BrainLab: STEM Career Guidance Ecosystem

According to a report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women make up only 29.3% of scientific researchers worldwide. This gender gap is reflected in the communities we serve, Title I schools, where the representation of women in STEM fields is even lower.

UpBrainery Technologies is addressing the gender disparity in STEM fields, particularly the underrepresentation of girls and women. With a 1:500 average counselor-to-student ratio, which is even worse in underserved areas, it is impossible for students to gain personalized guidance and career advice. This is especially true for girls who have been groomed to suppress competitiveness in academics from a very young age.  

We are tackling this challenge by empowering girls and providing them with a tool, BrainLab,  that not only creates the love of STEM but allows them to understand what skills align with their interests and aptitude. Our solution provides them with Digital Internships that connect the dots between skills earned and real-world connections, thus creating a pipeline and providing opportunities to excel in STEM careers.

The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields persists, with women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce. This gender gap is prevalent worldwide, with figures as low as 24% in the United States, 17% in the European Union, and 16% in Japan. This disparity not only hampers diversity and inclusion but also restricts the full potential of the STEM industry. 

In the communities we work in the United States, the underrepresentation of women in STEM is a significant issue. The low percentages of women in engineering (21%) and computer science (19%) majors highlight the limited opportunities and representation in these fields.

There are many reasons why students, especially girls, are not pursuing the right careers. Kids form opinions at a very early age.  Without role models and Careers where they can see themselves, they are not able to envision themselves in those fields.  Plus their world is typically limited to what they see around them - mom - dad - neighbors etc.  This is a very limited vision, especially for a girl that is in an area where resources are limited.

Collectively as a society, we should be exposing and training students to select the right path for their careers in light of the evolving job market.  And this is simply not happening.  When it comes to selecting the right path after high school, students, especially girls, are choosing careers that are non-STEM-related and lock them into deep debt and lower income brackets.

The lack of visible role models in STEM fields poses a significant barrier for girls pursuing careers in these areas. Girls need relatable and inspiring figures to look up to in order to envision themselves succeeding in STEM. Without sufficient female role models, they may struggle to see themselves pursuing STEM education and careers. UpBrainery's solution focuses on empowering girls to self-explore and develop their interests in STEM while keeping successful women in STEM as role models that help showcase their journey. 

BrainLab in Action!

Our solution is built on the belief that every girl deserves equal opportunities to excel in STEM subjects, and we provide the tools and resources to make that a reality. With BrainLab, students gain access to a comprehensive suite of teaching materials, lesson plans, and interactive activities that are tailored to engage and inspire girls in STEM. 

BrainLab creates a transformative learning experience that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and prepares girls for successful futures in STEM fields. Our AI coaches act as virtual mentors, providing personalized guidance and support to girls as they navigate their STEM learning experiences. The AI coaches in BrainLab utilize advanced algorithms to understand each girl's learning style, progress, and areas of strength and improvement. They are designed to sense hesitation or confusion and proactively offer assistance, ensuring that girls receive the help they need exactly when they need it. By providing timely support and tailored recommendations, the AI coaches enhance the learning process and boost girls' confidence and understanding of STEM subjects.

These AI coaches offer a wealth of benefits to girls in their STEM journey. First and foremost, they provide a safe and non-judgmental space for girls to ask questions and seek clarification. The fear of asking questions or feeling embarrassed is a common barrier that girls may face in STEM education, and the AI coaches aim to eliminate this by offering a supportive environment for inquiry and exploration.

We understand the unique needs and interests of female students and have carefully curated our content to address those specific areas. From hands-on experiments to immersive virtual experiences, our platform offers a wide range of resources that make learning STEM both educational and enjoyable for girls. Our courses are thoughtfully designed to include relatable and inspiring figures that girls can look up to, helping them envision themselves succeeding in STEM fields.

Through our courses, we aim to showcase a diverse range of women who have made significant contributions to the world of STEM. These figures serve as role models, demonstrating that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields and encouraging girls to pursue their passions without limitations. By highlighting these inspiring individuals, we aim to break down barriers and instill a sense of confidence and curiosity in girls.

Our courses not only introduce girls to the wonders of STEM but also foster an environment where asking questions is encouraged. We believe that asking questions is essential for learning and growth, and we want girls to feel empowered to explore and seek answers to their inquiries. Our courses provide a supportive space for girls to inquire, discuss, and collaborate, allowing them to develop critical thinking skills and nurture their natural curiosity.

