Most of us grow up taking everything for granted- never stopping to think about how privileged we truly are.

 

In the greater Seattle area, we’ve been surrounded by endless STEM opportunities since elementary school: robotics clubs, inspiring teachers, hands-on projects, and the resources to dream— of becoming engineers, scientists, and innovators. But, not every child has that chance.

As our world rapidly races towards a future decided by technology, AI, and global problem-solving, we need diverse voices and leaders from every corner of the world. True progress requires that all children, regardless of where they’re born, have the ability to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and shape the future.

That belief is why we founded BUILDTHEFUTURE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit created by high school students in Seattle. Our mission is to bring equal access to STEM education to underprivileged communities around the world— starting with a tool we once learned from: LEGO.

  

Each year, we collect excess STEM-building materials from local families, schools, and city councils. These pieces, often left forgotten in closets and attics, are transformed into STEM learning kits complete with aspects such as creative building initiatives and beginner robotics materials. Through these kits, we help children in under-resourced regions learn, experiment, and dream, just as we were able to as children.

Last year, we successfully collected and delivered over 30,000 LEGO pieces to schools in Eastern Washington, giving students new ways to engage with science and engineering. This year, our focus has turned to Kashmir, a region long affected by political and economic instability that has limited educational access for children. Excitingly, we already expect over 100,000 LEGO pieces from participating schools and community groups around the Seattle area, which we are preparing to organize into high-quality, hands-on STEM kits to be donated before this upcoming Holiday season.

However, as students, we can’t do it alone.

While our local schools and community partners are generously able to donate us majority of these supplies, we face major cost obstacles in packaging, shipping, and program support- especially for international delivery from Seattle to Western Asia. These expenses are expected to exceed $10,000, and as high school students, we urgently need your help to reach our goal.

Your donation, no matter the size, directly funds the delivery of every LEGO brick, each STEM kit, and each spark of inspiration for children in these underprivileged regions. You’re not just directly funding the donation of toys; you’re investing in long-term education, opportunity, and the future of global innovation, all while encouraging sustainability here at home. All extra funding will go directly into our next target region, after all necessary costs for our Kashmir focus have been covered.

Every child deserves the chance to imagine, create, and learn. Together, we can make that possible.

Let’s BUILD THE FUTURE together, piece by piece.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Instagram: @buiildthefuture