Philadelphia entrepreneur John Henry is on a mission to diversify the technology industry by providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences for young people. As Chairman and Founder of Grace3 Technologies, Henry is determined to make a difference, especially in underserved communities. His signature initiative, the Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit, provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, inspiring possibilities they might not otherwise have considered.
From Law to Technology: A Pioneer’s Journey
Henry’s path to technology was not a straight line. Born in Norristown and raised in State College, Pennsylvania, Henry was often one of the few black faces in the community.
“We were one of the first black families to live there in the ’70s, and it was such an amazing experience,” Henry recalls.
His parents instilled in him two important values. My father taught me hard work. ” he said.
John Henry (right), son Austin (left), and several children receive scholarships to the 2018 Mercersburg Summer Camp.
A scholarship to Mercersburg Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in central Pennsylvania, led to a football scholarship to Bucknell University, and then to law school at Washington and Lee University. I started walking down the road.
“I was the first in my family to go to boarding school, college, and law school,” Henry said proudly.
Henry began his career as a real estate attorney before moving into the field of real estate development. But he said something was missing.
“I was alone,” he said of his time spent in predominantly white spaces. “There had to be a higher purpose, and I truly believe that the higher purpose is to be a vessel to share my experiences with the next generation and people who look like me.”
Building Grace3 Technology
In 2014, Henry moved into the technology industry. In 2018, he founded Grace3 Technologies, a wireless communications company.
“My company ensures that information and data gets to where it is needed, quickly, no matter where you are in the world,” Henry explains.
John speaking at the 2019 Energy Summit (Photo courtesy of Henry)
Grace3 works with law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and utility companies, providing services in areas such as video transmission and robotics, among others.
As one of the few Black-led companies in the technology industry, Henry had to break down barriers.
“I’m usually the only African-American company selling these advanced technologies,” he said.
Despite the challenges, his company grew, securing government contracts and expanding its reach.
“Every year we’ve been cutting and chipping trees, expanding our markets and sharing our skills,” Henry said.
Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit Begins
While Henry’s success at Grace3 Technologies is impressive, he wanted to give back in a more personal way. He started by awarding 10 scholarships to young people attending summer camps at Melcersburg Academy. But I soon found myself wanting to do more.
“I had to get out of my own way,” Henry says. “I was waiting for everything to be perfect. But my friend said, ‘Well, just do it.’
Teen Tech Summit participants experiencing virtual reality (Photo courtesy of Grace3 Technologies)
So he did. In 2021, he launched the Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit, a day-long event that exposes kids to cutting-edge technology in a hands-on environment. The event started with 150 kids at the Navy Yard and has grown over the years, with this year’s summit held at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
“It’s a soccer stadium. It’s a perfect environment to fly the drone and all the kids had a great time there,” Henry said.
At this summit, middle and high school students can operate drones, interact with robotic dogs, and learn about law enforcement equipment.
“It’s experiential learning at its best. You have to feel it, see it, touch it to be exposed to these technologies,” Henry added.
Teen Tech Summit participants learn to fly a drone (Photo courtesy of Grace3 Technologies)
Students like 9th grader Senai are discovering new possibilities through the summit.
“To my surprise, I had no idea how to fly a drone. To be honest, it was easier than I expected,” Senai said.
You can get your drone pilot’s license from the age of 16, opening up job opportunities that pay around $60 to $80 an hour.
Expanding impact
The Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit is more than just a one-day event. It’s part of a broader effort to inspire and empower youth from underserved communities. Henry’s work has gained national attention as the summit expands to cities such as New York and Chicago through partnerships with organizations such as the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC).
Darius Jones with 2023 Teen Tech Summit attendees and John Henry (Photo courtesy of Grace3 Technologies)
“John is the epitome of someone who has truly achieved great personal and professional success,” said Darius Jones, founder of NBEC, an Atlanta-based African American leadership network.
“Instead of just retiring and returning to a life of leisure and self-indulgence, John did the opposite,” Jones said. “He’s always thinking of ways to make those around him better.”
Henry’s dedication to young people extends beyond the summit. Partnerships with organizations like Level Up Philly, founded by Pastor Aaron Campbell, are creating new opportunities for young people to engage with technology. Campbell, winner of Season 4’s WHYY Good Souls, was introduced to Henry and quickly discovered a shared passion for empowering Black and brown youth.
Aaron Campell and Level Up Youth Attend 2024 Teen Tech Summit
“What we both have in common is that we both want to improve outcomes for underserved black and brown babies,” Campbell said. “John is definitely a 100% good soul.”
Through Level Up, teens receive training in virtual reality and other advanced technologies and share their skills with other kids at events like the Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit.
“Our kids were there with 15 VR headsets and actually did it,” Campbell said proudly.
legacy of possibility
Henry’s commitment to diversifying the technology pipeline is rooted in the belief that the next generation needs to see people like them succeed.
“My goal is for people to know that people who look like them care,” he said. “I hope they see technology that inspires them. I hope they find a path to get there. I hope they look at me and say, ‘Hey, he did it. I hope that you will say “I am here.” I can do that too. ”
Teen Tech Summit attendees interact with robotic dogs used by law enforcement and first responders (Courtesy of Grace3 Technologies)
As Henry looks to the future, he remains committed to creating possibilities for others.
“I would consider myself a ‘possibilityist,’ someone who not only thinks outside the box, but is also willing to blow up the box in order to reach an end goal,” Henry said, adding: He explained how he sees opportunities like this. Others may feel limited.
John Henry’s work has already touched the lives of hundreds of people, and his influence continues to grow with each passing year.
“As Technology Summit has grown, it’s now even bigger, more fun and more dynamic,” he said.
In addition to his two children, Austin and Elizabeth, Henry’s legacy is one of possibility. Just like him, it’s about opening doors, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation to dream big and work hard.
If you know someone who has performed an act of kindness, big or small, and you think they are an example of compassion, generosity and service, please nominate them at whyy.org/goodsoulsform.