BrainLab is dedicated to ensuring continuity across STEM education in order to decrease successive drop-offs in completion rates from K-12 through undergraduate years.

We are engaged in extensive research, surveys, and interviews with students, educators, and stakeholders in the STEM education ecosystem. We seek their insights, perspectives, and feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face and the support they require. We are conducting pilot programs and beta testing to gather real-world feedback and refine the solution based on the experiences and suggestions of our target users. By involving them in the development process, we ensure that BrainLab is a user-centered solution that effectively addresses their needs.

We have also established an Advisory Council consisting of experienced educators and girls which plays a crucial role in shaping and guiding the development of BrainLab. The educators on our Advisory Council bring valuable insights and expertise in K-12 education, STEM curriculum development, and teaching methodologies. Their deep understanding of the challenges faced by educators in effectively teaching and engaging girls in STEM helps us design features and resources that align with their needs. By actively involving them in the development process, we ensure that BrainLab reflects their voices and aspirations, making it a solution that truly resonates with their needs.

BrainLab addresses the needs of learners in several ways:

Exploration and Guidance: The platform provides a space for students to explore various STEM subjects, discover their interests, and gain exposure to different career paths. By offering a diverse range of interactive learning materials, role models, and real-world examples, BrainLab helps students make informed decisions about their educational and career choices.

Personalized Learning: Our solution leverages the power of AI to revolutionize personalized learning in a way that has never been done before. Through our innovative generative AI technology, we are able to tailor the learning experience to the unique interests and preferences of each user. Imagine a scenario where a student is passionate about sports. With our AI-driven platform, the content is presented to them in a context that aligns with their interest. They might explore the principles of physics through the lens of sports, examining the mechanics behind a baseball pitch or the trajectory of a basketball shot.

Skill Development: BrainLab focuses on developing essential STEM skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. By providing interactive activities, challenges, and projects, the platform enables students to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills that are essential in STEM fields.

Mentorship and Support: BrainLab facilitates mentorship opportunities and peer collaboration, connecting students with experienced individuals in STEM fields. This mentorship and support system provides guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights, enhancing students' confidence and sense of belonging in the STEM community.

As a team, We have a deep understanding of the communities we are serving and are committed to addressing their needs. Our Team Lead, Ms. Ghazal Qureshi, has firsthand experience and a strong connection to the target population. She has extensive experience working with organizations like Girls Inc., Girl Scouts of America, and Girlstart, where she has collaborated on initiatives to promote girls' participation in STEM fields.

Ghazal's background with IDEA Lab, a leading STEAM supplemental education provider, has allowed her to develop a strong foundation in curriculum innovation and designing engaging educational experiences for TODAY’S K-12 students. This expertise has been instrumental in the development of BrainLab, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of girls in STEM and removes any educational biases that are even today inherent in a traditional classroom.

We believe that meaningful community engagement is essential in designing and implementing our solution. To understand the needs of the communities we serve, we have conducted extensive research, surveys, and interviews with educators, students, and parents. This has allowed us to gain valuable insights into their challenges, aspirations, and specific requirements in STEM education.

Furthermore, we have established partnerships with local schools, community organizations such as Girl Scouts, Girls Inc. and other educational and enrichment institutions. Through these collaborations, we have facilitated workshops, focus groups, and pilot programs to involve the target population in the development process. Their input, ideas, and agendas have guided the design and implementation of our solution.

We have also formed advisory committees comprising educators, industry professionals, and community leaders who provide valuable guidance and ensure that our solution is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. Their expertise and insights contribute to the effectiveness and relevance of our solution.

In addition, our team is diverse and representative of the communities we are working with. We have team members with diverse backgrounds, including educators, technologists, CTE and STEM specialists, and experts in gender equity. This diversity enables us to bring multiple perspectives to the table and ensures that our solution is inclusive and culturally sensitive.

We are committed to ongoing engagement with the communities we serve. We organize regular feedback sessions, town hall meetings, and focus groups to gather continuous input and make iterative improvements to our solution. We understand that the needs and priorities of the communities may evolve, and we are responsive to these changes.

Ultimately, our team's proximity to the target population, our continuous engagement with the communities, and the meaningful input we receive from them ensure that our solution is designed and delivered with their best interests in mind. We are dedicated to creating a solution that truly addresses the unique challenges faced by girls and women in STEM and empowers them to thrive in these fields.

