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.
Founder of the student-led nonprofit BrainBox, microgrant recipient Shriyadita (15, from MD) and her team empower young students through access to hands-on STEM education, innovative learning opportunities, and community-driven initiatives that foster creativity, critical thinking & a passion for problem-solving. With their K4C microgrant, they purchased motors, axles, wheels, fans, boxes, paper bags, batteries and other STEM related crafting material for the BrainBox 2025 STEM Summer Program which engaged elementary & middle school students. The supplies were used in a variety of projects, such as building motorized devices and creating innovative engineering solutions & supplementing biological knowledge with hands-on activities.
| What inspired you to start this project? | From a young age, I was drawn to STEM, whether it was building things, experimenting, or just figuring out how things worked. I was fortunate enough to have parents who recognized my interest and were in a position to support it. They enrolled me in STEM-focused summer camps and bought me science kits, robotics sets, and other tools that helped me explore my curiosity. Those experiences played a huge role in shaping my passion for STEM and my desire to keep learning and building. As I got older, I realized that these opportunities are not available to everyone. Many of the camps and kits that sparked my interest come with a cost that can be a barrier for families. That realization stuck with me, and it became clear that access, not interest, is often the limiting factor when it comes to getting young people involved in STEM. That is what inspired me to create BrainBox Organization, a project designed to make STEM more accessible and exciting for students who might not otherwise get the chance to explore it. Our free summer program this year at North Bethesda Middle School gave students hands-on experiences without the financial burden. Beyond the summer program, we are also developing and distributing our own STEM kits for schools in Montgomery County. These kits are designed to give students the same type of exploratory, hands-on learning opportunities that sparked my interest: whether it’s building simple machines, experimenting with circuits, or completing mini engineering challenges. |
| While working on your project, what surprised you? | While working on BrainBox, one of the biggest surprises was how much enthusiasm and curiosity young students have for STEM when given the chance. I expected interest to be there, but seeing students light up during hands-on activities and ask thoughtful questions was truly inspiring. It showed me that the passion is already there, it just needs to be unlocked with the right opportunities. Another surprise was how much of a difference small resources can make. We saw that even our summer program can have a huge impact on a student’s confidence and excitement about learning, as we heard from our feedback. It reinforced for me that accessibility really is key. I was also surprised by how much community support there is for a project like BrainBox. Volunteers, teachers, and organizations like KarmaForCara have been incredibly encouraging and willing to help, which has made a big difference in expanding our reach and making the program sustainable. Overall, these surprises have strengthened my commitment to making STEM education accessible and have given me hope for what we can achieve in the future. |
| What do you feel you learned from this experience? | From this experience, I learned a lot about the importance of accessibility and community when it comes to education. I realized that passion for STEM is everywhere, but many students just need the right support and resources to explore it fully. Providing opportunities without financial barriers can make a huge difference in opening doors for young learners.I also learned how rewarding it is to see the direct impact of the work. Watching students grow more confident, curious, and excited about STEM has been incredibly motivating. It showed me that even small efforts can create meaningful change. Additionally, I learned the value of collaboration. Working with volunteers, teachers, and local schools has been essential to the success of the program, and it reminded me that building strong partnerships can help overcome challenges and expand opportunities. Ultimately, this experience has taught me the power of determination and community in making education more inclusive and inspiring for everyone. |
| How did Karma for Cara impact your project? | Karma for Cara had a huge impact on our project by providing the funding needed to keep our summer program free of cost. Their support made it possible for us to offer hands-on STEM experiences to students without any financial barriers. Because of their generosity, we were able to focus on creating an inclusive and accessible program that reaches as many young learners as possible. Beyond the summer program, their support also helped us expand our efforts by allowing us to create about 75 STEM kits that we are now preparing to distribute to schools in Montgomery County. These kits give students the chance to explore STEM through hands-on activities, mirroring the type of experiences that originally fueled my own passion. Without Karma for Cara’s help, it would have been much harder to make both our program and our STEM kits accessible to everyone. Their contribution has been essential in helping us bring engaging, high-quality STEM opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access. |
| How will your project continue to impact others? | Our project will continue to impact others by making STEM education accessible and exciting for more students over time. Through our free summer programs and plans to distribute STEM kits to schools in Montgomery County, we aim to reach students who might not otherwise have the chance to explore science and technology. By sparking curiosity and building confidence early on, we hope to inspire a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators. As more schools and communities get involved, the program will grow and create lasting opportunities for students to develop important skills. Ultimately, BrainBox will help build a stronger foundation for STEM learning and encourage young people to pursue careers in these fields, which benefits not only the students but the community as a whole. |
