Governor Lee discovers the Knowledge Quest program in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– Governor Bill Lee made a pit stop to visit a local nonprofit organization that uses technology to inspire South Memphis kids to aim for the stars.

On Friday, the nonprofit organization hosted Governor Bill Lee for a tour of its Best Buy Teen Tech Center.

Internal students can tap into their passions with tools at their fingertips to help them learn everything from photography and 3D printing to editing software and audio engineering.

Dontavious Crumpton, 18, was working on his craft in the newly built music studio at Knowledge Quest. He just finished making this beat for 10th grader Percy Foster, who dreams of being a rap star.

“Hearing my music played by other people will be fun and it will make me really happy that people really like what I do,” Percy said.

Governor Lee called the work of Knowledge Quest inspiring.

“There are barriers between youth and opportunity that exist with economic activity in Shelby County, but those barriers can be broken down through education through skills that are developed here,” Lee said.

Marlon Foster, founder and CEO of Knowledge Quest, said the organization was created to raise the children of South Memphis by providing free after-school activities for students in hopes of helping them reach their full potential.

“Knowledge Quest is about youth and community development. We believe careers in technology are the way of the future and it’s critical that we start early,” Foster said. We are all focused on adventure education, so we directly support about 7 schools by expanding the learning program for K-12 students.

If you want to learn more about Knowledge Quest, visit their website. If you would like to volunteer, click here.