Empowering Futures Together

MINDDRIVE Joins Forces with Operation Breakthrough's Ignition Lab

As of August 2024, a new chapter of growth and empowerment is unfolding at Operation Breakthrough's Ignition Lab. Through a powerful partnership with MINDDRIVE, Kansas City’s young leaders are gaining expanded access to hands-on learning experiences and invaluable mentorship. This collaboration marks a bold step forward in equipping our youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they deserve to shape their futures.

MINDDRIVE: Transforming Education with Purpose

MINDDRIVE is more than just an after-school program—it’s a space where students from across the Kansas City Metro come together to explore, create, and innovate. Through project-based learning, students engage deeply in areas like math, science, technology, and communication. But the real heart of MINDDRIVE lies in its commitment to helping young people see their potential as problem solvers and critical thinkers.

The program's low student-to-facilitator ratio, combined with the presence of many facilitators who are former students, creates the most significant impact on students' ability to build meaningful and supportive relationships. These facilitators, along with current high school and college interns, are directly involved in guiding students, encouraging their ideas, and helping them grow. While mentors play a role in specific portions of our programming, the majority of our support comes from former or current student facilitators who have firsthand experience in the program. The focus extends beyond academic skills, aiming to cultivate the confidence students need to take ownership of their future.

The Power of Partnership: Ignition Lab and MINDDRIVE

The integration of MINDDRIVE into Operation Breakthrough is a partnership rooted in empowerment. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating pathways for Kansas City’s youth to access high-quality, real-world learning opportunities. Together, we’re building an environment where students aren’t just participants—they are creators, innovators, and leaders in their own right.

At the Ignition Lab, students have the opportunity to explore fields such as electric vehicle engineering, welding, drones, and content creation. They aren’t just learning about these industries—they’re actively shaping them. For example, the teens in the Ignition Lab have collaborated with MINDDRIVE on projects like converting a 1969 Chevelle SS into an all-electric car, showcasing their ability to tackle complex challenges and reimagine the future of transportation.

Building Leaders Through Mentorship and Collaboration

One of the most powerful aspects of this partnership is the collaboration between students, mentors, and educators. Through hands-on projects, students not only gain technical skills, but they also develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities that will serve them in any career they choose to pursue.

But beyond the projects themselves, the mentorship these students receive is a cornerstone of their growth. Mentors from diverse professional backgrounds work closely with each young person, supporting their ideas and helping them see the value of their voice. It’s this emphasis on personal development—alongside technical expertise—that sets this program apart.

Creating a Future Where Every Student Thrives

By joining forces, MINDDRIVE and Operation Breakthrough are creating a space where every student is empowered to see their potential and work toward their aspirations. This partnership is about investing in young people’s talents, helping them develop the skills they already possess, and providing them with the resources and guidance to succeed.

As we look ahead, the possibilities are endless. These students are not just the future—they are today’s innovators, leaders, and change-makers. With the continued support of their mentors, the Kansas City community, and the opportunities provided by this partnership, they are equipped to step into any role they envision for themselves.

We can’t wait to see what they will accomplish next—because this is only the beginning. Together, MINDDRIVE and Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab are creating a brighter, more empowered future for Kansas City’s youth.

Check out the most recent MINDDRIVE x Operation Breakthrough project here.