Overview
BakerRipley's East End Learning and Innovation Center (LIC) is a community hub that opened in 2024 on the first floor of BakerRipley's Central location in Houston's East End. This center provides free access to technology training, digital literacy, and workforce development programs for all ages. We know that income inequality affects our city deeply. The center addresses real challenges: 25% of Houstonians earn less than $25,000 yearly, and many lack access to technology training that could open doors to better-paying jobs. The East End LIC offers programs that help residents build computer skills, learn new technologies, and prepare for careers in growing industries. This matters because these skills directly connect to higher-paying jobs and educational opportunities. The center serves youth, adults, seniors, and families in the East End and surrounding neighborhoods. It works alongside BakerRipley's second location in Gulfton-Sharpstown to expand access across Houston. Both centers focus on helping residents earn higher incomes and improve their quality of life through education and job training. To get involved, visit the center at BakerRipley's Central location in the East End or go to BakerRipley.org. You can volunteer, donate, or enroll in programs. The center welcomes neighbors from all backgrounds who want to build future-ready skills.
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Posted March 27, 2025 by BakerRipley
In 2024 BakerRipley deepened its commitment to connecting Neighbors (youth, adults, seniors, and families) and communities to resources, education, and opportunity by opening a second Learning and Innovation Center (LIC) in Houston’s East End. Located on the first floor of BakerRipley’s Central location, the LIC is designed to empower Houstonians with future-ready skills and access to cutting-edge technology.
Most Houstonians agree that the people, culture, economic opportunities, and activities are what excite them most about living in the Houston region. Still, income inequality persists throughout the city and in surrounding areas. The top earners make approximately 50% of the total income earned, while the bottom 20% make 3-4%, according to Rice University’s 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey. An estimated 25% of Houstonians make less than $25,000 a year, and two in five Houston households are food insecure.
Since its launch in 2024, BakerRipley’s East End LIC has increased access to education, job training, and digital literacy so our Neighbors can earn higher incomes, further their education, and uncover opportunities that improve their overall quality of life.
Highlights of BakerRipley’s East End LIC include:
BakerRipley’s East End LIC and its sister location in the Gulfton-Sharpstown community are hubs for digital learning, workforce development, and economic opportunity. This work is made possible by generous support from Verizon, Comcast, BlueCross BlueShield, and other generous philanthropic support. To volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit BakerRipley.org.
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