PowerMyLearning Greater Atlanta Region Launches

PowerMyLearning Atlanta (formerly Computers for Youth & CFY-Atlanta) launched in 2007 to address the digital divide under the idea that technology can play a transformative role in education, particularly in the lives of low-income students and their families. Led by Richard Hicks as Director of Technology, the organizational programming concentrated on Title 1 middle schools in Atlanta, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Clayton. The goal was to provide high-impact interventions that help to close the opportunity and achievement gaps that persist within these communities.

Services Expanded

As software evolved and broadband became more available, new opportunities to leverage digital learning provided opportunities for professional development to school leaders and educators to help them efficiently incorporate digital learning into their instructional practices. This evolution led to opportunities to develop STEM programming where we could push into the classroom and enhance computer applications courses through our App Challenge program and STEM field trips. Additionally, in 2016 we piloted our Digital Inclusion Fellowship which successfully went on to train over 350 adult learners. 

Becoming Inspiredu

Spinning off from PowerMyLearning, Inc, Inspiredu officially launched in July 2020 to elevate equity through innovation, education, and engagement. Led by CEO Richard Hicks, Inspiredu inherited the history, tradition, and passion of the PowerMyLearning Greater Atlanta’s Regional team.

In this 14-year old “start-up,” a group of talented and dedicated volunteer board members, which include leaders in business and technology, formed the inaugural board of Inspiredu ensuring a strong foundation. The journey to Inspiredu is a reflection of the organization’s monumental growth: new programming that increased community impact and a more strategic focus on how that impact is amplified. Moreover, they are continuing to bring the technology, support, and volunteer opportunities to the community needs.

The legacy of Inspiredu is to be a key connector that drives digital inclusion by bringing families together, supporting digital literacy and the STEM career pipeline while serving through a collaborative community approach year-round. The history of Inspiredu’s programming and flexibility of their evolved work has laid the foundation for the team to build on their successes and address the unique challenges the future brings.