Douglass-Wells Tech Studio

The Douglass-Wells Tech Studio is a transformative innovation engine named in honor of Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells. We are a direct response to the systemic exclusion of African Americans from the tech economy. Our work is a direct investment in a future where Black communities are not just consumers of technology, but architects of it.

About Us

The Douglass-Wells Tech Studio is an organization designed as an ecosystem to cultivate digital freedom, economic mobility, and generational wealth for African Americans. We empower individuals to become creators, founders, and leaders in the digital economy by training them to launch their own tech startups. This strategic approach allows the Douglass-Wells Tech Studio to hold equity in multiple mission-aligned startups, creating diversified revenue streams and scalable impact. By supporting founders and retaining equity, the Douglass-Wells Tech Studio ensures long-term sustainability and the ability to reinvest in its community programs.

Our work is guided by the core principles of innovation rooted in equity and empowerment. The Douglass-Wells Tech Studio operates under strategic leadership, with a dedicated team overseeing program development, technical instruction, and community outreach.

The Douglass-Wells Tech Studio will be housed in Bradley University’s next innovation center in Peoria, IL. This positioning is invaluable, as it connects our participants to the university’s academic resources, mentorship networks, and a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. This collaboration not only enriches our programs but also strengthens the local technology community and provides a direct pipeline for talent and entrepreneurship.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower African Americans through technology, entrepreneurship, and workforce development by providing equitable access to digital skills, fostering innovation, and building sustainable economic opportunities.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a future where the technology sector reflects the full diversity of our society. By addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited Black participation, we aim to cultivate a pipeline of skilled technologists and successful entrepreneurs. Our work directly contributes to economic mobility, creating wealth and opportunity within Black communities while simultaneously enriching the broader technology landscape with diverse perspectives and innovations.

Our impact goals include training 45–63 Black technologists and entrepreneurs over three years and launching more than 10 viable startups with significant community impact, creating a replicable model for tech empowerment in underserved communities.

Programs and Initiatives

The Douglass-Wells Tech Studio provides a comprehensive program structure designed to guide individuals from technical training to business ownership.

Tech Training Cohorts
- Format: 12-week intensive training cycles.
- Focus Areas: Software development, product design, data literacy, and entrepreneurship.
- Cohort Size: 5–7 participants per cycle.
- Annual Schedule: We strategically scale our programs, with two cohorts in Year 1, three in Year 2, and four in Year 3.
Startup Incubation & Launchpad
- Focus: Participants develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and pitch-ready business models.
- Support: We provide access to mentorship, legal support, and seed funding to help founders launch their ventures.
Community Tech Hub
- Access: Our studio space doubles as a collaborative hub for Black technologists and creatives.

Events: We host open-access workshops and events for local residents, including youth coding camps, digital literacy seminars, and civic tech projects

Financial Model:

The initial startup phase (Years 1–3) is funded through grants, and community investment. Starting in Year 3, we generate diversified revenue through equity in cohort startups, paid tech services, and the licensing of our curriculum.

Reinvestment:

Profits from our ventures are reinvested directly into Douglass-Wells Tech Studio programs and community initiatives, ensuring our work remains rooted in equity and empowerment while creating a cycle of innovation and economic growth.