SEEDschool: NoCode. No Limits.

The problem that SEEDschool is addressing is the lack of resources and opportunities for BIPOC teenagers to prepare for the future of work and entrepreneurship. Despite technological advancements, many young BIPOC teens still face significant barriers to accessing quality creator education and training programs that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age. 

This problem persists due to systemic inequalities, including poverty, limited access to technology, and underfunded schools in low-income communities. These factors often lead to a lack of preparation for college and careers, perpetuating cycles of economic hardship and limiting opportunities for personal and professional growth. Additionally, traditional education systems often fail to teach relevant and cutting-edge topics that are becoming increasingly important in the job market. As a result, many youth are left behind and do not have the resources or knowledge to compete in the digital economy, creating a need for innovative solutions like SEEDschool.

The coding bootcamp space has tried to fill this gap, but not much progress has happened, as The New York Times reports only 7% (or 1 in 14) of U.S. tech employees at major firms are BIPOC.  Tech training in general, especially for non-technical BIPOC teenagers, urgently requires innovation. They often fail to reach our target audience due to their complexity, unengaging material, lack of diversity, financial barriers, and the lack of soft skills training. Furthermore, expanding outside of our target audience, less than 1% of the global population is equipped with coding skills (Adalo), leaving a vast number of individuals on the outskirts of the innovation economy.

SEEDschool is an EdTech startup reimagining coding bootcamps for non-technical creators with a unique blend of game-based learning & technology, a curated collection of user-friendly NoCode and Creative AI tools, and holistic personal development. Our mission is to offer fun and accessible pathways into tech and serve as a GPS for our students' creative futures, providing them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the future of work and entrepreneurship.

Our product is a game-based learning platform that offers educational content through engaging Quests, boasts a robust reward system with virtual currency and badges, employs AI Assistant Coaches, and facilitates social networking. To make our content more interactive for our target audience, we are developing and playtesting an ideation and roleplaying game called “oTrep” (short for open entrepreneur), which simulates the process of launching a new age tech startup. It will utilize physical playing cards and a web-based 2D version and will be seamlessly integrated into our learning platform. The physical playing cards are utilized for offline purposes and preparing students for the digital version.

Our value proposition lies in making tech education accessible, engaging, and relevant. In addition to coaching, our game and platform will use storytelling and gameplay to teach our students about design thinking, code-free app development, startup skills, and personal development. By merging game-based learning with AI-driven personalization, we aim to provide a unique educational experience that prepares students for the digital future, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for our participants and partners.

We believe the untapped space for making the tech industry more diverse and accessible is the Creator Economy, a fast-growing industry that allows individuals to build careers around their passions and creative skills. Our 14 years of research and development in this space is pointing towards a future where a community-centered approach to work and entrepreneurship is prevalent, where creators not just create content, but also digital and physical products, and startups with their supporters; and we want to prepare our participants and partners for this significant shift.

SEEDschool caters specifically to non-technical BIPOC teenagers aged 13-19 who are eager to unlock their creative potential, make a positive impact, and acquire essential technology, business, and personal development skills. Unfortunately, many of them encounter significant hurdles due to limited resources and opportunities, perpetuating cycles of inequality and constraining their future prospects. Currently, our program directly addresses these disparities by partnering with Out-of-School Time providers, ensuring that we can efficiently reach our target audience.

In the United States alone, there are approximately 6.25 million BIPOC high school students. Regarding their desired career choices, CNBC reported that 57% of Gen Z individuals aspire to become digital creators. ZenBusiness reported that in 2023 78% of Gen Z respondents viewed entrepreneurship as an accessible career path, with 69% stating they learned about business through self-directed research and online videos. When it comes to their learning preferences, a Pearson report revealed that 48% of Gen Z learners favor online quizzes and interactive games, while 59% prefer online videos. Moreover, a McGraw Hill study highlighted that 74% of Gen Z learners prefer active and experiential learning methods that enable them to engage with the material and apply it to real-world scenarios.

Our participants experience a transformative learning journey that prioritizes engagement and participation, offering a fun and enjoyable experience while acquiring future-proof skills through the use of the latest practices and user-friendly technologies. Along the way, students build a robust portfolio and network, receive recognition and rewards for their progress, develop a growth-oriented mindset, and utilize career counseling and guidance, ensuring they're prepared for the future with confidence. 

For Out of School Time administrators, our solution offers a cost-effective and holistic approach that covers content, technology, and personalized coaching. They gain access to deep insights into student data to tailor support for participants and for easy reporting compliance, while also benefiting from new revenue streams through our future revenue share program, thus expanding financial sustainability and impact. Additionally, programs can leverage our marketing and recruitment playbook to assist with attracting students and partners for their initiatives. Lastly, our engaging and culturally competent curriculum can ensure that students remain engaged and motivated, fostering inclusive learning environments conducive to their growth and success.

