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Press Release: Launching a Legacy: The Genius Lab Arrives at Enoch Davis Center
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – July 1, 2026 – Today marks a tectonic shift in the landscape of South St. Petersburg. STEM Xposure Inc., in a landmark partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, is proud to announce the grand opening of The Genius Lab at the Enoch D. Davis Center.
Here’s the move: we aren't just opening a classroom; we are launching a legacy.
The Assignment: Redefining Tech in South St. Pete
Real talk. For too long, "high-tech" has been a term used for places miles away from our neighborhoods. We’re changing that narrative right now. The Genius Lab is a student-centered, high-octane STEM environment designed specifically for students in grades 6-12. This isn’t a hobby shop. This is an incubator for the next generation of engineers, data scientists, and architects of the future.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch has been vocal about his commitment to intentional equity. By placing The Genius Lab at the heart of the Enoch D. Davis Center (1111 18th Ave S), the city is putting its resources where the talent is. This partnership is the blueprint for how municipalities and nonprofits can scale smarter to serve the youth who need it most.
Why The Genius Lab?
In the modern economy, "knowing about" computers isn't enough. You have to speak the language of the machine. The Genius Lab focuses on Micro-credentials: stackable, industry-recognized certifications that give our students a head start before they even graduate high school.
We aren't just teaching kids to code; we’re teaching them to solve.
What’s inside the lab?
Real-world Robotics: Students build and program autonomous systems that mimic industrial logistics.
Data Science & Mapping: Utilizing GPS coordinates and satellite data to understand urban planning and environmental changes.
Pathways to Careers: Direct mentorship from industry professionals who look like our students. Representation isn't just a buzzword here; it’s the foundation.
The Whole Child Framework: More Than Just Code
We know that a hungry student can't focus on an equation. We know that a stressed student can't innovate. That’s why The Genius Lab operates on the "Whole Child" framework.
This is the assignment: we support the human, not just the student.
Nutrition: Every session includes high-quality nutrition. We’re fueling the body so the mind can run at 100%.
Mental Health & Mindfulness: Being a teenager in 2026 is a lot. We’ve integrated mindfulness and mental health support into the curriculum. We’re building resilience along with robots.
Financial Empowerment: Understanding the math of a bank account is just as critical as understanding the math of an algorithm.
A Legacy of Inclusion
STEM Xposure’s mission has always been to empower minority and underserved youth. By focusing on girls aged 10-17 and students from minority groups, we are filling a gap that the industry has ignored for decades.
Robyn Donaldson, founder of STEM Xposure, believes that curiosity is the greatest natural resource in South St. Pete. "The Genius Lab is the refinery," Donaldson says. "We are taking that raw curiosity and giving it the tools, the math, and the confidence to turn into a career. Forward is the only direction we know."
Industry Spotlight: The Math That Runs the World
Today’s Industry: Geospatial Technology & GPS GPS enables global logistics, emergency services, and every "where are you?" text you've ever sent. Accuracy here isn’t optional: it’s critical.
This industry runs on equations, models, and coordinates. Every time a student at The Genius Lab maps a data point, they are walking in the footsteps of Dr. Gladys West, the Black woman whose math literally built the GPS.
Math is the engine behind every decision. At the Enoch Davis Center, we are teaching our youth how to drive that engine.
How to Join the Movement
The Genius Lab operates Monday through Thursday on school days. We provide transportation for up to 50 students, ensuring that zip codes never stand in the way of genius.
Who: Students in grades 6-12 attending St. Petersburg schools.
Where: Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL.
When: Launching July 1, 2026.
Energy, strategy, execution. This is how we build the future.
Girls don’t need permission to belong in math. They already do. They just needed a lab that was built for them.
Say less. Let’s cook.
About STEM Xposure Inc. STEM Xposure Inc. is a leading nonprofit dedicated to exposing underrepresented students to high-impact STEM careers. Through mentorship, hands-on education, and real-world experiences, we empower the next generation to thrive in the global economy.
About the City of St. Petersburg Under the leadership of Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, the City of St. Petersburg is committed to being a city of opportunity for all. The "Genius Lab" initiative is a key component of the city's youth development and enrichment strategy.
Media Contact: Robyn Donaldson Owner, STEM Xposure Inc. www.stemxposure.org
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