WE BROKE GROUND

And the Groundbreaking was just the Beginning

In April 2025, more than 70 community members, civic leaders, partners, donors, and longtime friends joined us to mark a powerful milestone in the history of Raising Expectations: the official groundbreaking of our first permanent home—a 10,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art STE(A)M learning facility right in the heart of Atlanta’s Westside.

This new building is more than bricks and mortar—it’s our love letter to the Westside and a lasting commitment to the youth and families we’ve served for nearly 30 years. It will house everything from a high-tech makerspace and STE(A)M labs, to a teaching kitchen, café, and even wellness and meditation spaces.

“This space reflects our long-term commitment to the Westside and the young people we serve. It gives us the ability to anchor our work, grow our impact, and create an environment where students and families feel supported from middle school to college and onto successful careers.”

– Tangee Allen, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director

For 29 years, Raising Expectations has helped over 3,400 young people find academic success, career pathways, and economic empowerment. The new learning space will allow us to double our capacity to serve Atlanta’s youth.

We’re not just building a structure — we’re creating a launchpad opening more doors to economic mobility, generational stability, and community pride. This new space will be a place where students will dream big, gain life skills and build bright futures.

Fuel the Future, Month by Month

For our 30th anniversary, the 2025–2026 school year, we’re launching a movement to sustain and grow the impact we’ve built over the past three decades. We’re inviting 300 supporters to give $30 a month—or any multiple of 30—in honor of our 30 years of service.

Whether you give $30, $60, or $150 a month, you’re helping us ensure that more young people in Atlanta have access to the tools, resources, and relationships they need to thrive.

JOIN THE ROAD TO 30

Thank You to Our Capital Campaign Champions!

We are filled with gratitude for the incredible donors who have already joined us on the No Place Like Home Capital Campaign journey.

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $4.4 million—91% of our $4.9 million goal—bringing us closer than ever to making our dream a reality: a 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art STE(A)M learning facility that will double our capacity to serve Atlanta’s youth.

Your investment is helping us build a permanent space where students will explore new ideas, gain critical life skills, and chart pathways to a brighter future. This new building will serve as a community anchor and a place of hope for generations to come.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line!

Gifts of $10,000+ will be recognized on a permanent donor wall inside the new building–a legacy of your belief in our mission. To invest in Raising Expectation’s future, contact co-founder & executive director, Maria Armstrong at maria@raisingexpectations.org

“We’re creating a purpose-built facility where we can fully develop our offerings, support youth holistically, and deliver meaningful, future-focused career training experiences. I am proud to share that we are Nomadic, No More!”

– Maria Armstrong, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director