Students and our partners will have the chance to unlock shared ownership in SEEDschool as it evolves into a dynamic web3 organization.

Growing up in the inner city of New Haven, Connecticut, my understanding of 'code' was limited to street slang, video game cheats, hip hop beats and lyrics, and basketball strategies, not the language of computers. This raw foundation, however, was unknowingly preparing me for a groundbreaking future in using technology to experiment with alternative economics and social equity. As the first in my family to graduate from high school, I was a stranger to coding and tech entrepreneurship. College in 2001 at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was a brief stop. It lacked the entrepreneurial spirit I desired, leading me to a sales career - but the creator within me yearned for more.

In 2005, inspired by Facebook's rise at my former college, I aspired to pursue tech entrepreneurship but couldn’t code worth a lick; and I didn’t know how or where to get started. Frustrated with unimaginative work environments and unable to actualize my website ideas, I turned to a cannabis side hustle on campus to quench my entrepreneurial thirst. This path led to a transformative six months at a rural prison camp, where I discovered a creative barter system. One day while taking a walk around the camp’s track, I began reflecting on Facebook's influence at VCU and the alternative economic activity I was witnessing, and the thought of integrating social networks with alternative exchange systems began to grow on me. This 2009 revelation marked my initial venture into the then-unnamed “web3” space.

Upon being released, I dove deep into researching tech and alternative economics. This led to co-founding a member-owned, BIPOC-led startup incubator that used code-free tools to build niche social networks targeting college students. In 2010, I began documenting this journey as a YouTuber, where we embraced minimalism and the sharing economy to help us launch our projects, gain awareness, and attract support - this involved giving up 90% of my possessions, couchsurfing, living off of a $15 a week food budget, releasing a book, and only using my creative freelance skills to earn a personal income (many of my clients were BIPOC-led nonprofits and small businesses). Eventually, in 2013-2014, our startup incubator raised $50K to pilot one of our 'web3-like' startups at my former university. Unfortunately, we were too early so we didn’t reach our goals, but we learned a lot.

My past experiences have prepared me to lead SEEDschool today and are a direct reflection of my commitment to leveraging technology for social good. Since September 2022, I have been working with BIPOC teens to not only realize their digital ideas without coding, but also to co-create SEEDschool into the best program it can be. This initiative is a testament to my belief in equitable tech education and represents the essence of our brand in 3 words “NoCode. No Limits”. Additionally, my journey has taught me a lot about being resilient and resourceful, which are traits that underdogs and people in marginalized communities need to escape their daily challenges.

Starting in September 2022 with a request for tech training from our pilot partner, Girls For A Change, our journey has led to building the first version of our game-based learning platform and completing two successful pilots with BIPOC teen girls - where they created their own Instagram apps based on their interests without coding. Post-program interviews with past participants expressed a clear preference for SEEDschool's innovative and creator-friendly approach over coding programs they were enrolled in previously. 

We are currently near the end of our third pilot, which is a year-long program at Meadowbrook High School, facilitated by a 21st Century Grant in collaboration with Girls For A Change. This initiative not only serves as a revenue-generating avenue but also provides an opportunity for invaluable research and development, including the playtesting of the card-based version of our game, oTrep; the feedback from playtesting will also inform the development of the digital, 2D version of the game. During this time, we also introduced AI Assistant Coaches to our learning platform, to bring a tailored ChatGPT-like experience to our participants. So far, we have served 33 students through our pilots with our partner, Girls For A Change.

Further bolstering our traction is the completion of a fellowship with Halcyon in December 2023, a prestigious DC-based incubator for social entrepreneurs. This experience and the high school pilot at Meadowbrook High School have generated valuable student feedback and interviews with educational leaders, which have shaped our evolution from a creator bootcamp that gamified accessible tech training to developing our own tech entrepreneurship roleplaying game.

I am applying to Solve because I believe in the transformative power of SEEDschool, and recognize the invaluable support and resources this initiative can offer to advance its mission. While my primary goal is not solely to raise funds, I acknowledge that financial support is essential to overcoming certain barriers hindering SEEDschool’s progress. However, I am equally interested in accessing non-monetary support, such as mentorship, expertise, and networking opportunities, to address the multifaceted challenges ahead.

