Dorothy DeBerry Venable Digital Lab
Calfee Training School teacher Dorothy DeBerry Venable tells a story about showing up to a meeting of white Pulaski County second grade teachers in the 1950s. The school administration officials were surprised when she arrived, but allowed her to remain. In that meeting, Miss DeBerry learned about the books and equipment available to her white counterparts and, undeterred, she proceeded to submit requests to the school board for the same materials for her Black students. Shockingly for the time, she received the materials she requested and her students benefited.
In the spirit of Mrs. DeBerry Venable, the mission of the Venable Digital Lab, slated to open in 2026, is to provide state-of-the-art technology and support to residents of Pulaski County and the greater New River Valley in order to enhance computer literacy, workforce development, entrepreneurial capacity, and community creativity.
Features
640 sq. ft. space with flexible furnishing and an adjacent kitchenette to accommodate a wide range of uses,
At least 8 computer stations, including 2 high powered iMacs for advanced digital editing purposes,
Additional laptops/tablets for flexible use in the lab and other Center spaces,
Staffed by a digital lab manager and youth interns.
Programming to Include
Basic computer skills classes for all ages and open lab time
Advanced digital editing and content production (websites, audio, video, graphic design)
Workforce development classes (in partnership with New River Community College and other agencies)
Genealogy and legal research support
Out of school STEAM enrichment programs