ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
INSPIREus is a student-run initiative that aims to make STEM opportunities and resources accessible to every student. We host outreach events, school-based programs, and one-on-one mentoring. All of our fundraising and profits go towards our scholarship program, because we believe that every student can make a big difference.
OUR STORY
Based in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, INSPIREus is run by passionate students who are eager to make a positive impact. The initiative was founded when we realized that many barriers can deter students from getting involved in STEM, and that not everyone is able to participate in the opportunities that excite them. Since then, our vision has been to spark enthusiasm and empower students to pursue their passions by creating accessible opportunities and resources. Through our work, we hope to get one step closer to leveling the playing field in STEM.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
EMILY CHEN
Co-Founder & Director
Champaign-Urbana Chapter Lead
Emily is part of the University of Illinois Laboratory High School's class of 2023. INSPIREus started as her passion project, and the most exciting part to her is seeing weeks of preparation pay off when students have fun learning. Emily organizes new projects, event planning, and outreach, as well as designed the website you're reading right now! Fun fact: She sometimes loses track of time when making a new page for the website, because it's always a joy to showcase something the team is proud of.
EMMA DONNINI
Co-Founder & Director
Champaign-Urbana Chapter Lead
Emma is also a senior at Uni High. She's been a part of INSPIREus since its inception almost two years ago, and she's loved getting to share her passion for STEM ever since! Her fingerprints are everywhere in the organization, from planning events to coordinating volunteers to initiating outreach, but her favorite parts of her role are working directly with students and dreaming up new ideas for science and engineering lessons!
NATE JONES
Associate Director
Champaign-Urbana Chapter Lead
Nate is a senior at Uni High, and he is part of the INSPIREus team as a leader with our Champaign chapter. He helps organize and plan events and club projects, and he’s excited to be able to share his love of STEM with others! Through INSPIREus, he hopes to get as many students interested in STEM as he can.
