The SoLa Beehive complex, 92,000 square feet of Black-owned companies, art galleries, and, presently, a technology and entrepreneurship centre, is located in the centre of South Los Angeles.

The SoLa Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre Powered by Riot Games had its official inauguration on August 11. The centre offers the residents of South Los Angeles free technical education. The 13,000-square-foot facility includes an esports and gaming arena outfitted with 40 high-end gaming PCs, a broadcast studio, and a 5v5 competitive stage. It was partially funded by a $2.25 million grant from Riot to the SoLa I CAN Foundation.

“Our mantra is that ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’” Sherri Francois, chief impact officer at SoLa Impact, said in a statement. “For the community we serve, it’s about providing exposure and access. Most of our kids are unaware of what is available to them. So the first thing is to open their eyes and expose them to people, places, and experiences they will not have access to in their everyday lives. We also want to build a community through technology and gaming so that kids have ownership, are empowered to keep learning, and eventually build a pipeline of talent in the tech industry.”

Source: Riot Games