Mayor Tishaura O. Jones Opens First of Four Digital Learning Labs in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO – Today, at the Tandy Recreation Center, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones unveiled the first of four new Digital Learning Labs. These labs will provide St. Louis residents of all ages with the opportunity to learn essential computer skills that will set them up for success in today’s digital world.
“It’s crucial that we remove barriers to today’s digital world,” stated Mayor Jones. “We cannot afford to exclude those who are at risk of getting left behind. Digital inclusion, like this, can help students keep up with school, make it easier for St. Louisans to access city services or pay their taxes, and even assist those looking for employment in finding jobs.”
The City of St. Louis is taking action to bridge the digital divide by creating and establishing technology labs at four selected Recreation Centers. The goal is to provide residents with equitable access to computers, internet connectivity, digital literacy training, and one-on-one assistance from digital navigators. This initiative aims to remove the barriers to internet access and digital literacy, ensuring that every resident in St. Louis has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive.
The Learning Labs are a collaboration between the St. Louis Development Corporation and the City of St. Louis. This partnership includes coordination between the Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry, Information Technology Service Agency, and the Board of Public Service. The technology equipment for the Learning Lab at Tandy Recreation Center was generously donated by the BJC Foundation through a partnership with Dell Technologies and AHEAD. NPower will staff the in-person Community Help Desk and provide digital navigators at all four Learning Labs located at Tandy, Wohl, 12th & Park, and Marquette recreation centers. The remaining three learning labs are expected to open in April, with specific dates yet to be finalized.
“Investing in digital equity programs, like digital learning labs, enables residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate in a sector that is vital to success in the 21st century,” stated SLDC President and CEO Neal Richardson.
The Tandy Learning Lab will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays.
The creation of digital learning labs is one of the 10 projects identified in the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which was created in collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and SLDC in 2023. These digital inclusion efforts have earned the City recognition as a 2024 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
