For many Juma youth, access to technology is a barrier they must overcome in order to achieve their education and career goals. A computer can be a necessity to attend school, do school work, put in job applications, or even attend virtual job interviews–but the cost for a PC can be hundreds to thousands of dollars. The addition of a microphone, headphones, and software like Microsoft Office can drive the price even higher. When volunteers from T-Mobile, longtime supporters of Juma Seattle, realized they could do something to fill in those gaps, a team hit the ground running. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of both individual T-Mobile volunteers and the T-Mobile Foundation, in May of this year Juma Seattle unveiled their brand new state-of-the-art Tech Lab.

The plan for how to create this dedicated space for Juma youth began with T-Mobile volunteers Jennifer Sorrells, Glenn Joslin, Michael Dennis, Jeff Hunter, and Greg Kane. Together, they worked with Juma Seattle staff to understand the needs of Juma youth and put together a proposal. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of the T-Mobile Foundation, the proposal was funded and they got down to work creating a unique environment where Juma youth can access technology as well as relax and work one-on-one with Juma staff. 

Volunteers and Juma staff put in long hours to transform the Juma Seattle office; from painting walls to moving in new furniture and mounting smart TVs, they personally tackled each 

task to give Juma Seattle youth a space that is truly their own. From smart boards where staff can lead trainings to several pairs of top-of-the-line wireless headphones and even a fridge filled with drinks and a snack cabinet, the new space is a comfortable environment to learn and connect.

“This is really a game changer for us because it opens the doors to so many things young people can do here in our space,” explains Lainie Farmer, Juma Seattle Site Director. “The new computers are perfect for multiple young people to be working on projects or job applications at the same time, and having them in our space means more opportunities for them to connect with us and with each other.”

T-Mobile volunteers even found a local muralist to paint a wall-sized image of the Juma logo surrounded by tattoo-esque floral designs, making the new tech lab a beautiful as well as functional place to work. From learning job skills to the occasional karaoke party–the smart boards are good for more than just teaching–access to this technology will make a profound impact for Juma Seattle youth.

“We are so grateful to our supporters at T-Mobile for their dedication to Seattle youth. Our partnership with T-Mobile is especially meaningful as it began years ago when T-Mobile volunteers worked alongside our youth and learned firsthand about the impact we have in their lives,” remarked Juma CEO, Adriane Armstrong. “Now we are once again coming together in a new space and are beyond thrilled that Juma Seattle youth will be able to develop their skills so that they can take the next steps on their career journeys with confidence in our brand new tech lab.”