Today at C.W. Hayes K-8 School, Birmingham City Schools officials and our nonprofit partners at EdFarm cut the ribbon on The Rise at Hayes K-8, a tech-enabled learning and creative space for scholars.
The 6,000-square-foot, multi-room space includes a fully redesigned media center and an adjacent computer lab converted into a state-of-the-art audio and video production suite. Students and teachers led the grand opening celebration, showcasing how the space will support hands-on learning, creative exploration, and technology-driven collaboration.
“For our students to see a space like this — modern, innovative, and built specifically for them — sends a powerful message that they deserve access to the future,” said Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools and recently named Outstanding Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Education Association. “In partnership with Ed Farm, we are investing in innovative, tech-enabled spaces to drive a resurgence across schools like Hayes K-8 — boosting student engagement, improving attendance, and re-energizing our school communities. This new space reflects our commitment to creating learning environments where every student feels motivated, supported, and prepared for what comes next.”
The Hayes Ed Farm Space will support media production, collaborative learning, hands-on technology exploration, and expanded digital literacy programming. Select features of Ed Farm’s new Spaces app will also be introduced during the launch period to enhance how educators manage and activate the space.
“This space gives our students new opportunities to express themselves, collaborate, and build real digital skills,” said Hayes K-8 Principal Jerry Davenport. “It represents a fresh start and an exciting chapter for our school community.”
Ed Farm designed and outfitted the space in collaboration with the Birmingham City Schools Operations Department, school administrators and educators, and local partners, including Birmingham-based manufacturer Corona Group Inc., located in the same community as the school. The company custom fabricated space elements including durable pegboard and integrated dry erase wall systems to facilitate collaborative learning.
“When students walk into an environment that looks like the future instead of the past, it changes how they see themselves and what’s possible,” said Waymond Jackson, CEO of Ed Farm. “This space was co-designed alongside Hayes educators and students to reflect their goals and ideas, and we’re excited to continue our partnership with Birmingham City Schools to create more learning spaces like this for students to explore, create, and learn the digital skills they need to succeed in a dynamic economy.”
EdFarm has outfitted similar hubs at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, Green Acres Middle School, Huffman Middle School, and South Hampton K-8. The next Space at Jackson-Olin High School will open later this month.