createMPLS

createMPLS is a direct service nonprofit organization, providing hands-on learning programs centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with an emphasis on the ‘T’ for schools that cannot provide their own in a sustainable manner. Programs are designed to help K-12 students build foundational technology skills, learn about teamwork and problem solving, and become positive difference makers in the community.

Many urban students don’t have access to tech learning programs because their schools lack qualified teachers, resources, and/or funding. Students deserve better educational opportunities and there are ways to make this happen. By partnering with schools and nonprofits, createMPLS removes cost, knowledge, and transportation barriers to tech learning inclusion by offering programs at no cost to students and in the place where they already attend school/programming.

createMPLS is committed to bridging the access and inclusion gaps for K-12 students, families, and schools. Through bringing programs, classes and team competitions to the students’ school or out-of-school site, students, often with little to no technology skills, get to learn to write code, design and program robots, build mobile applications, and build, code, and fly drones. Play-based learning and gamification has shown to be effective engagement tools with these programs. Youth develop hard skills in computer science and engineering, along with soft skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and advocacy.