We fund the projects
teenagers design and build.
Forge exists to empower teenage engineers and spark a lasting love of engineering in youth — funding student-designed projects, teaching the skills behind them, and putting first-build kits directly into younger students’ hands.
- Students interested
- 83+
- Programs
- 02
- Partner network
- ~3,500
Most teenagers who want to build something real never get the parts, the tools, or the chance.
Forge funds engineering projects designed by teenagers and supports them through both teaching and financial means. We believe the best way to spark a lasting interest in engineering isn’t a lecture — it’s a soldering iron, a set of calipers, and a project worth finishing.
That belief drives two programs: one that funds student-designed projects while teaching the skills behind them, and one that puts a complete first project directly into a younger student’s hands. Together, they cover the full arc — from a student’s very first build to the kind of project that teaches PCB design, CAD, and firmware from the ground up.
Project Funding
Launching with students who've already shown interest at Stevenson
We fund student-designed engineering projects and teach the process of building them — how to design a PCB, model in CAD, and write the firmware to bring it to life.
- Skills taught
- PCB design, CAD, programming, electrical components
- Support format
- Starter tutorials, mentorship, project funding
- Also functions as
- A growing knowledge base & peer support network
- Who it's for
- Students with a project idea and the drive to build it
Maker Kits
Distribution to partner schools begins September
Complete, ready-to-build kits — everything needed for a younger student to build an introductory project like a powered glider or a catapult.
- Contents
- All parts required, no additional purchase needed
- Distribution
- In partnership with schools
- Audience
- Younger students building their first project
- Purpose
- A low-barrier first spark, feeding into Program A
Stevenson
Partnering with local schools to distribute Maker Kits starting in September, while our team develops kit variations for different age ranges. Launching project funding for students who've already shown interest, backed by starter tutorials on CAD, circuit design, electrical components, and firmware.
Illinois
Scaling both programs across the state as school partnerships and funded projects prove out the model.
Nationally
Growing our reach across the country, leveraging The Hack Foundation's network of student-run organizations.
Internationally
Extending Forge's programs abroad through that same ~3,500-organization network of students building for students.
Maker Kits
Manufacturing and distributing kits to partner schools.
Project Funding
Parts and components for individual student projects — batteries, motors, wire, circuit boards, 3D-printed bodies.
Operations
7% fiscal sponsorship fee to The Hack Foundation, plus 5% for tools like Notion and Jira that track projects, kits, and spending.
Govind Nair
Co-President
Expert in electronics and programming, specializing in PCB design and embedded systems.
Abhinav Gandhi
Co-President
Passionate about engineering innovation and biotechnology applications.
Siddharth Nittur
Director of Programming
Focused on hardware programming and microcontroller development.
Greg Volkov
Director of Electrical Engineering
Background in breadboarding and circuit design fundamentals.
Bring your project idea. We’ll help you fund it and build it.
No prior experience required — just a project you want to build and the willingness to learn. If you’re a school looking to bring Maker Kits to your students, we’d love to hear from you too.
Fill out the interest form →- Funding for parts, components, and materials your project needs
- Mentorship from students who've already shipped their own builds
- Starter tutorials covering CAD, circuit design, and firmware
- A support network of newer and more experienced members alike
Every dollar goes straight into a student’s hands.
Forge is fiscally sponsored by The Hack Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 81-2908499), and operates under its tax-exempt status. Funding goes directly toward project parts, Maker Kit manufacturing, and the tools that keep both programs running. Our initial funding goal is $1,000 or more to launch both programs this fall.
- Fiscal sponsor
- The Hack Foundation
- Status
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- EIN
- 81-2908499
- Sponsor network
- ~3,500 student-run organizations worldwide