Atlanta’s Future Takes the Mic at Future.ATL.Now

Written By: William Powell

When you drive through the city of Atlanta, the signs of growth are everywhere from cranes dotting the skyline, neighborhoods evolving, and new ideas shaping what comes next. That spirit of progress was on full display at Future.ATL.Now, where Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students didn’t just imagine the city’s future; they spoke boldly about it.

The next generation of Atlanta’s leaders gathered at the Loudermilk Center on Saturday, March 7, before a crowd of more than 200 community members, city leaders, and educators. One by one, APS students took the stage, using their voices to confront the challenges Atlanta faces today and to share their vision for what the city could become tomorrow. What began as a student idea evolved into a well-organized, student-led event that tackled topics ranging from climate change and political polarization to the need for “third spaces” where young people can connect and create.

“Future.ATL.Now is an initiative that was created from the brains of our APS students,” said Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, APS program director of Student Engagement and co-advisor of the Student Advisory Council. “It started with a connection between a student from Midtown and a student from KIPP Atlanta Collegiate who came together…to come up with this grand idea.”

Student speakers from across Atlanta Public Schools showcased both creativity and conviction as they shared their hopes for the city’s future. Therrell High School junior Devin Mitchell spoke about the need for third spaces, places where students can collaborate, create, and brainstorm outside of school and home.

“We’re looking for spaces where we can explore, be ourselves, and conceive the future,” he said.

These students weren’t just talking about change. They were inspiring action. During the event, Courtney English, Chief of Staff for Mayor Andre Dickens, announced a $50,000 contribution to support a feasibility study for creating third spaces across the city.

“We deeply believe in you,” English said. “So, you say you need third spaces? I’ll bite. We’re going to make a $50,000 contribution help get that conversation going.”

The investment underscored how deeply youth voices are valued by both Atlanta Public Schools and the City of Atlanta.

For students like Sonora Gaines, a junior at Douglass High School, that support made a lasting impression.

“I think it means that they want to have an impact, and they want us as student leaders and future leaders to make an impact on the community as well,” Gaines said. “It’s wonderful that we’re given the opportunity to present problems we think are important and to be heard.”

Midtown High School junior Kai Chen addressed the issue of political polarization and its impact on families, friendships, and communities. She spoke about the role young people can play in bridging divides by seeing the world not through a political lens, but a human one.

“It’s very important for student voices and the next generation to start tackling issues that are going to impact the society we inherit,” Chen said.

With leaders from across Atlanta in the room, students like John Henry Collins and Nicholas Fedorov also spoke about environmental sustainability and affordability, offering thoughtful solutions to complex challenges. Their ideas and their confidence made one thing clear: the future of Atlanta is in capable hands.

Featured student talks included:

• “The Future of Atlanta is Green—And It’s Already Starting” – John Henry Collins, North Atlanta High School
  
• “Heard But Ignored” – Simora Gaines, Frederick Douglass High School
  
• “Reimagining Third Spaces for the City of Atlanta” – Haile Irving, Maynard Jackson High School & Devin Mitchell, D.M. Therrell High School
  
• “Work Environments Are Changing—How Do We Prepare Youth?” – Samaya Agarwal, Midtown High School
  
• “Who Carries the Weight of Sustainability?” – Lydia Berry, Midtown High School
  
• “The Cost of Choosing Sides Over Solutions” – Kai Chen, Midtown High School

The student leadership team included:

• Samaya Agarwal, Midtown High School – Founder & Co-Chair
  
• Sire Washington, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School – Founder & Co-Chair
  
• Dylan Knight, Midtown High School – Head of Budgeting & Sponsorship
  
• Haile Irving, Maynard Jackson High School – Head of Events
  
• Kai Chen, Midtown High School – Head of Communications
  
• Dekoda Roberts, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School – Budgeting & Sponsorship
  
• Devin Mitchell, D.M. Therrell High School – Events
  
• Nicolas Aaron, Maynard Jackson High School – Communications
  
• Nick Federov, Midtown High School – Budgeting & Sponsorship
  
• Zemirah Skinner, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School – Clerk

As the event came to a close, one message resonated louder than any single speech: Atlanta’s youth are ready to lead, and the city is ready to listen.