These 4 community centers to receive upgrades, improved access to new technology for Memphis youth

What’s happening: Four community centers located throughout Memphis have been announced as beneficiaries of a new partnership formed between the City of Memphis and Amazon, the latter of which has contributed $50,000 to a program intending to provide Memphis youth with more safe spaces for recreation and better access to technology.

What it is: The program, Safe Tech and Rec Spaces’ powered by Amazon, will benefit the Glenview Community Center, Orange Mound Community Center, Raleigh Community Center, and Westwood Community Center. Renovations and improved programming will be made at each community center, with an emphasis placed on upgrading computer labs and improving recreation spaces for young Memphians.

Why it is: The City of Memphis’ Office of Youth Services engaged with young people at neighborhood community centers throughout the city, gathering their feedback to identify root causes of juvenile crime, and how to reduce it. Upgraded computer labs and recreation centers were among the top strategies identified. The contribution from Amazon comes as part of the company’s community engagement efforts in Memphis, Shelby County, and Tennessee at large.

What they’re saying: “This investment from our friends at Amazon will help kick off our efforts to incorporate gaming and technology into our centers,” says Nick Walker, City of Memphis Parks Director. “Donations like this help us to expand the types of programming we have in our centers.”