Level Up Philly
Co-Tech Innovator & Educator
Overview:
In 2022, DVNC Tech LLC formally pivoted from game and VR development to a more mission-driven focus: delivering high-impact tech education and workforce development programs. This transition opened the door to collaborate with Level Up Philly, a dynamic nonprofit serving high-risk youth across Philadelphia. What began as an opportunity to expose students to VR and immersive technology quickly grew into a multi-faceted partnership grounded in equity, opportunity, and long-term infrastructure building.
From Exposure to Empowerment
Level Up initially invited us to demo immersive tech and game dev tools. Recognizing the students' enthusiasm and potential, we expanded the scope of our support—from one-off tech exposure to designing and delivering ongoing programs in digital literacy, game design, robotics, and creative tech. The partnership matured into a long-term engagement focused on youth empowerment, career readiness, and systems-level change.
Designing the L.I.F.E. L.A.B.
At the heart of this transformation was the design and implementation of the L.I.F.E. L.A.B. (Locate, Identify, Fortify, Exemplify). Built within Level Up Philly's headquarters, the lab became a central hub for STEM learning, immersive experiences, and personalized growth. I led the full design and technical infrastructure plan, including:
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AV and IT blueprinting
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High-end gaming and VR machines
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Esports-ready setups
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Immersive audio and lighting
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3D printing, robotics, and drone programming stations
It became a running joke that the lab had enough cabling to power five townhouses. And it did. The L.I.F.E. L.A.B. now serves 100–200 youth daily, offering hands-on engagement with emerging technologies.
Securing and Managing Grant Funding
Our impact extended beyond the classroom. I helped Level Up Philly secure and manage over $650,000 in grant funding from the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, most notably through the Community Expansion Grant (CEG), issued by the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety (CJPS). The funds were released in tranches, requiring agile budgeting, fast problem-solving, and coordination with contractors and community volunteers.
Later, I supported the successful application for a two-year $2 million CEG award, enabling the creation of the MELT Lab (Mathematics Excellence Learning and Tutoring), an expansion space with a focus on core academic support and creative media production.
Programs and Independent Studies
With the lab fully operational, we launched a year-round tech and STEM program. Hundreds of youth rotated through workshops on:
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Digital navigation & internet safety
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Game design & world-building
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AI literacy & prompt engineering
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Graphic design, 3D art & interactive storytelling
This work evolved into an Independent Study Program, where students explored personal topics and designed meaningful projects—from board games tackling world hunger to health-focused games on cardiovascular disease and muscular degeneration.
Community Engagement & Representation
We ensured the students had platforms to showcase their work beyond the lab. I helped represent Level Up at major events including:
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Philadelphia Tech Week (N3rd Street)
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GE Teen Tech Summit (robotics & drones showcase)
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TooManyGames (Philadelphia game dev community)
Beyond the Lab: Supporting the Organization
My work extended into the operations of Level Up itself—offering technical consulting, strategic support, and executive-level assistance in pitch deck creation, grant reporting, and research. I worked closely with leadership to refine their logic model and align their vision with funder priorities.
Ultimately, our goal was to build a space where the most overlooked youth could see new possibilities, grasp onto new skills, and imagine futures that had once felt unreachable. Through collaboration, rapid growth, and relentless problem-solving, we helped Level Up Philly create something transformative for their community—and their future.