Partnership with Racine Unified School District to advance community AI readiness
Nov. 10, 2025 (Racine, WI) — United Way of Racine County has been selected to join the Microsoft TechSpark Fellows Program, a national initiative designed to expand economic opportunity, strengthen digital skills, and foster innovation in communities across the United States.
Through this new partnership, United Way of Racine County and Racine Unified School District (RUSD) will collaborate to bring local leadership and community engagement into the national TechSpark network. David Venne, representing RUSD, has been chosen as the community’s TechSpark Fellow, joining a select group of leaders nationwide who are advancing technology-driven impact in their regions.
TechSpark, a Microsoft initiative launched in 2017, focuses on empowering communities through digital transformation, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. By connecting local organizations with Microsoft’s national network of experts, resources, and technology, the Fellows program helps communities build sustainable, inclusive digital ecosystems. You can read more here https://aka.ms/TechSparkFellowsImpact
As part of the program, Venne will participate in a five-week Microsoft TechSpark AI Learning Sprint, where he will gain exposure to Microsoft’s technologies, partner resources, and best practices for community-based innovation. Guided by TechSpark Coach Michelle Schuler, he will then identify local opportunities and develop an AI-focused community program tailored to Racine County’s needs.
“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to connect our local education and nonprofit ecosystems with national innovation and resources. With Microsoft’s new data center investment in Racine County, this collaboration ensures our community is ready to harness technology for inclusive growth and opportunity, said Alexa Haigh, President and CEO of United Way of Racine County.”
“Racine County is at an exciting moment of transformation,” said Michelle Schuler, Microsoft TechSpark Coach. “Through the Fellows program, local leaders like David Venne can bridge national innovation with local action—helping communities understand and apply AI in ways that strengthen learning, workforce development, and long-term economic resilience.”
“I’m excited to represent Racine Unified School District and our community as a Microsoft TechSpark Fellow,” said David Venne, TechSpark Fellow and Director of Instructional Technology at RUSD. “The opportunity to learn from Microsoft and connect with other Fellows across the country will help us bring valuable insights back to Racine. Together, we can create meaningful, future-ready programs that prepare our students and community for an AI-driven world.”
United Way Racine County and Racine Unified School District look forward to applying learnings from TechSpark’s proven national community engagement framework to advance digital inclusion and innovation locally.
For more information about Microsoft TechSpark, visit https://aka.ms/TechSpark.