Our solution is serving approximately 5,500 users today through partnerships with organizations such as GirlStart, Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., and Girls Who Code. These users include girls in K-12 education who actively engage with our platform to explore and excel in STEM subjects. The number of users reflects the reach and impact of our solution in empowering girls and providing them with opportunities to pursue their interests and careers in STEM. Our contract with the Department of Defense will increase that number to over 20,000 students within 6 months.

We are applying to the Challenge because we are deeply committed to addressing the gender equity gap in STEM education and careers. Our mission aligns perfectly with the goals of the challenge, which seeks to unlock the untapped potential of girls and women in STEM fields and build a workforce that is fully prepared for the demands of Careers2030.

While financial support is valuable, our motivation to participate in the challenge extends beyond raising funds. We recognize that Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures bring a wealth of expertise, resources, and networks that can help us overcome various barriers and amplify the impact of our solution.

Specifically, we hope to leverage their support in the following areas:

Technical Support: Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can provide technical expertise and guidance to enhance the development and scalability of BrainLab. Their insights and experience can help us refine the platform, optimize its performance, and ensure its compatibility with diverse educational settings.

Market Access: The challenge provides an opportunity to connect with a broader network of stakeholders in the education and STEM sectors. Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can help us navigate the market landscape, forge partnerships with schools and educational institutions, and expand the reach of BrainLab to underserved communities.

Mentorship and Collaboration: The challenge offers access to a network of mentors, advisors, and industry experts who can provide valuable guidance and support. Their expertise can help us refine our strategies, strengthen our impact measurement framework, and ensure the sustainability of our solution.

Cultural and Legal Barriers: Gender equity in STEM is not solely an educational challenge but also encompasses broader cultural and societal norms. Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures can provide guidance on navigating cultural barriers, promoting inclusive practices, and advocating for policy changes that support gender equity in STEM.

We recognize that the challenge is an opportunity to learn from other innovators, share best practices, and collaborate towards a common goal. By participating in the challenge, we hope to be part of a community of changemakers who are collectively working towards achieving gender equity in STEM.

Ultimately, our primary motivation for applying to the challenge is to leverage the expertise and resources of Solve and Tiger Global Impact Ventures to enhance our solution's impact. We believe that by joining forces, we can address the financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers more effectively, ensuring that BrainLab reaches and benefits a larger number of students and contributes to the advancement of gender equity in STEM education.

Our team lead, Ghazal Qureshi, has a strong connection to the community in which our project is based. With over 25 years of experience in managing and implementing computer software, Ghazal brings a wealth of expertise in the field of technology. Her passion for education and her own children's experiences inspired her to venture into entrepreneurship.

Ghazal founded IDEA Lab Kids in 2011, an educational technology company that has grown to over 107 locations worldwide. Through IDEA Lab Kids, she actively engaged with communities, schools, and parents to provide innovative STEAM education programs for children. Her curriculum innovation and expertise in incorporating STEAM learning with Project-Based Learning have positioned IDEA Lab Kids as a cutting-edge provider of supplemental education for tens of thousands of K-12 students.

Being an immigrant herself, she feels very lucky to have accidentally fallen into the STEM career path.  She would not have been able to get to where she is today without being a part of the STEM ecosystem.

Building upon her background in technology and curriculum development, Ghazal identified the need to bridge the gap in educational delivery through the integration of artificial intelligence. This led her to establish UpBrainery Technologies, where she serves as the CEO. With UpBrainery, Ghazal aims to leverage AI to create a transformative learning platform that addresses the challenges faced in STEM education.

Through her extensive involvement in the commercial education space, Ghazal has established connections with educators, schools, and educational organizations. She has collaborated with stakeholders to design inquiry-based curriculum pathways and implement innovative approaches to STEM education. Her work has garnered recognition and respect in the education and technology sectors.

She provides mentoring and coaching to others pursuing STEM or entrepreneurship careers and her passion, expertise, and connections in the education and technology sectors allow her to effectively lead our team in creating meaningful and impactful solutions for the communities we serve.

We were introduced to this challenge via a recommendation by the National Science Foundation. 

UpBrainery stands out with its unique approach of combining career exploration, skill development, and personalized learning in one tech platform. We offer a comprehensive solution that sits in the hands of the student and is not one size fits all. It empowers students to not only explore various career paths but also gain the necessary skills for future job opportunities. 

