Nexus Community Foundation

Building Futures Through Education

Launching Soon

Finding Tomorrow's Engineers, Today

The Nexus Community Foundation removes cost barriers from STEM education—so talented young people can discover what they're capable of, build real skills, and see if engineering is their path.

Our Vision

Investing in Talent, Removing Barriers

Some kids are naturally drawn to engineering—they take things apart to see how they work, ask "what if?" and then try to build it, get excited about solving problems. Others are curious but haven't been exposed yet. Both deserve the chance to explore.

For the curious, we provide the opportunity to discover if this is their passion. For the engaged, we provide the resources to go deeper. But too often, cost becomes the barrier that keeps talented students from participating.

The Nexus Community Foundation exists to remove that barrier. We're building a foundation for these students—not just teaching them skills, but teaching them how to approach problems, break down complexity, and build solutions. That foundation will serve them for life, whether they become engineers or apply that problem-solving mindset to any field they choose.

Reducing Cost Barriers

Scholarships and reduced tuition so cost isn't the deciding factor in who gets to try.

Real Tools, Real Work

Computers, Raspberry Pis, electronics kits—the equipment students need to build actual projects.

Keep What You Build

Students own their projects. Take them home. Keep tinkering. Keep learning.

Who This Is For

🔍

The Curious

Students who haven't been exposed yet but show interest in how things work. This is their opportunity to discover if engineering is their passion.

The Engaged

Students who already love this stuff and want to go deeper. This gives them the resources to level up and build a strong foundation for their future.

Both groups gain the same critical skill: learning how to approach problems, break down complexity, and build solutions. That problem-solving mindset becomes their competitive advantage—whether they become engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, or pursue any field where systematic thinking matters.

Why This Matters

The Challenge We're Addressing

Many students in rural and underserved communities lack access to quality hands-on STEM programs. The programs that do exist often come with costs that put them out of reach—not because they're expensive by industry standards, but because even modest fees become barriers for families.

Meanwhile, students who discover engineering and technical fields early tend to pursue them with greater confidence and success. The difference between "I wonder if I could do this" and "I know I can" often happens in middle school—during those critical years when curiosity meets opportunity.

But opportunity shouldn't depend on a family's ability to pay workshop fees or buy equipment.

Not every student will become an engineer—and that's okay. But the ones who are curious, ready to learn, and willing to explore deserve the chance to find out. More importantly, they deserve to learn how to think like problem-solvers—a skill that will serve them no matter what path they choose. That's what we're here to provide.

How It Works

A Sustainable Model for Lasting Impact

Community Support

Donations from individuals, businesses, and partner organizations fund the Foundation

Direct Support

Funds provide scholarships, equipment, and materials for students ready to learn and explore

Students Grow

Young people build real skills, learn to solve problems, and gain confidence—preparing them to tackle life's challenges

Primary Partner: Nexus Workshops

The Foundation's initial focus is supporting Nexus Workshops—a hands-on learning program that blends programming, electronics, and creative arts. Through scholarships and equipment grants, the Foundation ensures that curious students can explore their interests and engaged students can deepen their skills, all while building a problem-solving foundation that prepares them for whatever comes next.

Our Goal

The Future We're Building

"
Our goal is simple: ensure cost isn't the barrier that stops a curious kid from discovering their potential. Some will find their passion here. Others will realize it's not for them. But all of them will learn to approach problems systematically, break down complexity, and build solutions—skills that give them a competitive edge no matter what field they enter.

— Eric Ratliff, Founder

Milestones Ahead

Year 1

Foundation Launch

Establish 501(c)(3) status, seed funding, and initial scholarship program

Year 2-3

Growing Impact

Support 20+ students annually, provide equipment grants, build partnerships—giving students a competitive edge as they prepare for careers and life

Year 5+

Expanding Reach

Significantly reduce cost barriers across all programs, sustainable endowment established, proven track record of student success

Get Involved

Be Part of the Launch

The Nexus Community Foundation is in development. Want to be notified when we launch? Interested in becoming a founding donor or board member? We'd love to hear from you.

Stay Updated

Get notified when we officially launch and begin accepting support.

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Founding Donors

Interested in making a significant early impact? Let's talk about founding donor opportunities.

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Board Members

Passionate about developing talent and community impact? We're seeking dedicated board members.

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Our Foundation

Founded by Intrepid Fusion LLC

The Nexus Community Foundation is being established by Intrepid Fusion LLC (dba InFuze)—the parent company of Nexus Workshops, Wavelet Solutions, and SilverHue Studios.

Our commitment: build sustainable businesses that give back to the community. The Foundation represents that commitment in action—investing in the next generation of engineers and makers.