Empower Tomorrow's Innovators Today
Hands-on STEM escape rooms, pop-up labs, and mentorship for K–12 learners.
Welcome to Youth for STEM Equity. Our mission is to spark curiosity and confidence in every student by bringing immersive, curriculum-aligned STEM experiences directly into classrooms and communities. Explore our programs, volunteer opportunities, and see how you can help build the next generation of scientists and engineers.
About Us
Striving To
Empower Minds
Our Mission
We deliver hands-on, standards-aligned STEM experiences directly to K–12 learners in underserved communities. By partnering with schools and volunteers, we spark curiosity and build the skills students need to succeed in tomorrow’s tech-driven world.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every child, regardless of zip code, has equal access to inspiring, practical STEM education. Through scalable pop-up labs and community-driven programs, we aim to close the opportunity gap and cultivate the next generation of innovators.
Our History
Founding
Built First Escape Room
2 out of 3 students want STEM escape rooms
In 2023, Youth for STEM Equity built its very first STEMScape escape room, transforming a typical classroom into interactive STEM puzzles. That pilot experience brought together 30 local students who worked in teams to solve engineering‐and science‐based challenges—igniting their curiosity and collaboration. Teachers saw immediate boosts in student engagement and concept retention, validating our hands‐on, gamified approach.
Funding
Presidents Buckeye Accelerator
$50,000 grant
In 2024, Youth for STEM Equity was awarded a $50,000 Buckeye Accelerator Grant, presented by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. Alongside the funding, YSE gained access to a year long program with mentorship and connections with industry professionals. This funding expanded our program reach by enabling new STEMScape deployments and developing digital resources for underserved students.
Expansion
Broadened STEMscapes Across Ohio
Partnered with 10 programs and districts
Youth for STEM Equity broadened STEMscape rooms throughout Ohio, launching pop-up escape rooms in 10 new institutions. By partnering with regional education offices and recruiting local volunteers, we delivered immersive STEM experiences to over 5,000 additional students. This statewide expansion strengthened our network, increased equity, and set the foundation for ongoing growth.
Our Values
Equity
We believe every child—regardless of background—deserves hands-on STEM experiences. By partnering with underserved schools and communities, we remove barriers to access and empower all learners.
Education
Education is the key to unlocking every student’s potential, and our STEMScapes light the spark of curiosity and ambition alongside equipping teachers with turnkey training. We hope to inspire next-gen innovators
Engagement
Immersive, gamified experiences turn students into passionate explorers, igniting a lifelong love of learning. Through puzzels, learners gain confidence, resilience, and a belief in their ability to change the world.
Get Involved
Luke Roy
CEO & Founder
Halou Wang
CEO & Founder
Jonas Mickelson
VP Sales
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
Arlo Jenkins
VP Rnd
Bernie Black
VP Product
Laurent DeAngelo
VP CS
Richard White
VP Sales
Danielle Marco
VP HR
Artem Gurevich
VP Finance