• Comprehensive Career Exploration: BrainLab goes beyond traditional STEM education by offering comprehensive career exploration modules. It allows students to explore a wide range of STEM careers, providing insights into different fields, their requirements, and real-world applications. This comprehensive approach helps students make informed decisions about future careers, aligning their interests and passions with STEM pathways.

• Personalized Learning: BrainLab offers personalized learning pathways that adapt to the individual needs and preferences of students. By tailoring the learning experience, BrainLab ensures that students can engage with STEM subjects at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding and maintaining their interest and motivation. This personalized approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey and promotes inclusivity by accommodating diverse learning styles.

• AI Coaches: BrainLab incorporates AI coaches with their own unique subject matter expertise that act as virtual mentors, providing personalized guidance and assistance to learners. Through advanced algorithms, the generative AI coaches analyze learners' progress, identify areas of improvement, and offer tailored recommendations and resources. This AI-driven support system ensures timely and relevant assistance, enhancing the learning experience and enabling students to overcome challenges effectively.

• BrainLab Profiler: Our solution incorporates the BrainLab Profiler, which allows students to discover careers of interest. Based on the interaction, it creates a comprehensive student profile, highlighting their strengths, interests, and aspirations. This profile serves as a foundation for suggesting careers and courses aligned with the student's interests, fostering a more targeted and purposeful educational pathway.  This profile is then further enhanced via AI based on the interactions of the students as they progress through the platform.

• Community and Mentorship: BrainLab fosters a supportive community by connecting students with experienced mentors and facilitating collaboration among peers. By providing access to role models and establishing mentorship programs, BrainLab exposes students to diverse perspectives, encourages networking, and helps build a sense of belonging in the STEM community. This community-driven approach empowers students, promotes collaboration, and expands their professional networks.

• Market Transformation: Our innovative solution has the power to transform the market by challenging the status quo in STEM education. By shifting the focus from a one-size-fits-all approach to personalized and career-oriented learning, we disrupt traditional educational models. This transformation can lead to a paradigm shift where STEM education becomes more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all students, regardless of their gender or background.

By showcasing the effectiveness of personalized learning, AI-driven support, and comprehensive career exploration, we aim to inspire and influence other stakeholders in the education sector. This could encourage the adoption of similar approaches and technologies by educators, institutions, and policymakers, leading to a shift in teaching methodologies and a more effective STEM education ecosystem.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are centered around creating a transformational impact on students' lives and addressing gender inequity in STEM education. Our goals are as follows:

Next Year's Impact Goals:

• Increase the participation of girls in STEM education by 25% in our target communities.

• Improve students' STEM skills and confidence, resulting in a 15% increase in STEM-related academic achievements.

• Establish partnerships with at least 50 schools to implement BrainLab and reach a larger number of students.

• Conduct impact assessments and gather feedback from students, educators, and parents to continually improve and refine the BrainLab platform.

To achieve these impact goals:

• Provide our tool free to over 100,000 girls in underserved communities through underwriting efforts.

• Implement targeted marketing and outreach campaigns to raise awareness and engagement among students, parents, and educators.

• Provide comprehensive training and support to educators to effectively utilize BrainLab in their classrooms.

• Continuously enhance and expand the content and features of BrainLab to align with evolving educational needs and standards.

• Foster collaborations with organizations and institutions working towards gender equity in STEM to amplify our impact and reach a broader audience.

Five-Year Impact Goals:

• Achieve gender parity in STEM education participation across our target communities.

• Empower students to pursue STEM careers by supporting at least 1,000,000 students in their career exploration and skill development journey.

• Expand the reach of BrainLab to new regions and communities, reaching a total of 10,000 schools and impacting millions of students.

• Foster a sustainable ecosystem of STEM education by collaborating with industry partners, universities, and government entities.

To achieve these impact goals:

• Scale our operations and infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand for BrainLab and ensure its accessibility to a broader audience.

• Collaborate with educational institutions, corporations, and government bodies to advocate for gender equity in STEM and promote the adoption of inclusive STEM education practices.

• Continuously assess and iterate on our impact metrics to ensure we are effectively measuring and tracking progress toward our goals.

• Actively engage with stakeholders and communities to gather feedback, understand their evolving needs, and adapt our approach accordingly.

Through these impact goals and strategies, we aim to create lasting change in the lives of students, contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM education, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. We are committed to continually refining and improving our approach, collaborating with partners, and leveraging technology to maximize our impact and transform STEM education for generations to come.

