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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Power Up USA

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PowerUP USA is the leader in providing art, media, and technology education to youth and adults

PowerUP USA is the leader in providing art, media, science and technology education to in and out of school youth and low-income adults. Since 1997 we have trained more than 2200 youth and adults in the areas of art, technology, media, and entrepreneurship. The digital divide has caused many disadvantaged youths to be 5-10 years behind in technology advancements and because of cost, families in urban communities are the least likely to be exposed to the technology needed to compete in the 21st century. We are committed to staying on the cutting edge of STEM education and workforce development training. We continue to research best models for delivering proven teaching methods and are working to develop partnerships with industry leaders and employers to empower our students with the skills for success.

10/09/2026

After three years serving as a consultant for the AfroSouth Film Festival, I’m pleased to step into a new role this year—sharing what I’ve learned through a special AfroSouth Kreative Kitchen Master Class.

Join me for “Scoring Films with AI” to learn how filmmakers can use AI tools to turn creative ideas into powerful music that brings stories to life.

Meeting Street Visitors Center
375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
🗓 Friday, October 9, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM!

10/05/2026

Power Up USA is proud to celebrate our latest Learn2Earn graduates from Mt. Zion Christian Ministries!

These graduates committed themselves to strengthening their digital skills, building confidence with technology, and learning tools that can help them stay connected, access opportunities, and succeed in today’s digital world.

A huge THANK YOU to Pastor Jonathan J. Chisholm for opening the doors and partnering with Power Up USA to bring technology training and resources directly to the Church.

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09/30/2026

The response to the Power Up USA Learn 2 Earn Program at the CLT Airport Resource Fair was incredible!

Nearly 180 people completed interest forms to participate in our upcoming training cohorts. With only 40 total slots available — 20 participants in each cohort — the response shows the tremendous demand for technology training, career development, and opportunities to move forward.

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, shared their story, and expressed interest in Learn 2 Earn.

A very special THANK YOU to Donna Rentz, who introduced me to our host, The Heart of CLT, and to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for welcoming Power Up USA and giving us the opportunity to connect directly with members of the airport community.

Because of the overwhelming response, our team will now review the interest forms to select participants for the two upcoming cohorts.

✈️ 180 Interest Forms
💻 40 Available Slots
👥 2 Cohorts
✅ 20 Participants Per Cohort
🚀 Technology Training + Career Development

Power Up USA is committed to creating workforce development pathways, removing barriers, and helping people move forward through technology.

09/10/2026

Power Up USA is proud to celebrate another group of Learn2Earn graduates!

Congratulations to participants from the Mecklenburg County Government Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nutrition Program at Sugarcreek, along with members of Ebenezer Baptist Church, who successfully completed the Learn2Earn technology training program.

08/29/2026

We are proud to celebrate another successful PowervUpvUSA Learn 2 Earn graduation! This group was recruited with support from Charlotte City Councilwoman Renee Perkins Johnson, Council District 4, and Triumph Services, as part of our commitment to ensuring people with disabilities in our city have greater access to technology, digital skills, and workforce opportunities.

Early in the program, however, we realized our traditional training model wasn't meeting every participant's needs. We listened—and we pivoted.

We incorporated Reasonable Accommodations and Assistive Technology (AT) tools into the curriculum and adjusted how we delivered the training.

The transformation was powerful.

A special thank you to disability advocate Judith Elise Brown and Maria Paula Cepeda, Mecklenburg County Program Coordinator for Age Friendly, for joining us and encouraging our students as they pursue their workforce development goals. Having advocates and community leaders remind participants that their talents, abilities, and goals matter is an important part of the journey.

Access. Accommodation. Empowerment. Workforce Opportunity.

08/16/2026

Now that the Stellar Awards are over, Charlotte is getting ready for the next major celebration of Black creativity, storytelling, film, music, fashion, and culture.

CHARLOTTE BLACK FILM WEEK
May 28 – June 5, 2027
Charlotte, North Carolina

For eight days, Charlotte will become a destination for filmmakers, creators, industry professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and film lovers—with experiences and activations throughout the city.
🎥 Powerful Films & Screenings
🎤 Panels & Conversations
💡 Pitch ME Competition
👗 Fashion of Film
🎶 Music in Film
🎓 NextGen Youth Film Festival
🏫 HBCU Film Competition
🤝 Networking & Industry Connections
🏆 Red Carpet Vision Awards
…and much more!

Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Impact.

This is bigger than a film festival. THIS IS BLACK FILM WEEK. STAY CONNECTED & GET ALL UPDATES: https://link.linkvine.net/widget/form/uGtytPZZBf0Zj7vSHB88

08/13/2026

Day 2 at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) was another inspiring day filled with powerful storytelling and meaningful conversations.

I had the opportunity to watch the outstanding film "Soul Patrol," followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring Director J.M. Harper, Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and moderator Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Their conversation highlighted the importance of preserving history, amplifying untold stories, and using film as a catalyst for change.

The day continued at the Lincoln Lounge, where I enjoyed hearing from content creators, filmmakers, and industry leaders sharing their experiences, insights, and vision for the future of storytelling.

I'm leaving each session with fresh inspiration and new ideas that will help shape the future of the Charlotte Black Film Festival.

08/04/2026

TONIGHT! Come out and celebrate community, connection, and safety at Historic Washington Heights National Night Out 2026!

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Ritz at Washington Heights
1201 Beatties Ford Road @ Tate Street
📞 Info: 704-375-1053

Bring the whole family for an evening of:

🎬 Film
🎶 Music
🛍️ Voter Registration and Local Vendors
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
🍿 FREE Popcorn, Chips, Drinks, Snacks & Ice Pops

Meet your neighbors, connect with local organizations, and spend an evening building stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement while celebrating everything that makes Historic Washington Heights such a special community.

Together, we're building safer neighborhoods, stronger relationships, and a more connected Charlotte. Through the Charlotte Black Film Festival's Community Engagement Initiative, we believe that film, arts, culture, and meaningful conversations can bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire positive change throughout our community.

Proudly supported by the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF).

Stronger Together. Safer Together.

07/30/2026

🎉 Another Milestone Achieved! 🎉

Power Up USA is proud to celebrate the successful completion of our seventh Learn 2 Earn training Cohort in partnership with the City of Charlotte Government

Congratulations to the amazing graduates from the Bettie Rae Recreation Center in Charlotte, NC. These inspiring seniors, participants in the Mecklenburg County Nutrition Program, embraced the opportunity to strengthen their digital skills and prepare for today's technology-driven world.

As part of the Learn 2 Earn program, each graduate successfully completed the training and received a brand-new laptop or Tablet to continue learning, stay connected, and confidently navigate the digital economy.

A heartfelt thank you to the City of Charlotte Government, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, the Mecklenburg County Nutrition Program, and our dedicated team for making this achievement possible.

07/01/2026

Today, I want to take a moment to honor and thank Mayor Vi Lyles for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to the City of Charlotte.

Mayor Lyles has been more than a public official; she has been a leader who showed up for the community. I am grateful for the support she has shown to the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Power Up USA, and the many community conversations held at the Power Up USA Creative Studios.

Her presence at our events reminded us that arts, culture, youth development, and community empowerment are important parts of Charlotte’s future. She has led with grace, strength, and a genuine heart for people.

As she leaves office today, we say thank you for your service, your example, and your investment in our city. Your legacy will continue through the people and communities you have touched.

Thank you, Mayor Vi Lyles. Charlotte is better because of your leadership.

Address

Charlotte, NC
28233

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.powerupusa.org/

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