s needed most and realize our long-term vision of creating a thriving and inclusive tech community.
There are no changes to our programs and activities. Amazon HQ2 is a long-term project that will take decades to complete. At this early phase, there are still many moving pieces at the highest levels of government and Amazon, and the details of the project and our full involvement will continue to evolve.
We understand that some of our stakeholders have genuine concerns about the impact that Amazon HQ2 may have on our community. While we appreciate those concerns, we believe that by having a seat at the table — and by partnering with the City, State, Amazon, and others — we will be better positioned to deliver positive value to our community.
We are long-standing leaders in the neighborhood and local community. As such, it is our role and responsibility to ensure that Amazon’s move to the City creates life-changing benefits for Fellows, graduates, and others.
— Jukay Hsu, Pursuit Co-founder and CEO
