The Tulsa Dream Center got a new “Wonder Room” Wednesday thanks to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s community foundation. The classroom space for kids gives them a place to play, study, read and use 3D printing technology.
Following a ribbon cutting, about a dozen smiling kids filed into the Thunder-themed room to check out the toys, computers and lounge chairs.
Created in partnership with Google, the “Wonder Room” is the first in Tulsa and seeks to provide access to technology to underrepresented kids.
“We recognize the urgency as technology is changing every single day that we need to expand these opportunities for youth,” said Erin Oldfield, the foundation’s executive director.
Tulsa Dream Center students experience the “Wonder Room” for the first time on March 25, 2026. The initiative is part of the Thunder Community Foundation and Google’s efforts to bring technology to underrepresented kids. 
Tulsa Dream Center students experience the OKC Thunder Wonder Room for the first time on March 25, 2026. 
Tulsa Dream Center students and OKC Thunder cheerleader inside the OKC Thunder Wonder Room during its grand opening on March 25, 2026. 
Tulsa Dream Center students enter the OKC Thunder Wonder Room for the first time on March 25, 2026. 
Tulsa Dream Center officials and students, along with Oklahoma City Thunder Foundation officials and Mayor Monroe Nichols celebrate the opening of the OKC Thunder Wonder Room on March 25, 2026. 
Tulsa Dream Center Executive Director Tim Newton speaks during the opening of the OKC Thunder Wonder Room on March 25, 2026. 
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols speaks during the opening of Tulsa Dream Center’s OKC Thunder Wonder Room on March 25, 2026.
Tim Newton, executive director of the Dream Center, said the Thunder approached them about the project about two and half months ago.
“For some of them, this will be the first time, first place they’ll be able to experience the possibility to enter into the digital world, and that really matters,” Newton said. “The courses and the trajectories are going to be changed in our boys and girls’ lives because of this partnership.”
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols was also on hand to welcome the kids and stressed the importance of providing children access to technology early in their lives so they can be better equipped in the future.
The Thunder Foundation’s youth innovation pathways program, includes academic programming, basketball court renovations and AI-related training.
Oldfield told The Eagle the foundation is also partnering with two Tulsa high schools to implement their AI Sports Scholars program.
Ismael Lele is a Report for America corps member and writes about business in Tulsa for The Oklahoma Eagle. Your donation to match our Report for America grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting this link.
