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Who we are and
why we do this.
Education Unbound is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on a single belief: access to creative, rigorous education should never depend on zip code or income. Meet the people and principles behind the work.
OUR STORY
Education Unbound was founded to close a gap that has persisted for decades: underserved students in Dallas and around the world are being educated for a world that no longer exists. Only 30% of underserved Texas 4th graders meet grade-level reading standards. Only 32% of underserved high school graduates earn a postsecondary credential.
Through STEAM integration, our programs are built around the 6 Cs of 21st-century education, delivered by educators who believe every child has potential worth investing in.
Today, Education Unbound has reached 5,250 underserved students through programs in Dallas and internationally through Tatweer Baladna in Lebanon, supported by research. Our sustainability is built into the model: our sister company, NuMinds Enrichment, commits directly to EdU's programs.
OUR APPROCH
Project-based, interdisciplinary, SEL-integrated programs measured for impact.
Our Sustainable Model
NuMinds Enrichment- the engine behind everything.
NUMINDS ENRICHMENT · EST. 2013
Founded in 2013 by Ben Koch and Justin Vawter- two "rogue" public school teachers who refused to let standardized curriculum flatten their students' potential. NuMinds now serves K–8 schools across the United States with its proprietary Bamboo Curriculum™, professional development programs, and teacher training.
Built by teachers.
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NuMinds' proprietary curriculum model: narrative-driven, project-based, inductive powers Camp Katy's academic programming. Over 200+ enrichment units were developed for K–8, tested and refined with real students.
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Camps & Programs
NuMinds runs STEAM camps and enrichment programs across the country through CampPursuit.com. The curriculum, instructor training, and program design developed through these camps are what power Camp Katy for underserved students.
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Teacher Development
The NuMinds Teacher Purpose Lab and professional development workshops train educators in SEL, mindfulness, project-based learning, and purpose-driven pedagogy, the same practices embedded in every EdU program.
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800+ hours of free original educational programming in English, Spanish, and Arabic extending EdU's reach to learners who can't access in-person programs. All free. All accessible.
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Inspirator Network
A global community of educators, administrators, and education advocates. The network feeds talent, ideas, and partnerships directly into Education Unbound's programs and mission.
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Built-in Giving
NuMinds isn't a charity that happens to do business. It's a business that was designed from day one to fund a mission. 10% of profits, scholarships, refugee programs, and and rural STEAM access are all baked in from the start.
"We are a for-profit business that is in business to change the world. The more we make, the more we gladly give away."
OUR INTERNATIONAL ARM
Tatweer Baladna:
education without borders.
Founded in 2017, Tatweer Baladna works alongside an exceptional team of Lebanese educators, community builders, and youth advocates. Based in Beirut, Tatweer Baladna is the on-the-ground partner that makes EdU's international work possible, most visibly through Revive Baladna, which reached 180 displaced children in its pilot phase.
TATWEER BALADNA · EST. 2017
Tatweer Baladna ("Developing Our Homeland" in Arabic) is a Lebanese nonprofit focused on quality education and community engagement. Since 2017, it has reached thousands of children, youth, and teachers across Lebanon through STEAM education, tech and employability programs, and capacity building.
Run by an exceptional Lebanese team.
VISION
"We speak the language of the future." Sustainable youth empowerment through education, mindset, STEAM, and 21st-century tech and employability skills.
PROGRESS
STEAM & robotics education · Tech & employability training · Capacity building for individuals and organizations · Civic education and community engagement across Lebanon.
BASED ON
HEXA Coworking · The Spot Mall, Choueifat, Lebanon ·
REVIVE BALADNA
Tatweer Baladna designs, facilitates, and implements all Revive Baladna workshops on the ground, managing child protection, logistics, and community outreach across shelter sites.
ADVISIORY BORD
Guided by experience.
Driven by purpose.
Our advisory board brings deep expertise in academia, entrepreneurship, law, finance, and the arts — all united by a belief in equitable access to education.
Lou E. Pelton, Ph.D.
NextGen Senior Fellow · University of North Texas
Associate Professor in Marketing and Logistics at UNT. Dr. Pelton's research focuses on marketing channels, relationship marketing, and international distribution.
Maan (Mark) Hamdan
Co-founder, TechGenies
Serial entrepreneur and co-founder of TechGenies, a global technology company. Holds a B.E.E. from the American University in Beirut and an MBA from UT Austin. A long-time champion of youth education.
Joseph Hajjar
Entrepreneur · Philanthropist
Founder of A-Tex Pools Inc. and seasoned entrepreneur. Holds a Lifetime Texas Teaching Certificate in business and history, and mentors elementary students through Junior Achievement Austin.
International Attorney · HR Professional
18+ years of experience in Corporate, Commercial, and Business Law, Trademarks, Contracts, Mergers, and Acquisitions across the US and Latin America.
Weeda Shoujah Hamdan
Fine Artist · Graphic Designer · NeuroArts Researcher
Fine artist, graphic designer, and NeuroArts researcher born in Liberia to Lebanese parents. Weeda's work reflects the complex texture of multicultural life and drives Education Unbound's research connection to NeuroArts Dallas.
Klyne Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Executive · Lecturer, SMU
25+ years in IT software and telecom. Specializes in strategic leadership, business strategies, and risk management. Currently Regional Manager of the Americas at TRT and lecturer at Southern Methodist University.
OUR FINANCIALS
Transparent by design.
Education Unbound is committed to full financial transparency. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, our Form 990 filings are public record.
2017
FORM 990
2020
FORM 990
2018
FORM 990
2021
FORM 990
2019
FORM 990
2022
FORM 990
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We believe in radical transparency
Education Unbound is a tax-exempt organization under IRC Section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Questions about our finances or governance? Email us at Info@educationunbound.org.