A sneak peak of Russell neighborhoods future tech center

On April 21, 2025, the Amped Tech and Learning Center gave a sneak peak in the Russell neighborhood, offering the community a first look at what promises to be a game-changing space for technology training, career development, and economic opportunity. For those who walked through its doors that day, it was clear: this isn’t just another building—it’s the next big step in Amped’s mission to empower families and strengthen communities.

The full three-story, 13,000-square-foot space is still under construction and set to open in full this fall. Located at 1701 W Market Street, the center sits right in the heart of Russell, which is a community that’s long felt the sting of disinvestment but is now seeing signs of meaningful renewal. Amped’s presence there isn’t just about offering services; it’s about building hope and creating long-term change.

The organization is a certified CompTIA training site, offering industry-recognized credentials like MS-102, Azure 900, CompTIA A+, and more. These certifications help set students up for jobs that start at $40,000 a year and lead to even greater opportunities down the line. The center also provides services like job placement, financial coaching, and support for overcoming common barriers since Amped knows success isn’t just about training; it’s about the full picture.

One highlight of the event was the Community Wall, where guests were invited to sign their names and “leave their mark” on this next chapter in Amped’s story. It was a simple but powerful moment, reminding everyone in the room that this isn’t just Amped’s space, it belongs to the entire community.  The center will eventually house a business accelerator, an early childhood learning partner, and even a gift shop showcasing local entrepreneurs. It’s a one-stop hub for education, family support, and small business growth—all under one roof.

With backing from key partners like Louisville Metro Government and the CE&S Foundation, the Amped Tech and Learning Center is already making waves. Once the full space opens later this year, it’s set to become a cornerstone of opportunity in a part of the city that deserves nothing less.

What started back in May 2014 as a free music academy for kids has grown into one of Louisville’s most impactful nonprofits. Amped began by giving children ages 8 to 18 a safe and creative space to express themselves through music. The team quickly realized that helping kids succeed meant supporting their families too. That understanding sparked the launch of Amped’s technology training program helping parents gain the skills needed for stable, well-paying jobs in a growing industry. Then came the business incubator, offering another path toward generational wealth. In just a decade, Amped has evolved into a family-first, community-powered ecosystem. One of the key features of the new center is the Amped Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI)—a state-of-the-art space built specifically to help Black and Latinx entrepreneurs grow and launch businesses in West Louisville. RTBI offers more than just office space; it provides real support for early-stage startups, including business development training, coaching, assessments, and access to capital. Entrepreneurs accepted into the year-long incubator program receive certificate-level business education from colleges and universities, covering essentials like marketing, pricing, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

What sets RTBI apart is its holistic approach. Participants get access not only to expert startup coaches, but also to mental health counseling and wraparound services that acknowledge the real-life barriers many founders face. It’s not about comparing progress to others—it’s about tracking your own growth, from where you started to where you’re headed. Amped’s goal is for RTBI to become a national model within the next few years—one that proves what’s possible when you invest in communities and create space for economic mobility, independence, and ownership. To learn more about Amped’s programs or how to get involved, visit www.ampedlouisville.org.