Personal Problem: The journey began when Steve and Sheila’s son, Stone, came home with a big problem—he said he hated school, especially math and science. This came as a shock, given that both Steve and Sheila used STEM in their daily work. In response, they asked, “Well, what do you love?” That simple question sparked a 4-year adventure exploring all things speed and robots.
As a family, they traveled to Japan, Italy, and China, building kits and creating comic books to document their experiences. Even Sheila’s father, an engineer, and Steve’s father, an entrepreneur, got involved during holidays. Ultimately, this journey helped Stone thrive. He went on to start his own firm while still in high school and later pursued studies in engineering and marketing in college.
HEPH (short for Hephaestus) prepares learners for the STEAM-filled future (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) through immersive, story-driven programming. Proven and standards-aligned, it’s served up in schools, after-school programs, and at home through engaging online platforms, hands-on kits, and interactive video games.
It’s no secret that many kids are disengaged. They say, “This is too hard,” “I’m not a nerd,” “I’m a girl,” or even, “No one that looks like me is doing anything like that,” letting fear of failure or stereotypes define their limits. Inspired by our work with our son Stone, we created a program designed to meet kids where they are—whether it’s video games, social media, music, sports, or other-worldly experiences. By meeting them in their spaces, we suspend their disbelief, spark their imagination, and through carefully constructed narratives and project-based learning, show them that anything is possible. Our motto? “You can’t fail if you can respawn!”
Kids are engaged in a world dominated by screens, they’ve lost touch with the human connections that bind us. Through playful, collaborative learning, we help children rediscover the power of working together, rebuilding the empathy and shared humanity that technology can never replace. To make it easy for educators to grasp we transposed a few letters to support the concept – T.E.A.M.S. (Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Science) The film below illuminates the idea.
Education has become trapped in a cycle of chasing numbers, prioritizing data over meaningful learning and authentic relationships. Our online portal and story-driven, standards-aligned programming bridge this gap, delivering the data schools need while freeing teachers to focus on individual students through automation and AI. With integrated professional training, we empower educators with tools and insights that act as a power-up, enabling them to foster collaboration, creativity, and a deeper teacher-student connection.
An independent study conducted by Oak Park District 97 found that HEPH achieves 95% engagement among learners, with 75% demonstrating measurable advancement in math and reading. Anecdotally, HEPH learners often don’t want to stop and consistently express joy when engaging with the program. Additionally, 90% of individuals who have experienced HEPH express interest in becoming more involved, underscoring the program’s potential to expand its reach and impact through sustainable growth across various channels. Here are a few stories—in school, out of school, and in the community—that bring this work to life:
HEPH was designed not only to provide educational tools that meet the rigorous needs of preparing learners for the 21st century. The program draws inspiration from the revenue models of Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Scholastic, and Roblox—with the ultimate goal of transitioning away from philanthropic donations over time. As we achieve our milestones and benchmarks, we will prudently phase out philanthropic support, transitioning to a self-sustaining model.
Our approach includes year-round revenue streams through:
By achieving key milestones and benchmarks, HEPH will be able to prudently phase out philanthropic donations and shift to a model where the program itself becomes the primary donor, providing free or subsidized access to communities in need. This transition ensures that underserved learners continue to benefit from our programming while maintaining financial independence.
Through these strategies, HEPH will offer year-round programming, avoiding the challenges of traditional school funding cycles, and creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports both educational growth and community empowerment.
Education is at a crossroads. Our children are grappling with a wide spectrum of emotions about their future—from optimism and passion to anxiety and uncertainty. This moment demands we meet them where they are—embracing their hopes, addressing their concerns, and equipping them with the tools to shape a better world. Focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability can’t wait.
Over 75 schools and thousands of households have expressed interest in HEPH. Your donation is the jet fuel we need to bring them programming that will change children’s lives forever.
Join in – there has never been a better time to save the future.
