Introduction

The Bright Minds program tackles educational inequality head-on by bringing hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities directly to students who would otherwise have little or no access to such opportunities. We believe deeply that curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation are not limited by zip code or financial status, and that every child deserves the chance to discover their potential in these fields. Our curriculum, carefully designed by experienced educators and industry professionals, is built to be engaging, relevant, and fun, sparking not only immediate excitement but also a lifelong passion for learning and exploration. Through this program, we aim to create environments where children can experiment, fail safely, try again, and ultimately succeed, all while building confidence in their own abilities.

We operate directly within community centers, neighborhood schools, and other easily accessible spaces, removing transportation and financial barriers that often prevent participation. Each session is structured around practical, project-based learning experiences—from building simple robots that move and respond to commands, to coding basic computer games, to conducting small-scale science experiments that demonstrate real-world principles. These activities do more than teach technical skills; they foster teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Our volunteer mentors, many of whom are professionals working in Chicago’s technology, science, and engineering sectors, bring invaluable real-world context to the classroom. They not only guide the activities but also serve as role models, showing young learners that careers in STEM are both attainable and exciting.

This campaign will fund a full year of programming for five sites spread across the city, reaching hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds. Funding will cover everything from robotics kits, laptop rentals, and experiment materials to healthy snacks and stipends for local college students who assist as teaching aides. These aides, often coming from the same communities as the participants, provide peer support and encouragement that further strengthens the learning environment. Our broader goal is not simply to teach STEM as a subject, but to build a supportive community around each child—one that values curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance. By equipping students with both skills and confidence, we are planting seeds that can grow into future engineers, scientists, and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the world at large.

Our Mission

Our mission is to close the opportunity gap in STEM education by providing free, accessible, and inspiring programs. We aim to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future academic and career paths that these students may have never considered.

Key Features

The program features a low student-to-mentor ratio, project-based learning, and a focus on soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. We also host quarterly "Demo Days" where students showcase their projects to families and the community.

What Makes Our Project Unique

We are deeply embedded in the communities we serve, and our curriculum is co-designed with input from local leaders.

• We focus on sustainability by training local high school and college students to become mentors themselves.
• Our partnerships with local tech companies provide pathways for internships and continued engagement.

Exclusive Rewards for Backers

• $10 – A thank-you postcard designed by one of our students.
• $20 – A digital photo album from our end-of-term Demo Day.
• $30 – Your name featured in our program's annual report.
• $50 – A handwritten thank-you note from a student.
• $100 – A video message from a class showing their project.
• $250 – An invitation to be a guest judge at a future Demo Day.

Meet our team

Our team is comprised of educators, software engineers, and community organizers who are passionate about equity in education. Our founder, Dr. Lena Davis, has over 15 years of experience in educational nonprofit management.

Join Us

Invest in the next generation of innovators. Your support provides the tools, mentorship, and opportunities that can change a child's trajectory. Help us light the spark of discovery for hundreds of young minds in Chicago.