This Is What Opportunity
Looks Like When It Has a Home.
The Lab is the heart of Skills Lab — a modern space where gaming, technology, media, creativity, and opportunity come together. Designed to inspire curiosity and action.
Empowering youth through innovation, culture, and opportunity.
A Space Built for the Next Generation.
Every corner of Skills Lab is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create opportunity. From high-performance gaming rigs to podcast studios and drone zones — this is what access looks like.
Real Tools. Real Experiences.
The Lab is an environment intentionally designed to help young people explore interests, build confidence, develop skills, and discover new pathways.
Every station, tool, and experience exists to turn energy into growth.
Every Day Can Look Different.
The space stays dynamic because opportunity should stay active.
A Place With Purpose.
Families choose Skills Lab because we combine excitement with development.
This is not just a program. It is a place where your child belongs.
This is an official
8 to 80 Zone.
Skills Lab is proud to be recognized as an 8 to 80 Zone, a Forever Young initiative that promotes safe, welcoming spaces for people of all ages.
Whether you're 8 or 80, this is a community hub designed to encourage creativity, connection, and lifelong learning.
Everyone belongs here — no matter your age or background.
Today's Youth Need Modern Pathways
Young people are growing up in a digital world. They are surrounded by gaming, media, technology, and online culture every day.
Too often, those interests are seen only as distractions. We see them differently.
We believe those same interests can become bridges to learning, leadership, communication, technical skills, and economic opportunity — when guided the right way.
When young people discover they're actually good at something — that moment changes everything. Skills development gives them a reason to show up and keep growing.
The fastest path to confidence is competence. When we invest in skill-building early, we're not just teaching kids a tool — we're handing them a future.
Most kids already have the passion — they just need the environment that says yes, that matters. That's what spaces like Skills Lab do. They validate potential.
Employers are looking for young people with real skills, real experience, and real confidence. The earlier we build that foundation, the more doors open for them.
When young people discover they're actually good at something — that moment changes everything. Skills development gives them a reason to show up and keep growing.
The fastest path to confidence is competence. When we invest in skill-building early, we're not just teaching kids a tool — we're handing them a future.
Most kids already have the passion — they just need the environment that says yes, that matters. That's what spaces like Skills Lab do. They validate potential.
Employers are looking for young people with real skills, real experience, and real confidence. The earlier we build that foundation, the more doors open for them.
Our Leadership
Derek "Coach Dub" Watford
Coach Dub is the visionary behind Skills Lab — a community builder, youth advocate, and lifelong believer that every young person deserves access to spaces that help them grow.
With roots in digital media, gaming culture and a passion for mentorship, he created Skills Lab to bridge the gap between what youth love and the opportunities they deserve. His work combines hands-on learning, technology access, and relationship-based leadership to create real change in Tampa's communities.
Through High Point Gamer and the broader Skills Lab ecosystem, Coach Dub continues to build infrastructure for the next generation — one experience at a time.
A Space That Serves
More Than Students.
The Lab is available for school visits, corporate events, sponsor activations, workshops, and private bookings — open to the whole community.
Book The SpacePro-Grade Equipment
20 gaming PCs, VR headsets, drones, 3D printers, a podcast studio, and streaming stations — all available for your experience.
Flexible Event Space
A dynamic, high-energy layout that adapts to showcases, workshops, activations, and everything in between.
Community-First Mission
Built to serve Tampa's youth and neighborhoods. Every booking supports the programs and students who call this place home.
Your Child Already Loves Technology.
Now Let Them Build With
It.
Help them turn what they love into skills that open doors. Come see the space for yourself.
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