We were honored to host a highly productive and meaningful Executive Advisory Board meeting with our leadership team, bringing together experienced professionals who share a strong commitment to student success, community impact, and STEM education.
Our Executive Advisory Board—comprising Stacey Ballard, CEO of Eadeh Enterprises; Bill Lynch, President of Isolite Corporation; and Ted Huck, Director of Manufacturing & Quality at MATCOR, Inc.—took time to thoughtfully review our mission, programs, and long-term vision. They expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and ownership being demonstrated by our students and families, recognizing the unique strength of a model that places young people at the center of learning and leadership.
Throughout the discussion, our board members strongly encouraged us to continue expanding mentor support from industry and the broader community. They reaffirmed their commitment to guiding us as we scale our programs, strengthen operational foundations, and deepen the impact we create for our students. Their insights reinforced the importance of intentional growth—ensuring that expansion never comes at the expense of quality, inclusivity, or student experience.
This Executive Advisory Board meeting brought together perspectives from industry, technology, and academia, united by a shared belief in the power of youth development through STEM education. Conversations focused on moving from vision to execution—building strong mentorship pipelines, fostering sustainable partnerships, and creating opportunities that expose students to real-world challenges and professional environments.
A central theme of the meeting was the importance of developing not only technical competencies, but also confidence, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Our advisors emphasized that these qualities are essential in preparing students to thrive in college, careers, and civic life. They highlighted how meaningful mentorship and authentic industry engagement can transform learning into purpose-driven growth.
What stood out most was the collective belief that community-based, student-led initiatives can create outsized impact when guided by experienced professionals who are willing to invest their time, perspective, and trust. This shared conviction reinforces our approach and motivates us to continue building bridges between students, families, educators, and industry leaders.
We are deeply grateful to our Executive Advisory Board members for their thoughtful guidance, candid feedback, and continued support. Their leadership helps ensure that what we are building is not only impactful today, but durable, inclusive, and transformative for generations to come.
As we move forward, we do so with renewed clarity, shared responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to our Executive Advisory Board members, parent volunteers, and—most importantly—our students for making this meeting and our mission possible.