Rams, Hollywood Park, and Google Launch Tech Lab for Inglewood Youth
Code Next Inglewood brings AI and coding education to the heart of the community
By Earl Heath | Contributing Writer
Code Next Inglewood—a new technology and artificial intelligence (AI) education lab—officially opened its doors last week, offering local students access to hands-on tech training, mentorship, and career inspiration. The initiative is powered by Hollywood Park with support from Google and marks a significant investment in the future of Inglewood’s youth.
The launch event welcomed more than 100 students, community leaders, and guests to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the new lab, located at the Shops at Hollywood Park.
Leaders in Tech and Community Come Together
The celebration was hosted by Los Angeles Rams legend and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Andrew Whitworth. Speakers included Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Travis Sampson, SVP and Chief Technology Officer of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park; Angela Courtin, Vice President of Marketing at YouTube and Google’s local office leader; and Dr. Jim Morris, County Administrator of Inglewood Unified School District.
A First for Southern California
This is the first Code Next Lab to open in Southern California. The program is free and tailored to high school students from local neighborhoods, providing access to cutting-edge tools and training. The lab features instruction in JavaScript, user experience (UX) design, and more, with a special focus on gaming and media production.
“We are honored to host the first Code Next Lab in Southern California right here at Hollywood Park,” said Sampson. “This lab reflects our commitment to community and innovation across all we do at SoFi Stadium—from global events to groundbreaking experiences like COSM and Cinepolis. Code Next will help develop the next generation of creators and changemakers.”
Investing in Inglewood’s Future
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts emphasized the lab’s impact as a model for public-private partnership.
“This is what meaningful community investment looks like—education, access, and a commitment to our youth,” said Butts. “The Code Next Lab at Hollywood Park will help cultivate a pipeline of local talent for the growing tech industry. More jobs, more opportunity, and a more vibrant economy—it’s a win for our city.”
Courtin added that the partnership speaks to Google’s long-standing belief in youth empowerment through technology.
“We believe in the power of technology to unlock new opportunities,” she said. “We’re proud to help provide students with the skills to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
A Launching Pad for Local Talent
Whitworth, who has championed youth development throughout his career, shared his personal connection to the project.
“Growing up, I never could’ve imagined a space like this in my own neighborhood,” said Whitworth. “Code Next Inglewood is more than a lab—it’s a launching pad. It’s about showing our kids that they belong in the tech world, that their voices matter, and their futures are limitless.”
Open House Welcomes Community
The day concluded with an open house, allowing families and students to tour the lab, try out interactive learning stations, and meet mentors and program partners. The space is designed not only for instruction, but also for collaboration, creativity, and empowerment.
