A new technology lab backed by former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald opened June 23 in Watts, offering coding, engineering and artificial intelligence training to local middle and high school students.
The FROST TECH Lab, located at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s Family Source Center, resulted from a partnership between Heart of Los Angeles and The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. The lab serves students in grades 6-12 with hands-on STEAM education – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics – including digital media and engineering courses.
The facility aims to bridge the digital divide in Watts by providing technology education access in a community where such resources have been limited, potentially opening career pathways in high-paying tech fields for local youth.
Heart of Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization providing after-school and summer programs to youth in underserved Los Angeles communities. Fitzgerald, who played 17 seasons in the NFL primarily with the Arizona Cardinals, established his foundation to support youth development and educational initiatives.
Programming at the new facility includes courses from The Hidden Genius Project, which provides technology training and leadership development specifically for Black male youth. The organization is expanding its services into the Watts community through this partnership.
“This partnership bridges the digital divide in Watts, creating new pathways in tech for local youth,” said Tony Brown, CEO of Heart of Los Angeles, during the June 23 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The lab opened at the WLCAC Family Source Center, 1212 E. 108th Street. Watts Labor Community Action Committee has provided social services and community development programs in Watts since 1965.
Fitzgerald, founder of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, attended the opening along with Danielle Frost, the foundation’s executive director. Brandon Nicholson, CEO of The Hidden Genius Project, also participated in the ceremony.
The facility provides access to technology education in a community where such resources have been limited. Students can learn programming languages, explore artificial intelligence applications and develop digital media skills through structured courses.
Frost said the lab represents a long-term investment in educational equity for Watts residents. The foundation selected the location to ensure programming reaches students in their own community rather than requiring travel to distant facilities.
The lab’s opening addresses gaps in technology education access that particularly affect low-income communities of color. Students can participate in after-school and summer programming designed to prepare them for technology careers.
Community leaders and program partners joined local youth at the opening ceremony. The event included demonstrations of the lab’s equipment and presentations about available programming.
The partnership plans to expand offerings based on student interest and community needs. Initial courses focus on foundational technology skills while advanced students can pursue specialized training in areas like artificial intelligence and digital media production.
Students interested in participating can contact Heart of Los Angeles for enrollment information and program schedules.
