The Same House Announces Inaugural Community Circle to Expand Digital Access and Workforce Opportunity Across Metro Atlanta

The Same House Announces Inaugural Community Circle to Expand Digital Access and

Workforce Opportunity Across Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA—The Same House announced the launch of its inaugural Community Circle, a new

community-driven initiative designed to advance digital skilling, AI literacy, workforce

readiness, and neighborhood empowerment across metro Atlanta through five local

organizations with support from Microsoft.

Rooted in The Same House’s mission to expand economic mobility and strengthen communities

by meeting people where they are, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that

innovation, technology, and economic opportunity are accessible to all.

“At The Same House, we believe opportunity should reach every neighborhood,” said Rodney

Bullard, Founder and CEO of The Same House. “The Community Circle strengthens

organizations already doing impactful work and equips them with additional resources and

support to expand what’s possible for the communities they serve.”

The Community Circle includes:

 Empress and Pearls – Empowering young women through data literacy and cohort-

based learning

 Educate the City – Expanding digital literacy and AI skilling for youth, adults, and seniors

 Arrow Youth Leadership Council – Advancing youth leadership development and career

exposure

 TLAB – Delivering youth-focused digital literacy and AI skilling opportunities

 Georgia Works – Driving community clean-up and neighborhood revitalization efforts

These organizations were selected for their deep community trust, proven program delivery,

and ability to expand access to digital skills and career pathways in neighborhoods that have

historically faced barriers to opportunity.

The Community Circle aligns with Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Pledge and Community-

First AI Infrastructure commitment, reflecting Microsoft’s approach to responsible growth,

digital inclusion, and local economic opportunity. Microsoft’s datacenters support cloud

services, AI tools, and everyday connectivity while engaging with and investing in local

communities.

“Microsoft believes the future of AI and digital innovation must be built in partnership with

communities,” said Jon McKenley, Senior Manager of Community Affairs at Microsoft. “We are

thrilled to work with the Community Circle to support trusted local leaders who are helping

residents build skills, explore new pathways, and participate fully in the digital economy.”

In addition to funding support, Community Circle organizations will have access to Microsoft

community programs, AI training, and subject matter experts to strengthen their organizational

capacity and enhance program delivery. By leveraging technology and AI-informed applications,

these organizations are better equipped to modernize operations, scale impact, and meet

community needs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Community Circle is designed as a scalable model that can grow over time, strengthening

metro Atlanta’s talent pipeline while ensuring communities are positioned to benefit from the

region’s digital transformation.

“This bold initiative is about building something sustainable,” Bullard added. “When we invest

in trusted local leaders and connect innovation to community need, we create lasting impact.”

Community Circle Grantees in Action