Learning Spaces Opens at Historic Roosevelt Hall

Atlanta Housing and United Way Cut Ribbon on Early Learning Program for Youth

On Friday, October 18, Roosevelt Hall was filled with music, movement, and laughter as Atlanta Housing (AH) and United Way of Greater Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of a new Learning Spaces location. The event kicked off with the best kind of opening ceremony: more than a dozen toddlers enthusiastically joined in an alphabet activity, dancing and moving alongside their parents. The energy in the room was infectious as the ribbon-cutting guests were able to see a real-time demonstration of families engaged in meaningful play. Kids’ programming then shifted into Roosevelt’s library space so that the focus could turn to the community impact of this new early learning hub.

AH currently serves 132 youth living in University Choice Neighborhood units, including 23 preschoolers, and the opening of this Learning Space signals even more engagement for these families. With 212 additional units slated for completion by next summer, the impact of Learning Spaces will only continue to grow.

The Learning Spaces program offers more than just a place for children to learn—it provides a foundation for thriving communities. Families will benefit from quality early learning experiences, age-appropriate play, nutritious snacks, and coaching to empower parents as their child’s first teachers. Situated at the heart of the Choice Atlanta University Homes revitalization, the Learning Space’s first event also demonstrated the program’s ability to forge connections between the children of AH-assisted families and those of Atlanta University Center professors and students—building a shared learning environment that bridges diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and nurtures mutual growth.

Since the Learning Spaces initiative launched in 2016, children and families have participated in over 8,000 meaningful play experiences. The Roosevelt Hall location joins 13 other Learning Spaces operated by United Way across Greater Atlanta, extending access to early learning opportunities for families who have historically lacked these resources.

Before the ceremonial ribbon was cut, United Way of Greater Atlanta’s CEO, Milton Little, read a story to the children, bringing smiles and giggles from the young audience. Joining in the fun, AH President and CEO Terri Lee sat “criss-cross applesauce” with the kids in the library activity, embracing the spirit of the day.

AH distributed free books to families through its partnership with Book Rich Environments, and representatives from the High Museum of Atlanta shared a story and provided more books to every child in attendance. South College Atlanta, an educational partner of United Way, enriched the event with hands-on learning materials, including a model showing healthy and unhealthy lungs, making the case for early education’s connection to lifelong health awareness. All contributions reflected the event’s core message: learning starts young, happens everywhere, and requires a supportive ecosystem.

Atlanta Housing aims to transform communities and build futures where every child and family can thrive. This Learning Space reflects that commitment and is part of a broader strategy to support youth from cradle to career. Through strategic partnerships, AH has already supported 1,727 youth and awarded 40 scholarships totaling $129,000 since June 2022. The agency is 65% of the way toward meeting its strategic goals for youth while recognizing that much more must be done. With over 12,000 youth in the Atlanta Public Schools system, AH seeks to build a network that uplifts every student.

The University Choice Neighborhoods youth initiatives already have showcased the power of holistic attention to youth development. Among students served through this program:

  • 100% of high school seniors graduated.
  • Elementary and middle school students achieved a 90% pass rate.
  • High school students reached 100% proficiency in English/Language Arts and 83% proficiency in Math.

AH hopes to extend this success to other Atlanta Housing programs, including the Bowen Choice Neighborhoods outreach, where 114 youth, including 7 early learners, are already designated for further engagement.

At the Learning Spaces ribbon-cutting, Atlanta Housing President and CEO Terri Lee emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these milestones. She extended sincere expressions of gratitude to United Way of Greater Atlanta and its CEO, Milton Little, whose steadfast support helped bring this vision to life. Lee also acknowledged the City of Atlanta’s ongoing commitment to youth development, services, and support.

With this latest Learning Spaces addition, Atlanta Housing and United Way are taking another step toward ensuring that every child—no matter their zip code—has opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

For more information on Learning Spaces, including other locations, visit HERE.