LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One Louisville nonprofit is expanding to West Louisville and spreading its resources. Construction is taking shape on the new Amped Tech and Learning Center.

“We're doing real training where you're changing lives for real," said Dave W. Christopher Sr., Amped president and founder. "This is making a huge difference." 

Amped focuses on creating an environment that emphasizes creativity through music, education, technology and business. All programs are free.

Erika Samuels, director of development, said the new center will help double the tech program's numbers.  

“We serve between 20 to 25 per cohort, so every 18 weeks, we're serving that amount of folks," Samuels said. "We'll be able to double that number here in this space. For us, it's amazing making just that much of a greater impact in the lives of others."

Kentraya Johnson, founder of NailChella Nail Academy and Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI) 2025 graduate, said Amped has helped empower herself as a Black businesswoman.

“Everything that I'm getting from RTBI ... they're giving me a lot more to give to my students, to where they can become better women and better men and better entrepreneurs," Johnson said. 

Christopher Sr. said while there is still much work to be done, he can’t wait until the center is ready for the community. 

“Our programs are about getting people to completion, making sure that they can go off on their own ... we want them to be independent and proud and excited about what they do," he said. "We want them to be independent and proud and excited about what they do, and we just provide the resources. I tell people, what's good for West Louisville is good for all of you." 

The nonprofit is hosting its Dream Maker fundraiser June 13 to celebrate its success and dedication. Amped said the Tech and Learning Center is expected to open in November.