We’re Nithilan Karthik, Ish Aggarwal, and Rayanne Noonari — a group of high school students passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented youth who dream big but often lack the support or exposure to turn their ideas into reality.

Our initiative, Project Origin, is a free, month-long entrepreneurship program where students from underrepresented communities learn real business skills, gain confidence, and connect with mentors who’ve been in their shoes.

Throughout four days in November, participants will attend interactive workshops on marketing, business planning, and design. They’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers, receive mentorship from local founders, and work in teams to develop their own startup ideas. The program will culminate in a Pitch Competition, where students present their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to win seed funding to kickstart their ventures.

We’re raising funds to cover essential costs such as event spaces, materials, t-shirts for participants, and a prize for the winning team. Every dollar goes directly toward helping us make this experience free and accessible for students who might not otherwise have these kinds of opportunities.

Your support will help us empower the next generation of innovators and show young people that their stories, ideas, and dreams truly matter. Together, we can help them build confidence, community, and a future full of possibility.