We believe in the importance of measuring our progress towards our impact goals to ensure that we are effectively creating the desired outcomes and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students. We use a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure our progress. Some of the specific indicators we are using include:

Participation Rates: We track the number of students, particularly girls and underrepresented groups, who actively engage with BrainLab. By monitoring participation rates, we can assess the reach and accessibility of our solution and determine if we are successfully attracting and retaining students in STEM education.

Academic Achievements: We assess the impact of BrainLab on students' academic performance in STEM subjects. By analyzing academic indicators, such as grades, test scores, and overall achievement, we can evaluate the effectiveness of BrainLab in improving students' STEM knowledge and skills.

Career Aspirations and Pathways: We collect data on students' career aspirations and their chosen pathways in STEM fields. This information helps us understand the influence of BrainLab on students' career choices and the extent to which it encourages them to pursue STEM careers.

User Feedback and Satisfaction: We actively seek feedback from students, educators, and parents through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Their input helps us gauge their satisfaction with BrainLab, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that our solution meets their needs and expectations.

Gender Parity: We track the gender distribution of students participating in BrainLab to assess our progress in achieving gender equity. By monitoring the ratio of male to female participants, we can measure the effectiveness of our strategies in attracting and engaging girls in STEM education.

Partnerships and Reach: We monitor the number of schools, educational institutions, and community organizations that we partner with to implement BrainLab. This indicator allows us to assess the expansion and reach of our solution, indicating our ability to scale and make a broader impact.

Success Stories: We collect and share success stories and testimonials from students who have benefited from BrainLab. These narratives provide qualitative evidence of the positive impact our solution has on students' lives, showcasing real-life examples of empowerment, skill development, and career exploration.

By regularly collecting and analyzing data from these indicators, we can evaluate our progress, identify areas of success, and pinpoint areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps us make informed decisions, refine our strategies, and ensure that BrainLab continues to create meaningful and transformative impacts in STEM education.

We expect our solution, BrainLab, to have a significant impact on the problem of gender inequity in STEM education. Our theory of change is based on the following logical framework:

Activities:

• Develop and deploy BrainLab, a comprehensive educational platform with personalized learning paths, AI-driven support, and career exploration modules.

• Engage with students, educators, and stakeholders through research, feedback collection, and partnerships.

• Continuously improve and update BrainLab based on user feedback, emerging educational needs, and advancements in technology.

Outputs:

• Accessible online platform: BrainLab provides an accessible and user-friendly interface that allows students to explore STEM subjects, access learning materials, and receive support from AI coaches.

• Personalized learning experience: BrainLab tailors the learning experience to the individual needs and preferences of students, promoting engagement, autonomy, and self-paced learning.

• Career exploration modules: BrainLab offers a range of career exploration resources, showcasing diverse STEM pathways and inspiring students to consider STEM careers.

Outcomes:

• Increased interest and participation: By providing truly personalized and engaging and inclusive learning materials, BrainLab sparks interest in STEM subjects among students, including girls and underrepresented groups.  Through the use of technology, Students are provided scenarios that are unique to them and align with their interests.

• Improved STEM skills and confidence: Through personalized learning and AI-driven support, BrainLab enhances students' understanding, critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in STEM fields.  AI coaches sense hesitation and uncertainty to help further break down lessons for each student.

• Expanded career aspirations: By exposing students to a variety of STEM careers through content and real-world STEM professionals, BrainLab broadens their career horizons and encourages them to consider pursuing STEM pathways.

• Increased gender equity in STEM: BrainLab aims to address the gender gap in STEM by empowering and supporting girls in their STEM journey, promoting their active participation and success in STEM education and careers.

Our theory of change is supported by existing research on the importance of personalized learning, access to role models, and inclusive educational environments in promoting gender equity and student engagement in STEM. Additionally, we collect feedback from students, educators, and stakeholders to continuously evaluate and refine our approach.

By engaging students with customized and personalized learning experiences, providing access to diverse STEM resources, and fostering a supportive community, BrainLab inspires and empowers students to overcome barriers, pursue STEM education and careers, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Through BrainLab, we aim to catalyze a positive change in the lives of students, promoting their interest, skills, and success in STEM fields, and paving the way for a more diverse and vibrant future in the STEM workforce.

