OUr Mission
Young Inquisitive Minds is a student-run non-profit fiscally sponsored by Via Services geared towards fostering scientific exploration and curiosity in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through hands-on STEM activities such as building robots and conducting science experiments, Bay Area students in special education programs are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in extensive STEM learning, inspiring many to pursue STEM careers in the future. By 2025, we hope to work with every student in special education in Bay Area, California.
STUDENTS Worked with
Hours put in
volunteers
OUr Programs
Robotics
We work with kids to help them build and code robots of their own.
Science
Through our science activities, students get a glimpse at explosive, visual activities!
Designing
Our engineering activities let student's creative juices flow!
In collaboration with other organizations or with our online community, we host weekly STEM session with members of the special needs community. From the elephant toothpaste science experiment to building marble rollercoasters, we've done it all!
testimonial
"The Young Inquisitive Minds provided participants with disabilities the wonderful opportunity to participate in STEM activities and socialize with teens. The YIM instructors modified and adapted the activities to best meet the needs of the participants. They took that extra time to explain the activities to the participants and provided prompting for those who needed additional support to complete the activities. The teens absolutely loved the STEM activities and built a special bond with the YIM instructors. Their classes exemplified how any activity can be modified or adapted so that all individuals can participate and succeed."
-Lauren Council, Former Recreational Coordinator at Santa Clara Therapeutic Recreation Center
With support from:
Stanford Kids with Dreams
Parents Helping Parents
In January 2021, Young Inquisitive Minds Founders, Nithila Poongovan and Meghana Repaka, were awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service from CBS San Francisco for their work in creating opportunities for those with disabilities at an early age. To view the full feature, visit CBS San Francisco here.
Thank you so much for helping us win the Jefferson Award! We are beyond excited to see our work recognized and can't wait to make a bigger difference in our community! With your endless support, we look forward to working with every student enrolled in special education in Santa Clara, California within the next four years.