Operation HOPE and Dream Machine Academy to Launch First HOPE AI™ Events in Memphis and Birmingham

Organizations to host free, AI and financial literacy events for entrepreneurs, students, and community members

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Operation HOPE and Dream Machine Academy are launching the first two events under HOPE AI™, a partnership announced on December 3, 2025 at the HOPE Global Forums in Atlanta, and designed to bring artificial intelligence and financial literacy learning directly into trusted community spaces.

What:
Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions hosted in local libraries, the initiative will make AI skills accessible to everyone — no tech background required.

These inaugural events are part of HOPE AI™, Operation HOPE’s bold new initiative to democratize AI access and skills, building on its 30-year legacy of financial literacy and economic empowerment.

HOPE AI™, co-chaired by John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, and Van Jones, Founder of Dream Machine Innovation Lab, serves as a national implementation engine housed within Operation HOPE and focused on grassroots activation, AI literacy, and community financial empowerment in traditionally underserved areas.

Who:
Operation HOPE
Dream Machine Academy
First Horizon Bank
Community members, students, families, entrepreneurs, and aspiring learners

Why:
Libraries are trusted spaces for community learning, and this partnership is designed to bring AI education directly to the people. Through the these events, Operation HOPE and Dream Machine Academy are creating new pathways for individuals and communities to build practical AI knowledge and confidence in an increasingly digital economy.

With more than 1,500 HOPE Inside locations nationwide and plans to scale to 15,000, HOPE AI™ is designed to help ensure every American — urban or rural, left or right — can compete and thrive in the AI economy.

“These first events in Memphis and Birmingham represent more than workshops — they represent access, activation, and a commitment to ensuring that communities across America are prepared to participate in the AI economy,” said Brian Betts, President and CFO, Operation HOPE. “Together, HOPE AI™ and Dream Machine Academy are creating pathways for people to understand and use AI in ways that can expand opportunity and improve lives.”

Community members, students, families, entrepreneurs, and aspiring learners are encouraged to attend the following events:

Memphis, Tennessee

When:
Friday, April 17
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 18
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where:
Memphis Public Library
8457 Trinity Rd.
Memphis, TN 38018

Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-x-library-memphis-tickets-1986394330916?aff=oddtdtcreator

Birmingham, Alabama

When:
Friday, April 24
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 25
11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Where:
Birmingham Public Library, Central Library
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, AL 35203

Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-x-library-birmingham-tickets-1986841455277?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl