Building Futures

by: Sylvia Schafer '28

When it comes to bridging gaps in education and empowering underprivileged communities, the Kuma Foundation stands out as a beacon of hope Founded in 2018 by Ray Kimble, the nonprofit has made significant strides in providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education to children who otherwise lack access From its humble beginnings to its expanding global impact, the foundation’s journey is a testament to the power of vision and persistence

Why STEAM Education?

The focus on STEAM education was a natural fit, blending Ray’s professional experience in cybersecurity and data privacy with a desire to equip students for high-paying, in-demand careers “These fields break through the cycle of poverty, ” he noted By introducing children to science and technology earlier in their education, the Kuma Foundation aims to show them that such careers are within their reach.

Inspiration Born from a Desire to Give Back

For Ray, the decision to start the Kuma Foundation stemmed from a desire to make a difference “I had a for-profit company for about eight years and at that point, we all kind of wanted to have more of an impact with people,” Ray shared. With millions of children in the United States lacking access to STEAM education, the foundation was created to meet this critical need “We attempted to, and were successful in, creating a foundation that would provide that kind of learning experience to kids wherever they were whether that be virtually, through field trips, or even in standalone labs.”

Adapting in the Face of Challenges

Like any nonprofit, the Kuma Foundation has faced its fair share of challenges. The onset of COVID-19 was a significant hurdle, arriving just as the foundation was set to launch classroom programs. “Two days after we were supposed to land in schools in Prince William County, COVID hit ” The foundation quickly pivoted, providing food, groceries, and support for families struggling during the pandemic When schools reopened, the organization adopted a more flexible approach, offering programs in schools, community centers, and online.

Another persistent challenge has been fundraising. “Securing grants and donations is tough,” Ray admitted. Despite this, the foundation has managed to establish several fully equipped computer labs, including one in Pune, India, and another in Georgetown South, Virginia, both of which are already making a significant impact.

Success Stories That Inspire

The Kuma Labs are among the foundation’s proudest achievements. In Pune, the foundation outfitted classrooms in an existing school with desks, chairs, 25 computers, and a full-time teacher, which now serves students from 3rd to 10th grade These children, who previously wouldn’t have encountered STEAM education until much later, are now introduced to it seven years earlier. “Seeing kids in India access the internet for the first time on these computers is a mind-blowing experience. ” Similarly, the Georgetown South lab provides afterschool support, helping children with homework and fostering their interests in STEAM fields.

What Students Take Away

Beyond the skills and knowledge, Ray hopes the foundation will open students’ eyes to new possibilities “Many kids don’t think that these types of careers or this kind of education is within reach.” By introducing them to these fields, the foundation aims to spark curiosity and show students how to pursue careers as engineers, scientists, or artists.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Kuma Foundation is bright. With plans to launch one lab every year, the goal is to establish five to ten selfsufficient labs globally within the next decade. “Our mission is simple: to educate and support as many kids and communities as possible and have more of a population that we ’ ve impacted ”

Getting Involved

Community involvement is crucial to the foundation’s success Partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Amazon have been instrumental, and there are numerous ways for individuals to contribute “Volunteers can mentor kids, help in labs, or even share insights about different career paths.” Donations and spreading awareness through social media are also impactful ways to support the cause.

Words of Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

For those considering starting their own nonprofit, Ray emphasized passion as the key ingredient. “Find a cause that you ’ re energized to wake up for every day,” he advised. From there, it ’ s about taking small, consistent steps “Don’t let hurdles stop you. Just take the next step and keep moving forward.”

The Kuma Foundation’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope. By opening doors to STEAM education, it is not only shaping futures but also transforming entire communities.