📍 Baltimore, Maryland · Nonprofit STEM Education

Building Brighter Futures
Through STEM Education

Innovative Initiatives delivers hands-on digital literacy and STEM programs to youth, adults, and seniors throughout Maryland.

1,000+
Students served
3
Program tracks
$0
Cost for those in need
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Our Programs
Youth, adult, and senior STEM tracks with take-home computers and internet access.
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Our Impact
Real stories from Baltimore community members whose lives changed through technology education.
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Partner With Us
Foundations, corporations, and individuals investing in Baltimore's digital future.
Innovative Initiatives
Who We Are

Maryland's Most Inclusive STEM Nonprofit

Our Mission

Closing the Digital Divide in Baltimore

Innovative Initiatives Inc. is a Baltimore-based nonprofit delivering community-driven, hands-on STEM and Digital Literacy education to everyone — from children discovering computers for the first time to seniors navigating telehealth appointments.

We believe that technology access is a right, not a privilege. No one is turned away due to financial hardship. From your first day of class to your first day of employment, we guide you every step of the way.

Our hands-on approach ensures participants gain practical, real-world digital skills that open doors to employment, healthcare, education, and civic participation.

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Inclusive Access

Technology education for all — no prior experience or financial means required.

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Hands-On Learning

Students build real computers, write real code, and leave with workplace-ready skills.

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Workforce Ready

Graduates receive certifications, equipment, and a clear pathway to employment.

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Community First

100% focused on underserved Baltimore neighborhoods with limited technology access.

Our Impact by the Numbers

1,000+
Students empowered
3
Program tracks
24–56
Hours per program
$0
Cost for those in need
Innovative Initiatives Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
See It In Action
Inside Our Classrooms

Every session is hands-on, community-driven, and built around our students' real needs. See what learning looks like at Innovative Initiatives.

Innovative Initiatives graduation — students holding certificates of completion
Graduation Day 🎓
Program Graduate holding his Certificate of Completion at his completed PC
Program Graduate — Certificate of Completion
Adam Hocker with his Certificate of Completion
Adam Hocker — Certificate of Completion
Two young students collaborating to build a computer
Student with locs carefully assembling PC components
Teen connecting power supply wiring during PC build
Young student building a PC at the Innovative Initiatives classroom
Multiple youth building computers side by side
Teen with locs assembling a gaming PC build
Student sitting at his completed custom PC build
Young student typing on keyboard at completed PC
Overhead view of students building PCs
Student installing components into RGB PC case
Build Your Own Computer Week 1 slide — Innovative Initiatives curriculum

Innovative Initiatives · PC Building Program · Baltimore, MD

Innovative Initiatives
Our Programs

Empowering Every Age Through STEM

Customized, hands-on training for all skill levels — from first-time computer users to emerging tech professionals.

Youth student in Innovative Initiatives program
Youth · Ages 10–18

Future Builders

Young learners assemble a full PC from scratch, take it home, and receive one year of internet access — launching their digital future on day one.

  • Build a complete computer from components
  • Take home the finished PC
  • 1 year of home internet included
  • Max 10 learners per cohort
32 Hours8 weeks · Saturdays
Student wiring PC components at Innovative Initiatives
Adults · All Levels

Connected Futures

A two-part program — digital literacy training followed by hands-on PC building — giving adults the skills and tools to access jobs, healthcare, and education.

  • Part 1: Digital Literacy 101 (24 hrs, 4 wks)
  • Part 2: Build Your Own PC (32 hrs, 4 wks)
  • Workforce & employment focus
  • Take-home computer + 1-year internet
56 Hours8 weeks total
Senior participant in Innovative Initiatives Digital Horizons program
Seniors · 65+

Digital Horizons

A supportive, judgment-free environment giving seniors the confidence to video-call family, manage healthcare online, and stay connected to their community.

  • Video calling & staying connected
  • Telehealth & online banking
  • Cybersecurity & online safety
  • Patient, encouraging instructors
24 Hours4 weeks
Course Catalog

Digital Literacy 101 & Beyond

Every course is built around practical, real-world application — skills students use immediately.

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Digital Literacy 101: Tech Confidence for Everyday Life

Computer hardware, Windows navigation, internet & email, Microsoft Office, cybersecurity, telehealth, and online banking.

BeginnerAdults & SeniorsOpen Enrollment
24 hrs4 weeks
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Future Builders: Youth Tech & PC Masterclass

PC components, assembly, hardware troubleshooting, digital creativity. Students take home a built computer plus one year of internet.

YouthAges 10–18Computer Included
32 hrs8 weeks
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Tech Empowerment Lab: Build Your Own Computer

Adult learners select components, assemble a custom PC, install the OS, and take it home with one year of internet access.

