Future Opens Cutting-Edge STEM Lab for Atlanta Students
By: Adonis Armstrong
Grammy award-winning rapper Future has consistently demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the Atlanta community, with initiatives such as hosting a Christmas shopping spree, renovating his high school's weight room, and establishing a scholarship for incoming college freshmen. His most recent endeavor focuses on providing students in Atlanta with the necessary skills and resources to pursue successful careers in STEM fields.
Collaborating with the Freewishes Foundation, the acclaimed rapper known as Future Hendrix has opened a cutting-edge STEM lab aimed at providing Atlanta students with exceptional learning opportunities. This state of the art facility offers interactive classes and mentorship programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, promoting access to often neglected areas of study in underserved communities. Situated in Bessie Branham Park, Kirkwood, the same neighborhood where Future himself grew up, the lab is committed to supporting aspiring students who aspire to pursue careers in STEM.
The I Am A Dreamer S.T.E.A.M. Lab was revealed by the foundation, providing an exclusive sneak peek that was shared through a heartfelt Instagram post, which can be seen below. “Our soft opening was nothing short of amazing, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that this will have on the community,” the caption stated. “We’re so excited to be able to share our new sleek and innovative lab with the students of Atlanta. The kids in the Kirkwood area will now have the opportunity to receive access to S.T.E.A.M. education.”
“It’s important that all students receive access to STEM education regardless of their background,”the rapper stated, per AfroTech. “Our Freewishes Foundation, with the support of the 2K Foundations, has helped make this possible in our Atlanta community. We’re thankful for their commitment to support our initiative.”
Sharing a similar viewpoint, Tia Wilburn, Executive Director of the Freewishes Foundation and sister of Future, expressed the logic behind incorporating arts education into the lab's curriculum alongside science and math, as commonly known as STEAM. Wilburn emphasized the importance of offering a well-rounded educational experience that recognizes the value of creativity and artistic expression within STEM disciplines.
“We are creating a science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics lab as an extension of Freewishes’ educational initiative,” Wilburn shared. “We wanted to add art because both Future and I support creativity.”
“Our objective in providing educational opportunities is to ensure inclusive and quality education for all students regardless of income and background,” she continued. “There is a major gap in STEM education that impacts marginalized communities, and we want to close that gap so that no child is left behind.”
It's dope that Future and his team are giving back to their community. That's what it's all about: giving back and providing necessary tools for Black and Brown kids to thrive.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Meet Adonis Armstrong, Co-Founder & President of 247 Live Culture!
Email: Adonis@247LiveCulture.com