together we can

Guide a Love for Life learning, critical thinking, and problem solving among Chicago's Youth

What We Do

In the world’s most resilient communities, our mission is to build academically-impassioned, lifelong learners, and creative problem solvers by curating (creating and co-creating) experiences that bring the students’ learning to life when they are guided to discover connections between those passions, career/lifestyle desires, and their academics.

01.

— We want the best

We want the best because our children deserve it! We are taking action to disrupt the status quo and enlighten our children in a way never seen before by identifying passion, cultivating curiosity, and a love for learning so they can define, describe, and create connections to solve any problem placed before them.

02.

— We represent

Representation matters! We build our programming with this in mind as we select instructors who can relate to the students they are teaching. We are intentional about growing a diverse group of facilitators to provide guidance that will carry students confidently into their future.

03.

— We Strengthen

As a community-based organization, our goal is to organically bring opportunities, exposure, and partnerships to those nearby. Iron sharpens iron! the impact of our programming partnerships is our strength.

04.

— We guide

A traditional school education is not enough these days. Academic/intellectual gaps have not closed in over 50 years. We aim to guide awareness through gap areas relevant to our community. We are data and passion-driven. Knowledge is most definitely power!

05.

— We expose

There are countless career paths that a kid can choose. Our mission is to continually curate experiences/activities that expose students to career opportunities that align with passion as an introduction or a deeper dive. We then show that student where the academics are in that career path. We try to answer questions like, “When will I ever use this math again?”

06.

— focus your generosity

Whether it be sweat, skill, or financial support, we can always use more help. Focus your generosity among the grassroots in the nutrient-rich earth where LOTUS anchors and thrives. You are the US (LOTUS) that our children and community need.

Who We Are

LOTUS – Lifting Ourselves Through US

LOTUS is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization based in Chicago, IL, founded with the mission to educate and to supplement the education of students and people of marginalized communities. Through the sharing of experiences and skills, LOTUS strives to connect with students in an innovative way that will drive students both academically and personally.

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.”

Camp flight is better than all camps

“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.”