On October 22, 2024, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC), in partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), celebrated the grand opening of the Hartwell Tech Lab. This new state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire innovation and enhance learning through access to cutting-edge technology.
The lab, made possible by a generous donation from Mark Pfau, is equipped with desktops, laptops, iPads, color printing, and a 3D printer. Open to the entire community, it offers resources for both recreational and educational use. Local residents can now engage with technology for job applications, research, and 3D design, while students and seniors can enjoy a variety of tailored programs. ABC will host afterschool programs focused on coding, STEM, drones, and 3D printing, offering Hartwell Elementary students hands-on experience with emerging technologies.
Cyril Martin, Resource Coordinator at Hartwell Elementary, emphasized the importance of the lab’s accessibility: “We’re building opportunities for our students to develop skills that will empower them for the future.”
Sally Grimes, Executive Director of ABC, shared the significance of this project. “Our goal is to ensure that all children in Cincinnati Public Schools have the same opportunities as those in wealthier districts,” she explained. “Technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, for work, and for staying connected in our communities.”
The Hartwell Tech Lab is not just for students. Seniors aged 50+ will have access to computer skills and genealogy classes. “This is a place for everyone in the community,” Grimes added. “We’re bridging the digital divide one step at a time.”
The grand opening concluded with excitement and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter for technological empowerment in Hartwell. Council member Anna Albi captured the sentiment perfectly: “This is more than just a tech lab—it’s an opportunity for young and old alike to learn, grow, and dream bigger than ever before.”
