About us
LOTUS-
Lifting Ourselves Through US
Via intentionallyΒ 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)
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 peopleβall 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 individualβwhether young or seasonedβcan 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 donβt 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.
Aaron Ireland
President | Founder
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Evan Sledge
Executive Director
Evan Sledge
Executive Director
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
From the Communities we serve
Impact Stories
Iβm an educator and could not reach my child
βI was struggling with getting my son to believe that I wanted what was best for him. I donβt know what Aaron said, and honestly donβt want to know everything, but the boyβs focus came out of nowhere. He needs a session about once or twice a quarter to keep him on the path.β
βMy son said, βCamp Flight is better than all camps.β 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.β
Our Amazing
Partners
βCamp Flight Is Better Than All Campsβ