One of the key barriers is integrating our web-based game with our Learning Management System that supports xAPI for robust data reporting. This technical challenge is crucial for us to effectively track student progress, engagement, and learning outcomes. By working with Solve, I hope to connect with technical experts and organizations experienced in HTML5 games, LMS integration, and data analytics. This collaboration would provide us with the necessary guidance and resources to successfully implement this integration, enhancing the effectiveness of our platform and maximizing its impact on learners.

Additionally, I recognize the importance of board development and legal support to ensure the long-term sustainability and compliance of our startup. With Solve's extensive network of partners and experts, I aim to access mentorship and guidance in governance best practices, board recruitment, and legal matters specific to educational technology ventures. This support will help me strengthen our organizational structure, governance framework, and legal framework, empowering SEEDschool to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and operational challenges effectively.

Furthermore, I am eager to receive feedback and guidance on refining our game design, business model, optimizing distribution channels, enhancing our pitching strategies for investors, and refining our branding and marketing strategies. Collaborating with a community of experts, mentors, and partners, I seek to gain valuable insights, perspectives, and resources to iterate and improve upon these critical aspects of our initiative.

SEEDschool stands out through its unique approach to addressing the tech education challenges faced by non-technical BIPOC teenagers. Unlike traditional methods, which may not effectively engage this population, our solution adopts a flexible educational approach that can be tailored to various learning environments, including in-person, virtual, or hybrid setups. This adaptability ensures accessibility for a wider range of learners, breaking down barriers to participation.

At the heart of our solution is game-based learning, a curated collection of code-free creator tools, and holistic personal development. By leveraging game thinking principles, we create a learning environment that feels more like play than work, enhancing motivation and retention among students. Training methods include gameplay, online content, and live practice sessions with coaches (humans and AI assistants), that prepare them to compete in seasonal tournaments, which are similar to a hackathon-like experience. Moreover, our curriculum is designed to be holistic, encompassing hard and soft skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners not only acquire knowledge to create their ideas but also develop essential competencies for success in the future of work and entrepreneurship.

We are the first tech training program that is integrating an AI-powered role-playing game into its learning management system. This integration allows both players and administrators to gain deep insights into student performance and engagement, facilitating personalized learning experiences and data-driven decision-making. Additionally,  our platform has "Learn and Earn" features, which incentivize student progress through earning virtual currency for in-game and real-world items, and unlocking stackable digital credentials, grants, internships, and exposure.

 Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond traditional entity models. SEEDschool will eventually transition into a community-owned web3 organization with affiliates and partners across the United States and the world. These collaborations will contribute to larger tournaments with higher stakes, akin to eSports events.  Our solution has the potential to change the market landscape by driving teen-based technology and entrepreneurship training programs to adopt game-based learning as a core delivery method, revolutionizing the way we prepare our youth for the future.

Our theory of change is straightforward yet powerful - we aim to help increase economic agency in the underserved BIPOC community with our game-based tech training program that prepares youth for the future of work and entrepreneurship.  It begins with student engagement and skill development through our creator bootcamp, where participants experience our holistic approach. Through interactive gameplay, online content, group practices, and personalized coaching sessions, students cultivate a diverse set of essential hard and soft skills, including design thinking, technology proficiency (NoCode/Creative AI), entrepreneurship, problem solving, teamwork, communication, and personal development. By turning learning into a game-like adventure, we capture students' interest and enthusiasm, fostering deeper engagement and participation. 

As students progress through our program, they become equipped with the confidence and capability to pursue various paths in the future. Our curriculum prepares them not only for traditional employment but also for the evolving landscape of freelancing and entrepreneurship. Participants emerge with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern economy and create their own job opportunities and ventures.

Moreover, SEEDschool is committed to fostering economic empowerment and agency within the underserved BIPOC community. By providing practical tools, resources, and support networks, we empower our participants to take control of their financial and economic livelihoods. This approach not only breaks cycles of poverty and inequality but also contributes to broader positive impacts within the community and beyond. Through evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of our target population's needs and aspirations, SEEDschool is driving meaningful and sustainable change, one student at a time. Through ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation, we are committed to refining our approach to ensure maximum impact and effectiveness.

Looking to the future, we envision offering our students lifelong learning opportunities that support them from high school through college and into their professional careers, ensuring continuous growth and success throughout their creator journey.

Our impact goals for SEEDschool are centered around empowering non-technical BIPOC teenagers to thrive in the future of work and entrepreneurship while ensuring equitable access to opportunities in the digital age. These goals guide our efforts to create lasting, transformational change in the lives of our participants and the broader communities we serve.

One of our primary impact goals is to increase the number of BIPOC teenagers who develop essential technology, business, and personal development skills through our programs. We measure progress towards this goal by tracking metrics such as enrollment rates, completion rates, and participant feedback on skill acquisition and confidence levels. Additionally, we aim to see a higher proportion of our participants pursuing further education or entering tech-related careers post-program.

