LOTUS Chicago – Lifting Ourselves Through US

About us

LOTUS-
Lifting Ourselves Through US

Via intentionally curated engaging/fun learning, curiosity-quenching experiences, LOTUS empowers Chicago youth and families through education, creativity, and community engagement. Together, we are shaping a QUALITY of LIFE, built on pride, purpose, and possibility.

Our Mission

The mission of L.O.T.U.S. (Lifting Ourselves Through US)

L.O.T.U.S. collaborates with community partners to design and co-create experience-rich third spaces that support academic growth and holistic health. Our mission is rooted in awareness, quality of life, and shared liberation. It is for the people—all of the people.

A Third Space is an intentional environment beyond home and school that nurtures growth, connection, and discovery through transformative experiences. These spaces are designed to be lively, engaging, and inclusive of all forms of learning, ensuring that every individual—whether young or seasoned—can immerse themselves in the context of the lesson or experience. Participants express their lesson in the form of a written reflection usually followed by a discussion.

We Want The Best

Every person deserves the chance to bring out their best self. Programs encourage creativity, confidence, fun, and resilience.

We Represent

By celebrating the child and with a focus on their dominant narrative, we instill pride in young people and prepare them to succeed.

We Strengthen

Strong families build strong communities. We create opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Let US help strengthen the bond between your institution and the community.

We Guide

We don't teach, we guide young people with mentorship and support that encourages leadership, resourcefulness, and responsibility.

We Expose

We introduce youth and families to new experiences, ideas, and opportunities that broaden horizons.

We Amplify

We amplify the impact of generosity by channeling resources where they matter most. Grassroots, focused generosity goes a long way.

Focus Your Generosity

Join the Cause

Volunteer and Make an Impact

When you give your time and energy, you help build stronger families and communities. Join us in creating opportunities for growth, learning, and connection.

Our Awesome

Creative Team

Aaron Ireland

President | Founder

Aaron, a graduate of Tennessee State and the University of Chicago, founded L.O.T.U.S. to reimagine education through programs like Camp Flight and Young Engineers, rooted in a vision of curiosity, joy, and opportunity for all.

Evan Sledge

Executive Director

From the Communities we serve

Impact Stories

I'm an educator and could not reach my child
“I was struggling with getting my son to believe that I wanted what was best for him. I don’t know what Aaron said, and honestly don’t want to know everything, but the boy’s focus came out of nowhere. He needs a session about once or twice a quarter to keep him on the path.”

“My son said, ‘Camp Flight is better than all camps.’ And we send him to some serious camps, or so we thought. The structure is so accommodating and the content is beyond stellar. Academics and outdoor summer fun. There are absolutely no other camps like this in the city for sure. And in the heart of Bronzeville.”