Danville Teen Starts Nonprofit For Underprivileged Students

DANVILLE, CA — Ananya Seetharaman was in fourth grade when she had a realization.

While attending a tournament focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) studies, she noticed something that hadn’t dawned on her before.

“My first thought went to a girl I met that said that she did not receive as many opportunities to pursue STEAM,” she said.

At this young age, Seetharaman had already learned that available resources are not the same for everyone.

Fast forward to age 16, these inconsistencies were still on her mind. Instead of just moving on, she decided to do something about it.

Seetharaman founded Igniting Dreams, a 501c(3) nonprofit dedicated to donating STEAM kits and materials to underprivileged communities lacking these types of educational resources.

She fundraised, found volunteers and spent months planning. So far, her organization has already started working to collect STEAM experiment kits, books and coats.

The most recent fundraising event broke its goal and collected more than 200 coats.

Her family is confident it’s just the beginning for this determined young entrepreneur.

“There is a lot to come. We are here to help her but she is succeeding already,” her father told Patch.

To learn more about Igniting Dreams, to donate or volunteer visit their website here.