Another key impact goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where BIPOC teenagers feel empowered and valued. We measure progress by assessing indicators such as participant satisfaction, sense of belonging, and engagement in community activities both during and after the program. Through qualitative feedback and surveys, we monitor changes in participants' attitudes towards technology and entrepreneurship, as well as their perceived sense of agency and potential for success in these fields.

Furthermore, we aim to catalyze broader positive impacts by building a network of empowered BIPOC youth leaders and innovators who drive change within their communities. Progress towards this goal is measured through indicators such as alumni engagement, leadership roles held by program graduates, and the initiation of community projects or ventures by alumni. Additionally, we track the expansion of partnerships with organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech and entrepreneurship.

In alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our impact goals also address targets related to quality education (Goal 4), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reduced inequalities (Goal 10), and partnerships for the goals (Goal 17). By focusing on these goals, we ensure that our efforts contribute to broader global initiatives aimed at creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Through ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we continuously refine our approach to maximize our impact and effectiveness. By collecting and analyzing data on key performance indicators and outcomes, we can adapt and iterate our programs to better meet the needs of our participants and advance our mission of empowerment and equity.

Our solution includes the following technologies:

1. Learning Management System (LMS): Our platform, built on open-source software, serves as the central hub for delivering educational content, tracking student progress, and facilitating communication among students, coaches, and administrators. Our learning platform enables us to create and organize curriculum modules (Quests), monitor student engagement and performance, and provide personalized learning experiences that cater to individual student needs and learning styles. It also features a robust reward system, a marketplace to redeem virtual currency, AI assistant coaches (via OpenAI API), and social networking.

2. Ideation and Role Playing Game: SEEDschool's learning experience will be centered around the immersive ideation and role-playing game, oTrep, which is currently being developed and playtested. Students embark on quests, tackle challenges, and participate in competitions designed to simulate real-world scenarios in the tech and entrepreneurship domains. This aims to enhance student engagement, motivation, and retention, fostering a dynamic and interactive educational environment that encourages collaboration and problem-solving.

3. Code-Free Creator Tools: SEEDschool empowers students to unleash their creativity and innovation through a curated suite of code-free creator tools. These intuitive tools enable students to design and develop digital projects, including websites, mobile apps, and other prototypes, without the need for prior coding experience. By removing the barrier of coding complexity, we democratize access to technology and provide students with the means to express their ideas and bring them to life in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Looking ahead, we plan to further leverage AI technology to:

- Enrich Game Characters: Enhancing the responsiveness and adaptability of game characters, creating more immersive and engaging gameplay experiences for students.

- Personalize the Game Experience: Personalizing the game experience for each student, adapting content and challenges to match their unique learning pace, preferences, and abilities.

- Personalize LMS Experience: Using AI-powered algorithms and analytics to provide personalized learning recommendations, track student progress, and optimize teaching strategies and content delivery within the LMS. Beneficial for students and admins.

Furthermore, in the future, SEEDschool will transition into a community-owned web3 organization, leveraging blockchain technology to enhance transparency, equity, and participation within our educational ecosystem. Through these technological innovations, we aim to revolutionize tech education, empower diverse creators and innovators, and catalyze positive social change.

I, DJ Little, am currently operating SEEDschool as a solopreneur that leverages our partnerships (i.e. Girls For A Change) for admin and recruitment support, and Software as a Service to automate various business processes. I have discussed collaboration with a software development agency to assist with integrating our game into our LMS. 

Regarding attracting staff, we plan to build SEEDschool in public on social media to attract an audience and community and crowdsource talent from our students and supporters. Our approach is inspired by open source software communities.

I have been working on SEEDschool indirectly since 2017, when I assisted a BIPOC teacher in building a personalized learning assistant for her classroom using NoCode tools. This sparked the idea of targeting underserved communities.

I have been working on SEEDschool directly since September 2022, when we began our first pilot with our partner, Girls for A Change. 

What does Diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to SEEDschool? It means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the table. It means acknowledging and valuing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, age, and other identities and experiences, and actively working to ensure equal opportunities and access to resources for all. At SEEDschool, we believe that DEI is critical to our success as an organization and to achieving our mission of increasing diversity in the technology industry.

DEI is a core value that is reflected in our program design, recruitment strategies, and organizational culture. Our program is designed to address the lack of diversity in the technology sector by providing underserved teenagers with access to education, mentorship, and career opportunities. We prioritize recruiting students from underrepresented backgrounds and provide scholarships to ensure that our program is accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.

