Eight Eleven Foundation Advances Digital Learning with Updated Computer Lab
Eight Eleven Foundation Partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis
As part of Eight Eleven’s Quarterly Impact, we select a national non-profit organization each quarter to support as we drive meaningful change in the communities we serve. For Q1 of 2025, our People of Color Connections Group helped identify the Boys & Girls Club as the perfect partner. In addition to providing financial funding to local clubs across six of our markets nationwide, Eight Eleven employees also volunteered their time through various service projects. Here in Indianapolis, IN, home to our corporate headquarters, the market collaborated with the Boys & Girls Club’s Wheeler-Dowe location. During our early visits, the center’s computer lab stood out as a space that would benefit most from the Foundation’s investment. As an organization that emerged from the IT consulting industry, we understand how important computer literacy is for success in any career in the modern world. This is why we were especially excited to both refresh the center’s outdated equipment and transform the room into a more intentional, student-focused learning environment.
“Computer literacy is an essential tool and has become the backbone of how young people learn, communicate, and eventually navigate their careers. Giving kids access to the most modern technology not only helps them to build confidence with this technology, but also exposes them to skills they will rely on for the rest of their lives.”
- Jake Baldwin – Director of IT at Eight Eleven Group
Pictures of The Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club Before Renovations by Eight Eleven Foundation
Eight Eleven Foundation’s recent involvement with the Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club has transformed how children learn and sparked creativity through the reimagination of their computer lab. Seeing the new space brought a lot of joy to the kids and the Eight Eleven volunteers who helped bring it to life.
“We can’t be strong individually unless the collective is strong. These community partnerships are critical to building pipelines of opportunity that impact the future. Projects like this help build a brighter future for our youth, which will ultimately impact so many areas of our society. It starts with investment now.”
- Nate Browning - VP of Communication, Partnership & Inclusion
Boys & Girls Club Mission
The Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis exists to ensure every young person deserves to live filled with hope and opportunity. Every child deserves a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive, while serving youth from diverse backgrounds. The Boys & Girls Club is often seen as a home away from home for many children, and each club works tirelessly to ensure the evolving needs of the youth and their families are being met.
Nate Browning - VP of Communication, Partnership & Inclusion, and Jake Baldwin - Director of Information Technology and Procurement, shaking hands with the Boys & Girls Club Representative
To many, the computer lab upgrade at the Wheeler-Rowe Boys & Girls Club in Indianapolis goes beyond just a simple computer lab upgrade. It immerses children in a technology-rich environment where they will encounter not only in an educational setting, but also in their professional careers. Being comfortable with technology, as well as the collaboration these shared spaces foster, gives kids the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a space that feels professional and is designed for exploration.
To maximize the space’s impact, the team prioritized new carpet, chairs, paint, and updated technology as the original room had worn flooring, damaged seats, and muted colors. This new environment was more inviting to students and included a custom mural celebrating the Boys & Girls Club’s mission and its ties to the city of Indianapolis.
“The genuine care from Eight Eleven Foundation to provide a better atmosphere and learning experience for our members is immeasurably impactful. Providing them with materials such as technology, furniture, and a better aesthetic atmosphere by repainting the room and new carpeting made a difference. The members feel it is more welcoming and sets a tone for engagement. It's the little things (but this wasn't a little thing) that make a difference,”
- Rhashaa Price – Director of Wheeler Dowe Boys & Girls Club
Kids From the Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club Enjoy the New Computer Lab Atmosphere with New Technology, And A Revamped Look.
The Power of Showing Up
Rhashaa Price also emphasized that “showing up” is one of the most impactful ways anyone can support the Boys & Girls Club. Face-to-face engagement with youth creates meaningful connections that cannot be easily replicated from a distance. It is about showing these young people that their community cares deeply about their growth and success. And one’s impacts do not have to be limited to just after-school hours. Supporting clubs through supply drives, special events, or weekend activities helps strengthen the foundation that families and youth rely on every day.
Boys & Girls Club Member Utilizing New Computer Lab Technology
One moment that underscored this mindset came when the team delivered the laptops to the kids for the first time. After months of working in an empty lab during the early-morning hours, our Eight Eleven volunteers finally saw the reactions firsthand. The joy, excitement, and genuine gratitude from the kids immediately showed the impact of the Boys & Girls Club on them. Watching the kids immediately dive into the new technology and explore it while connecting with one another showed how powerful access to technology can be.
How Individuals or Teams Can Get Involved
Flexible Ways to Support
Volunteering at Local Clubs
Donating Supplies or Participating in Drives
Supporting Special Events or Seasonal Needs
For Volunteer Steps & Opportunities - bgca.org/get-involved/volunteer/
- Connect with club directors to match interests with needs
- Options for people with limited time but a strong desire to help
As we continue to work toward building stronger communities alongside the Boys & Girls Club, every contribution helps strengthen the shared commitment to the youth and people that we serve. Contributions through Eight Eleven Foundation can help fuel the next chapter: more resources, more access, and more life-changing experiences for young people.
“Strengthening partnerships within the community is part of the grassroots of what our mission is for serving youth. 'Helping them to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,”
- Rhashaa Price – Director of Wheeler Dowe Boys & Girls Club
With further partnership opportunities with the Boys & Girls Club in the works, Eight Eleven Foundation is looking for new ways to make an impact in Indianapolis and cities across the country.