New digital tech hub with 22 computers opens in St. Pete
A brand-new Tech Hub has officially opened at 945 20th Street South in St. Pete, thanks to a collaboration between the Digital Education Foundation (DEF), Mt. Zion Human Services, and Orlando Health. Designed as a community-driven space, the Tech Hub provides refurbished computers and a dedicated digital learning area to help bridge the technology gap for students and families in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Equipped with 22 desktop computers and one laptop — donated through DEF’s technology recycling partner, eSmart Recycling — the Tech Hub will primarily serve as an after-school study center. It will also function as a community tech lab, offering resources and training for all ages.
Providing essential digital resources to those who need it most
“This Tech Hub represents another community internet access point for training and education,” said Veatrice Farrell, chief community officer at the Digital Education Foundation.
The launch is part of DEF’s larger Tech Hub Program, which brings essential digital resources and hands-on training directly to schools, nonprofits, and community centers where access is often limited.
“It is the hope that students and community members will become comfortable with utilizing a desktop and/or laptop as a tool to increase access to additional educational and workforce opportunities,” Farrell said.
Beyond providing access to computers, the Tech Hub aims to empower residents with practical digital skills to support both academic and professional growth.
Tech hub offering digital skills training
“The Tech Hub initially will include digital skills training; training from financial institutions and health care providers,” she added.
The initiative also underscores the power of partnership. With support from Mt. Zion Human Services — a local nonprofit with a longstanding commitment to youth, education, and health — and backing from Orlando Health, the project highlights what’s possible when organizations align around a shared mission.
“After trust is built, there exists opportunities for more collaboration and collective approaches from different sectors in addressing community issues,” said Farrell.
As the new space begins to serve the neighborhood, DEF is focused on measuring its impact and refining the program for long-term success.
Enhancing computer and internet access in St. Pete
“One way to measure impact is the number of individuals that receive training and or attend computer events held at the Tech Hub and to quantify the number of additional organizations that host events and trainings in the space,” Farrell explained.
The Tech Hub officially opened on April 29, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from community leaders, and an open house for local families. The celebration marked not just the unveiling of a new facility — but a step toward a more digitally inclusive future for South St. Petersburg.
