INNOVATORS FOR PURPOSE
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Mission Statement
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge, Massachusetts based nonprofit that inspires high-potential diverse young people, especially those from untapped populations (people of color, girls, children of first generation immigrants and low-income families), to discover their passions in STE(A)M initiatives (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), develop innovative mindsets, and establish identities as professionals in Design, Science, Technology & Entrepreneurial careers. Due to complex systemic inequities, pathways to becoming valued problem solvers are blocked for far too many young people. iFp provides our most vulnerable youth with vital conditions for success: Strong peer support, connected pathways to future careers, and an engaged community mobilized through real-world learning experiences. iFp inspires students to cultivate skills to solve the problems they care most about, becoming producers in the fastest growing sectors of our economy now, while simultaneously changing the trajectory of their lives.
About This Cause
Organizational Goals and Objectives: iFp was founded on the belief that a new approach built upon student passions and interests was vital to helping youth from our demographics (people of color, girls, children from first generation immigrants and low- income families) reach their potential. The approach had to recognize the complicated lives our youth live which includes issues like family instability, economic factors and lack of mentors. Through significant iteration and refinement, iFp has developed an approach that establishes the conditions for success: strong relationships, connected pathways, and engaged community. The conditions for success are activated through real world learning experiences driven by our Creative Action design process. Strong Relationships are vital to a young person’s chance of success. Relationships help them learn and develop skills, imagine a bright future, and find a way to get there. Young people need support beyond the natural occurring relationships with parents, guardians and families. iFp is dedicated to providing our young people with strong relationships and webs of support that provide expectations, guidance and accountability to propel them forward. Connected Pathways for young people to travel on their journey to achieve the lives of contribution and choice must be clear, connected and responsive to inevitable setbacks. iFp is committed to providing navigational support to help our youth gain a clear picture of postsecondary options and preparation for careers. iFp will collaborate with other service providers to co-design pathways that are robust and responsive. Engaged Communities signal to youth that their contributions are necessary and valued. In return, youth are more likely to contribute their best work and become vested citizens. When iFp began its work, many youth in our demographic reported feeling invisible and disconnected from the larger community in particularly the innovation-driven business community. Our youth only experienced the negative side or unintended consequences of a growing economy like higher rents and food prices. iFp is unwavering passionate about opening doors, giving our youth a voice and engaging the most well-resourced individuals, institutions and businesses in the community. Deploy Unique Student-Centered Approach. iFp has develop Creative Action - an approach that blends art, science, and humanities. Young people start with activities often associated with the arts, envisioning the world through the eyes of others (empathy), and dreaming up new ways to meet their needs (imagination). Then students, employ logical and analytical methods encouraged in science to uncover “new to the world” ideas. Our Comprehensive Approach will support young people’s academic and social development. Provides direct mentoring support. Encourages taking advanced courses, especially in math and science. Promotes participation in leadership opportunities. Provides greater awareness of long-term opportunities in the innovation economy. Offers thorough career exploration and awareness. Cultivates identity development and a sense of belonging in STE(A)M fields. Prepares students for a successful transition to post-secondary college and careers in innovation-related fields. Programs and Services: Comprised of several year-round, tuition-free, out of school time initiatives, iFp and our collaborators are reimagining how STE(A)M is taught to non-traditional STE(A)M learners. Over the past 6 years through significant experimentation and iteration, we have developed a new framing for STE(A)M education that is designed to energize, excite and empower young people, especially those from underrepresented and underserved populations. STE(A)M subjects are traditionally taught in a very siloed manner, with few opportunities for community engagement or real-life application. Our new framing called Creative Action is a comprehensive learning approach that closes the gaps found in the majority of STE(A)M offerings. Creative Action uniquely blends art, science, and humanities. Young people start with activities often associated with the arts, envisioning the world through the eyes of others (empathy), and dreaming up new ways to meet their needs (imagination), then students employ logical and analytical methods encouraged in science to uncover “new to the world” ideas. Underlying the framework are the conditions for success: strong relationships, connected pathways and an engaged community. Creative Action outcomes: • Supports young people’s academic and social development • Provides direct mentoring support • Encourages taking advanced courses, especially in math and science • Promotes participation in leadership opportunities • Provides greater awareness of long-term opportunities in the innovation economy • Offers thorough career exploration and awareness • Cultivates identity development and a sense of belonging in STE(A)M fields • Prepares students for a successful transition to post-secondary college and careers in innovation-related fields. Organizational Structure: iFp is organized is organized as most non-profits with a governing board of directors and a day to day management team. The organization was founded by 5 African-Americans (4 males and 1 female). The board of directors consists of 6 members including 3 American-Americans, 1 Asian-American and 2 Women. The management team is lead to two African-Americans. In 2019, iFp program participants self-identified as follows: 84% persons of color (50% African-American, 18% Asian, 11% Latino, 5% Other), 61% female and 61% from low-income families. The demographics of our target audience is reflected in iFp’s leadership and our similar lived experiences provides as unique bond that’s exhibited in our programming.