BrainLab is powered by a range of core technologies that enable its innovative features and functionalities.

Online Platform: At its core, BrainLab is an online platform that leverages web technologies to provide a seamless and accessible learning experience. Students can access BrainLab through computers, tablets, or mobile devices, allowing for flexibility and convenience in accessing educational content and resources.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): BrainLab incorporates AI technologies to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized support to students. AI algorithms analyze student data, including their progress, performance, and learning styles, to offer tailored recommendations, answer questions, and provide explanations. The AI component acts as virtual mentors or AI coaches, guiding students throughout their STEM journey.

Multimedia Content: BrainLab utilizes various multimedia technologies to deliver engaging and interactive learning materials. These include TikTok-style videos, interactive assignments, 3D models, GIFs, and augmented reality (AR) experiences. By incorporating multimedia content, BrainLab creates a dynamic and immersive learning environment that appeals to students' visual and interactive preferences.

Data Analytics: BrainLab employs data analytics technologies to track student progress, collect user feedback, and generate insights for continuous improvement. By analyzing data, we gain valuable insights into student engagement, learning patterns, and areas for enhancement. This data-driven approach allows us to refine the learning experience and tailor content to meet individual needs.

Cloud Infrastructure: BrainLab relies on cloud infrastructure to ensure scalability, reliability, and security. The cloud-based architecture enables seamless content delivery, data storage, and real-time collaboration among students and educators.

Mobile Application: BrainLab incorporates a mobile first application that provides on-the-go access to learning materials, AI coaches, and interactive features. The mobile app leverages mobile technologies to deliver an optimized user experience and extend the reach of BrainLab beyond traditional classroom settings.

These core technologies work together synergistically to power BrainLab and enable its unique features, such as personalized learning, AI-driven support, interactive multimedia content, and data-driven insights. By harnessing the power of technology, BrainLab aims to revolutionize STEM education, enhance student engagement, and address the gender gap in STEM by providing an inclusive and innovative learning experience.

Our solution team consists of 58 full-time staff members and 7 part-time staff members.

We have been working on the solution since 2020.  However, in 2022, we realized that there was a large gap in the Career exploration for STEM fields in the classrooms.

We are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work. We recognize that embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment is not only the right thing to do, but it also leads to more innovative solutions and better outcomes for our stakeholders. Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work encompasses the following aspects:

Leadership Team Diversity: Our leadership team consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and professional experiences. We believe that having diverse perspectives at the leadership level helps us make better decisions, foster a culture of inclusivity, and ensure that our solutions are relevant and effective for diverse communities.

Hiring and Recruitment: We actively seek diversity in our hiring practices, striving to attract candidates from different backgrounds and experiences. We employ inclusive hiring practices that ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, or other factors. We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.

Inclusive Solution Design: We incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the design and development of BrainLab. We ensure that our platform provides content and resources that are inclusive, representative, and free from stereotypes. We work to eliminate biases and ensure equal access and engagement for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds.  For this effort we have developed AI coaches free from the educational biases which despite all efforts, are still part and parcel of regular classroom instruction.  This is called being human.

User Engagement and Feedback: We actively engage with our users, including students, educators, and parents, to gather feedback and insights. We seek diverse perspectives and actively listen to the needs and experiences of our stakeholders. This helps us identify and address potential barriers, biases, or gaps in our solution, and continuously improve its inclusivity and effectiveness.

Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with organizations and institutions that share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By partnering with stakeholders in the education and STEM sectors, we aim to amplify our impact and develop solutions that address the unique needs of diverse communities. These partnerships also enable us to learn from others' experiences and foster a collective effort toward inclusivity in STEM education.

Ongoing Learning and Development: We foster a culture of continuous learning and growth within our team. We provide training and professional development opportunities that promote awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of diversity and inclusion topics. This helps us cultivate a team that actively champions diversity and applies inclusive practices in all aspects of our work.

We recognize that the journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion is ongoing and requires constant reflection, learning, and improvement. We remain dedicated to evolving our practices, policies, and solutions to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for our team, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.

Our business model revolves around providing value to our key customers and beneficiaries in the field of education.

Key Customers:

Schools and Educational Institutions: We partner with K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to deliver our STEM education programs and initiatives. These institutions are our primary customers, and they benefit from our comprehensive curriculum and training to effectively engage girls and diverse populations in STEM education.

