Our Mission

GEN2050® is a STEAM-focused youth development program for students in K through 12th grades. This year-round program engages students in intensive learning environments to inspire and prepare them for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Culture, and Mathematics) majors, entrepreneurship, self-leadership, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

Our Impact

According to a recent research evaluation of GEN2050® Summer Camp 2024, our students reported large statistically significant increases in their self-esteem from the beginning to the end of summer camp. GEN2050® summer camp curricula provided equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. Across all STEAM curricula evaluated, our students maintained their average knowledge one month after camp completion. Click the link to read the full report: GEN2050 2024 Research Evaluation

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In November 2016, Linda Freeman had a big idea to start a summer program for under-resourced, urban, middle and high school students focused on entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, personal leadership, and community service. She titled it GENERATION 2050 (GEN2050). Some people were skeptical when she described the program concept to them. Some even wondered out loud if the program was too ambitious and too intense for the targeted youth. Their skepticism made her more determined to find a way for her idea to come to life.

With the help of some good friends, collaborative partners, and funding from The Children’s Trust, GEN2050®️ began on June 5, 2017 with a cohort of 50 middle and high school students. Over a seven-week period, GEN2050®️ youth began building skills in:

1. Entrepreneurship – GEN2050®️ youth learned entrepreneurship skills and developed their own business plan utilizing The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s curriculum.

2. Self-Leadership – GEN2050®️ youth learned how to avoid risky behaviors that could endanger their health and their future plans from PlanBe program staff.

3. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Culture, Mathematics) is an educational approach that incorporates the arts and culture into the more familiar STEM model: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. GEN2050®️ youth combined their classroom learning with hands-on, outdoor science workshops.

4. Mindfulness—GEN2050®️ youth learned mindfulness practices and how to integrate mindfulness into their everyday lives, enhancing their capacity to focus and practice gratitude and compassion.

During the 2024 summer camp season, more than 350 kids participated in GEN2050 curriculum.