AdultsAll LevelsComputer + Internet
32 hrs4 weeks
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AI & Cybersecurity Foundations

AI concepts, cybersecurity principles, threat awareness, and digital safety. Industry certification pathway included.

AdultsIntermediateLaunching Soon
TBDUpcoming
Access Learning Portal ↗
Emerging Technology

New & Upcoming Courses

Cutting-edge programs designed to prepare our community for the careers and skills of tomorrow — from AI to 3D printing to virtual reality.

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Youth & Young Adults · Ages 16–24

Generative AI Foundations

An immersive, industry-recognized program teaching the essentials of Generative AI — from prompt engineering to ethical AI use. Participants earn the Certiport Generative AI Foundations Certification, a nationally recognized credential valid for 5 years, backed by Pearson VUE.

🏆 Certiport Industry Certification Included
  • Generative AI vs. traditional AI & search engines
  • Prompt engineering — text, image & video creation
  • Advanced prompting: context, persona & reverse prompting
  • Ethics, bias, legal & societal impacts of AI
  • Career pathways in AI across all industries
  • Demand for AI skills has grown 1,848% since 2022
Certification: Certiport Generative AI Foundations · Powered by Pearson VUE · Valid 5 years · Ages 14+ · No degree required
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Adults · All Levels

Generative AI for Adults

Practical, career-focused AI training for adults at any skill level. Participants earn the Certiport Generative AI Foundations Certification — a nationally recognized credential valued across every industry from healthcare and legal to marketing, IT, and business.

🏆 Certiport Industry Certification Included
  • Using AI tools for work, business & productivity
  • Writing, summarizing & automating tasks with AI
  • Prompt engineering for professional use
  • AI for small business & entrepreneurship
  • Ethics, data privacy & responsible AI use
  • Brand-agnostic — works across all AI platforms
Certification: Certiport Generative AI Foundations · Powered by Pearson VUE · Valid 5 years · No prerequisites required
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Youth · Ages 10–18

3D Printing & Design Lab

Young makers learn to design, prototype, and print real 3D objects — from concept to creation. Every participant calibrates and operates their own printer throughout the program and takes it home at graduation.

🖨️ Take-Home 3D Printer Included
  • Introduction to 3D design software
  • Understanding filament, materials & settings
  • Design and print original projects
  • Real-world applications in engineering & medicine
  • Each graduate takes home their 3D printer
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Youth & Adults

Meta Virtual Reality Experience

Explore immersive technology through Meta VR headsets — from virtual workplaces and education environments to design and collaboration in the metaverse. Each participant takes home their VR glasses at program completion.

🥽 Take-Home VR Glasses Included
  • Introduction to virtual & augmented reality
  • Meta Quest setup & navigation
  • VR in education, healthcare & workforce
  • Building & exploring virtual environments
  • Each graduate takes home their VR headset
Training Partnerships & Enrollment

Partner With Us to Train Your Community

Whether you want to enroll in Digital Literacy training or bring our programs to your organization's facility — we'd love to connect.

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Digital Literacy 101 — Enroll Now

Ready to build your digital skills? Complete our interest form and our team will reach out within 1–2 business days to discuss enrollment, scheduling, and available cohorts at our Baltimore facility.

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Bring Training to Your Facility

Is your organization interested in hosting a Digital Literacy cohort? We can bring our instructors and curriculum to your location — or you can send participants to train at our Baltimore facility. Let's build a plan together.

Innovative Initiatives
Impact Stories

Lives Changed, Skills Built

Real members of our Baltimore community whose lives changed through technology education.

Program graduate holding Certificate of Completion at Innovative Initiatives

I built my own gaming computer from scratch and I get to take it home. I never thought I could do something like this!

Future Builders Graduate
Youth PC Build Program · Baltimore, MD
Youth participants working with PC components at Innovative Initiatives

Every student gets hands-on time with real hardware — GPUs, motherboards, and components — learning by doing from day one.

Future Builders Students
PC Build Lab · Baltimore, MD
Young student building a PC case at Innovative Initiatives

Our youngest builders learn the same skills as professionals — screwdrivers, components, and all. No shortcuts, just real hands-on learning.

Future Builders Student
Youth PC Build Program · Baltimore, MD
For Funders & Partners

Invest in Digital Equity for Baltimore

Your investment launches careers, bridges the digital divide, and strengthens underserved Baltimore communities.

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Measurable Outcomes

We track employment rates, certifications, and community reach — full transparency for every dollar.

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Underserved Community Focus

100% of participants come from low-to-moderate income neighborhoods with limited technology access.

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Tangible Deliverables

Graduates leave with a computer, internet access, and certification — assets that outlast the program.

Become a Funding Partner

Whether you're a foundation, corporation, or individual donor — there are meaningful ways to invest in Baltimore's digital future.