Parents: The students themselves are the ultimate beneficiaries of our programs. We provide them with access to quality STEM education, hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and career guidance. Our aim is to empower them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to pursue successful careers in STEM fields.  For this, we have built out a very cost-effective monthly subscription of $3.99 per month to get this into the hands of millions of students across the nation.

Teachers and Educators: We support and equip teachers and educators with the necessary tools, resources, and training to effectively teach and engage girls in STEM subjects. By enhancing their instructional practices and providing ongoing professional development, we enable them to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.

Products and Services:

Online Platform BrainLab: We provide BrainLab which is our proprietary platform that provides an immersive learning experience with interactive simulations, 3D models, augmented reality, and personalized guidance into STEM careers.

Comprehensive STEM Curriculum: We offer a comprehensive STEM curriculum designed specifically to engage and empower students of today (The Tik Tok generation). Our curriculum integrates hands-on activities, project-based learning, and real-world applications to make STEM subjects relevant and exciting for students.

Teacher Training and Professional Development: We provide training and professional development workshops to teachers and educators, equipping them with strategies, pedagogical approaches, and resources to effectively teach STEM subjects to girls and an economically diverse student population. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to create an inclusive and engaging learning experience.

Delivery Mechanism:

Our product, BrainLab,  is a technology platform with AI-generation personalized content which can be used to deliver education in a combination of self-paced, in-person, or online remote learning classrooms. We collaborate with schools and educational institutions to integrate our curriculum into their existing programs, we also provide online learning resources, virtual mentoring sessions, and webinars to reach a wider audience and ensure accessibility.

Value Proposition:

Our value proposition lies in addressing the gender and economic gap in STEM education and careers. We provide a holistic approach that combines curriculum, teacher training, mentorship, and career guidance to create an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for girls in STEM. Our programs and services empower girls to develop STEM skills, build confidence, and pursue rewarding careers, thereby creating a positive impact on their lives and the broader STEM community.

Revenue Generation:

UpBrainery employs an omnichannel revenue model where we have the opportunity to monetize in 2 key areas. We charge organizations a seat license fee for creating "custom journeys and content" for their brands and charge students/parents as a SaaS model for the use of our premium services.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability involves a multi-faceted approach that combines various revenue streams. Here are the key elements of our strategy:

Revenue from Partnerships: We actively seek partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and corporate entities that share our mission. Through these partnerships, we offer our services and solutions, generating revenue through service contracts, licensing agreements, and customized programs tailored to their specific needs.

User Subscriptions: We offer subscription-based access to our platform and its premium features for individual users, schools, and districts. This subscription model allows us to generate ongoing revenue while providing our users with continuous access to our educational resources and support.

Grants and Donations: We actively pursue grants and donations from foundations, philanthropic organizations, and governmental agencies that support our mission of promoting gender equity in STEM education. These funds provide crucial financial support for the development and expansion of our programs and initiatives.

Product Sales: We have developed educational materials, and learning resources, which we sell to schools, educators, and individual users. These products not only generate revenue but also enhance the learning experience for our users.

The federal government has already allocated over $ 2 billion annually for the next 10 years to help students in K12 gain exposure to career exploration especially in STEM fields.  In addition, there is over $2 trillion of funding in upskilling and training youth for the careers of tomorrow through the workforce commission.  

We have also achieved significant success in our financial sustainability efforts, with notable examples including

Contract with the Department of Defense: We were recently awarded a contract with the Department of Defense Education Agency to offer our solution to 52 middle schools. This contract provides a significant source of revenue and demonstrates the recognition and value of our solution in the education sector.

Paid Pilot Programs: We have successfully executed two paid pilot programs with educational institutions. These pilots not only generated revenue but also allowed us to validate and refine our solution based on real-world implementation and user feedback.

Contracts for Cybersecurity and Medical Pathways: We have secured contracts to deliver cybersecurity career pathways for high school students, as well as medical pathways for private schools. These contracts provide additional revenue streams and highlight the demand for our specialized educational offerings.

Ongoing Discussions with School Districts: We are currently engaged in discussions with several school districts for the implementation of our technology and licensable curriculum as part of their Career Technical Education instructional programs. These discussions indicate growing interest and potential future contracts, further contributing to our financial sustainability.

While we may not be able to disclose specific monetary amounts or funder names due to confidentiality, these examples demonstrate our ability to generate revenue through contracts and partnerships. They also underscore the market demand for our solution and the potential for long-term financial sustainability.