EdgeConneX joined Microsoft and Hello World to host the first Student Demo Day in the Atlanta area, giving 55 young people a real platform to showcase their work in AI and computer science skills.
On April 23, 55 students from 10 school districts across metro Atlanta, including Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools gathered at Microsoft’s Atlanta office for the first Hello World Student Demo Day in the region — an event that gave young people a professional setting in which to present the AI and computer science projects they’ve been building in the classroom. Watch the video below by clicking on the graphic:
The event drew more than 200 attendees, including parents, teachers, school administrators, local officials, and technology industry professionals. Union City Mayor Vince Williams delivered remarks to the students, underscoring the city’s investment in expanding technology education for its youngest residents.
“The infrastructure powering AI depends on a skilled, diverse workforce, and that starts with early exposure and access. By bringing students into environments like this, we’re helping them connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities and showing them they have a place in the future of technology. We’re grateful for the leadership and partnership of Hello World and EdgeConneX. Collaborations like this are critical to expanding pathways and ensuring that under-resourced communities can fully participate in the opportunities created by this rapidly evolving technology revolution.” – Jon McKenley, Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft
“This is so important because our students are our future. They will be the ones using this technology, shaping where it goes next, and helping our communities thrive in a digital world. Events like this show our young people that they belong in these spaces and that their ideas, talents, and potential matter. That is why investing in opportunities like Student Demo Day is so meaningful for Union City and for the next generation.” — Mayor Vince Williams, Union City
Student Demo Day grew out of a partnership between EdgeConneX, Hello World, and Microsoft — three organizations that came together with a shared belief that early, meaningful exposure to technology can change the trajectory of a young person’s career. EdgeConneX has committed to a three-year Hello World sponsorship across seven elementary, middle, and high schools in the Union City and Fulton
County school districts, with the goal of bringing hands-on AI and computer science education to students who might not otherwise have access to it.
“Hello World is proud to partner with Microsoft and EdgeConneX to expand access to cutting-edge computer science and STEM education in under-resourced communities. By harnessing the power of AI and VR technologies, we’re giving students the opportunities they deserve to thrive in an AI-powered economy, while empowering educators with the tools, training, and support to deliver world-class instruction.” – Sabina Bharwani, Founder and CEO of Hello World
Microsoft’s Atlanta team hosted the event — the first of its kind at their office — providing students with a professional tech environment in which to present their work. Each student project was showcased in a short presentation, with students receiving a certificate of completion following their demo.
“Watching these students present their work with confidence and pride — that’s not just inspiring, it’s proof that what we’re building is real. The digital infrastructure powering the AI era needs a new generation of problem-solvers, and moments like this are where that generation discovers they’re capable of being exactly that. We’re not just talking about closing a talent gap — we’re giving young people the belief that they belong in this future.” — Phillip Marangella, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, EdgeConneX
“EdgeConneX is aiming to light a spark in these young people and opportunities like this shift what students think is possible for themselves. When a young person gets hands-on experience with real technology, a tech career stops feeling distant — it feels attainable. That changes everything.” – Vanessa Eixman, Sr. Director Marketing & Communications – EdgeConneX
The Atlanta program is part of a broader EdgeConneX education initiative now active in Newark, NJ and Greater Austin, TX, with plans to expand into additional communities across the U.S. and internationally. The program also includes opportunities to broaden access to mentorship, internships, and real-world career pathways in digital infrastructure.
To learn more about EdgeConneX Education and Community Programs, please visit: https://www.edgeconnex.com/company/about-edgeconnex/community-involvement/
Watch the video to see these amazing students in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX9DToxOZEQ