Make a Donation ↗
Innovative Initiatives Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Experience Our Curriculum

See What Our Students Learn to Build

This vocabulary game was built using the same coding and logic skills taught in our programs. Try it — then imagine what your investment helps students create.

Curriculum Demo — Built with JavaScript & HTML · STEM vocabulary · Type or click to play

Category:

Innovative Initiatives
Our Leadership

Board of Directors

Community leaders, educators, and technology professionals committed to digital equity throughout Maryland.

Jay Roy - Board Chair
Jay Roy
Board Chair
CEO, OMNI Technologies, LLC

Jay Roy is the founder and CEO of OMNI Technologies, now in its 11th year. A U.S. Army Service-Disabled Veteran with more than 20 years in government contracting, Jay has served the DoD and intelligence communities with a focus on Army Intel and R&D. A serial entrepreneur with a background in System Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Software Development, he has diversified OMNI's portfolio to include Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, DevSecOps, and Logistics. Outside of work, Jay is a husband, father, and mentor who serves on several community and industry boards.

Harold L. Booker Jr. - Vice Chair
Harold L. Booker Jr.
Vice Chair
Principal Consultant, DrewJenk Consulting

Harold Booker Jr. is a tech leader and the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, where he serves clients including the California High Speed Rail, Clemson University, Creatively Black Baltimore, and the Greater Baltimore Urban League. Previously, he spent a decade in the construction industry implementing software and change management for K-12, higher education, and government clients. A native of Beaumont, Texas, and a Morehouse College graduate, Harold is a certified Project Management Professional and Certified Scrum Master, and a member of the National Urban League, 100 Black Men, and the Morehouse Alumni Association.

Jenaee Mitchell
Jenaee Mitchell
Treasurer
CFO, Mayorga Organics

Jenaee Mitchell is a seasoned financial executive with 17 years of experience in accounting and a proven record of fiscal leadership across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Since 2019, she has served as Chief Financial Officer, bringing strategic financial oversight and operational discipline to every organization she leads. With more than seven years of dedicated board service as Treasurer for multiple nonprofits, Jenaee specializes in compliance and financial management, ensuring the organizations she serves operate with integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

JL
Javen Lacy
Program Coordinator
Innovative Initiatives, Inc.

Javen Lacy serves as Program Coordinator for Innovative Initiatives, supporting the day-to-day operations of our STEM and Digital Literacy programs throughout Baltimore.

Camisha Beverly - Community Outreach
Camisha Beverly
Board Member
Managing Director, Per Scholas

Camisha Beverly is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in marketing, training, development, and entrepreneurship across industries including radio, advertising, and education. As Managing Director at Per Scholas, a national nonprofit providing no-cost tech career training, she drives the organization's mission forward in Baltimore by engaging community partners and funders focused on economic equity. A master relationship-builder and strong advocate for non-traditional education pathways, Camisha is dedicated to championing inclusivity, equity, and expanded access to opportunity for individuals overcoming geographic, financial, and personal barriers.

James Mitchell - Executive Director
James E. Mitchell Jr.
Founder & Executive Director
Founder & Executive Director, Innovative Initiatives Inc. · CEO, Reasonable Tech Solutions Inc.

James E. Mitchell Jr. is the Founder and Executive Director of Innovative Initiatives Inc. and the CEO of Reasonable Tech Solutions Inc. A leader in network security, helpdesk, and IT services for more than 20 years, James founded Reasonable Tech Solutions in 2013, supporting businesses and nonprofits across the Mid-Atlantic with helpdesk and advanced security solutions including CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance. In 2015, he founded Innovative Initiatives Inc. to bridge the digital divide through hands-on workforce training in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and PC building for underserved youth and adults throughout Baltimore.

Tershea Rice
Tershea Rice
Secretary
CEO, Greater Baltimore Urban League

Tershea Rice is a U.S. Navy Veteran and dynamic leader with over two decades of experience blending administrative expertise with a passion for human resources. As CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, she has helped the organization assist more than 1,500 individuals through innovative programs and comprehensive support services. A proud Baltimorean, entrepreneur, and host of the Voices of the People podcast, Tershea is a tireless advocate for civil rights, women's rights, health, and educational equity.

Join Our Board

Lend Your Expertise to Our Mission

We welcome individuals with expertise in education, technology, law, finance, or community development who share our commitment to digital equity in Baltimore.

Support Our Work
Get In Touch

Let's Build Something Together

Whether you're a student ready to enroll, a funder, or a partner — we'd love to hear from you.

Innovative Initiatives Inc.

We're here to help with enrollment, funding partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and general inquiries. We respond within 1–2 business days.

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LocationBaltimore, Maryland

Innovative Initiatives Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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