As our startup is led by a BIPOC founder, we also plan to prioritize DEI in our hiring practices, ensuring that our team is diverse and representative of the communities we serve. We will seek out and bring aboard individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and provide ongoing training and resources to support our team in creating an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. 

In addition, we prioritize DEI in our partnerships and collaborations. We seek out partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to DEI and work to ensure that our program is accessible and inclusive for all students.

Ultimately, DEI is not just a priority for us at SEEDschool, but a fundamental value that shapes how we operate as an organization. We believe that by prioritizing DEI, we can create a more equitable and just society and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the broader tech community.

SEEDschool operates under a hybrid business model that encompasses both nonprofit and for profit components, enabling us to deliver value to our target populations while ensuring financial sustainability and scalability.

Nonprofit (B2C):

PRODUCTS & SERVICES: SEEDschool offers a comprehensive educational program designed to empower underserved communities, beginning with BIPOC teenagers (aged 13-19), to develop essential technology, business, and personal development skills. This includes access to curriculum modules (Quests) on our learning platform, our ideation and role-playing game, coaching sessions, career counseling, and networking opportunities. 

DELIVERY MECHANISM: We deliver our products and services directly to students through partnerships with Out of School Time programs, schools, and other youth-focused initiatives. In the future, we will host online cohorts to reach teens all across the country. We prioritize underserved communities and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure accessibility and relevance.

VALUE PROPOSITION: Students benefit from a fun and engaging learning experience, hands-on skill development, mentorship, and access to opportunities for personal and professional growth. SEEDschool equips them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in the future of work and entrepreneurship. Program administrators get access to detailed student data through a user-friendly interface for convenient reporting purposes.

For-profit (B2B):

PRODUCTS & SERVICES: In the future, SEEDschool will offer a suite of enterprise solutions tailored to educational institutions, corporations, and organizations seeking to enhance their technology education offerings and workforce development initiatives. These solutions include brand sponsorships, licensing our game and learning platform, custom curriculum development, teacher and coach training programs, and data analytics services. 

DELIVERY MECHANISM: Our for-profit arm will engage with institutional partners through direct sales, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships. We work closely with administrators, educators, and HR professionals to customize solutions that meet their specific needs and objectives.

VALUE PROPOSITION:  Institutional partners benefit from access to innovative educational technology, comprehensive curriculum resources, and actionable insights into student learning and engagement. By integrating SEEDschool's solutions into their programs, they can foster a culture of innovation, diversity, and lifelong learning while addressing the evolving needs of their students and workforce. Additionally, a percentage of ownership and revenue from our for profit activities will go to our nonprofit division to help fund scholarships for low income families and assist with operations.

Overall, our hybrid business model will enable us to generate revenue through enterprise partnerships while reinvesting profits to expand our impact and reach within underserved communities. By aligning our nonprofit and for-profit efforts, we aim to create a sustainable and scalable model that maximizes both social and financial returns.

To achieve financial sustainability, SEEDschool has devised a multi-faceted approach that encompasses various revenue streams. Our plan includes leveraging grants and donations, selling products and services through both B2C and B2B channels, and eventually raising investment.

Firstly, we actively seek grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, foundations, and individuals who share our mission of revolutionizing tech education for underserved teenagers. These funds provide crucial support during our R&D phase for operational expenses, program development, and outreach initiatives. To date, we have successfully secured grants totaling $8,000 through our participation in the Halcyon fellowship in 2023 ($5K) and the 2024 4.0 Schools Angel Syndicate Microgrant ($3K) . Additionally, we continue to pursue grant opportunities to further bolster our financial resources and expand our impact, with the goal of raising a minimum of $300K in R&D grants to help us develop and improve our offerings and conduct pilots for the next 24-28 months.

In tandem with grant funding, we generate revenue through the sale of our products and services. Our offerings include access to our educational platform, specialized training programs, and consultancy services tailored to the needs of individuals, educational institutions, and corporate partners. By monetizing our expertise and resources, we not only generate income but also extend the reach of our impact to a broader audience. Since September 2022, we have executed three paid pilot programs, generating a total of $35,000 in revenue. These pilots have served as valuable opportunities to test and refine our offerings while generating tangible financial returns.

Furthermore, after our R&D phase, we plan to explore investment opportunities to fuel our growth and scale our operations. By attracting investment capital from strategic partners, venture capitalists, and impact investors, we aim to accelerate our expansion plans, enhance our technological infrastructure, and amplify our outreach efforts. With our plans of evolving into a web3 organization, we aim to conduct a token fundraising campaign with aligned investors.