Karma for Cara Foundation microgrant recipients have competed in an application process alongside other young people who have spearheaded exceptional service projects that benefit their communities. In order to qualify for a K4C award, an applicant must be 18 years of age or younger, and the project must take place in the US.
K4C microgrant recipient Morgan from NY, founder of nonprofit Little League Coding, used her award to support her nonprofit’s chapters in hosting free, in-person STEM fairs for youth in their respective locations. Chapters exist in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Canada, and England. The nonprofit’s overall mission is to expose young children from minority backgrounds to the world of coding & technology.
| What inspired you to start this project? | Growing up, I never envisioned technology as a career I could pursue. I noticed that there weren’t many opportunities for exposure to technology for youth, although technology is something we see and interact with everyday. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, there is a key necessity for digital literacy and equipping young children and underrepresented voices with knowledge and the ability to contribute in this space. I understood that marginalized communities are constantly overlooked in STEM and frequently recognized that many youth in my community didn’t have access to technology resources. Thus, in 2020, I created Little League Coding to foster equitable access to computer science education. This year was the start of our state chapter initiative, and so far it’s been a success! |
| While working on your project, what surprised you? | I was surprised by how difficult it is the receive grants and funding for nonprofits, which is why I am deeply grateful for Karma for Cara and our community partners in change-making. I also learned to embrace that I don’t have all the answers, and many of the people I work with to run our awesome organization have strengths in spaces that I don’t. I’ve learned to really love this about collaboration and growing our community. |
| What do you feel you learned from this experience? | Through my journey with Little League Coding (LLC), I’ve learned the profound impact that education and representation can have on young minds. Working with students from diverse backgrounds has taught me that learning is not just about teaching concepts but about creating an inclusive space where every voice feels valued and heard. On a personal level, leading LLC has helped me grow as a leader, communicator, and advocate. I’ve learned how to communicate with leaders from all over the country, who I can only reach via Facetime, Zoom, or Slack. Remote communication has its own quirks, but a huge aspect is encouraging team activeness and bonding, which has been something I have grown upon. I also learned how to juggle various hats from fundraising money, reaching out for community partnerships, and communicating ways to teach young minds with high schoolers who are passionate about our mission. |
| How did Karma for Cara impact your project? | The grant from Karma for Cara played a pivotal role in helping Little League Coding grow our local chapters and expand our reach to new state chapters. With the funding, we were able to provide our existing chapters with resources for their impactful workshops and STEM fairs. This strengthened the foundation of our local chapters and allowed us to better serve our immediate communities. Additionally, the grant also funded our operational costs, including our website and Zoom monthly subscription for hosting national coding workshops and expanding our reach. We established new chapters in other states, ensuring that underrepresented youth in technology across the country had access to the resources and opportunities they need. This growth has been instrumental in creating a supportive network of chapters that share best practices, collaborate on innovative ideas, and foster a sense of belonging among students exploring STEM. |
| How will your project contine to impact others? | Our project will continue to inspire and empower youth by providing them with access to equitable computer science education and opportunities to explore their creativity through technology. By expanding our local chapters and establishing state-level initiatives, we aim to reach more underrepresented communities, fostering a passion for STEM and empowering the next generation of innovators. The skills, confidence, and opportunities gained through our programs will have a ripple effect, positively influencing participants’ lives and their communities for years to come. We also hope to provide access to computers and hands-on robotics and STEM kits in the future! |
