Innovators
Empowering Youth to Build the Future
CORE Futures Lab connects students with science, design, and community to co-create solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.
CORE Futures Lab connects students with science, design, and community to co-create solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Where Youth Shape Tomorrow
Connect, Organize, Reimagine, and Equip the next generation to drive innovative solutions for society’s most urgent challenges through open source technology, paving the way for a sustainable future. At CORE Futures Lab, we are committed to empowering young innovators to address global challenges through hands-on technology projects. Using tools like IoT, AI, and data science, we focus on solving problems in Earth science, health, education, and sustainability. By fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration, we aim to prepare the next generation to build a sustainable and innovative future.
Connect, Organize, Reimagine, and Equip the next generation to drive innovative solutions for society’s most urgent challenges through open source technology, paving the way for a sustainable future. At CORE Futures Lab, we are committed to empowering young innovators to address global challenges through hands-on technology projects. Using tools like IoT, AI, and data science, we focus on solving problems in Earth science, health, education, and sustainability. By fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration, we aim to prepare the next generation to build a sustainable and innovative future.
Connect, Organize, Reimagine, and Equip the next generation to drive innovative solutions for society’s most urgent challenges through open source technology, paving the way for a sustainable future. At CORE Futures Lab, we are committed to empowering young innovators to address global challenges through hands-on technology projects. Using tools like IoT, AI, and data science, we focus on solving problems in Earth science, health, education, and sustainability. By fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration, we aim to prepare the next generation to build a sustainable and innovative future.
GOALS
GOALS
GOALS
What We Aim to Achieve
At CORE Futures Lab, we’re driven by a vision to equip the next generation with the tools, mindset, and support they need to thrive. Our goals focus on fostering inclusive collaboration, hands-on innovation, and future-ready skills—especially for youth from underrepresented communities. Through science, design, and mentorship, we help young changemakers turn ideas into real-world solutions.
At CORE Futures Lab, we’re driven by a vision to equip the next generation with the tools, mindset, and support they need to thrive. Our goals focus on fostering inclusive collaboration, hands-on innovation, and future-ready skills—especially for youth from underrepresented communities. Through science, design, and mentorship, we help young changemakers turn ideas into real-world solutions.
At CORE Futures Lab, we’re driven by a vision to equip the next generation with the tools, mindset, and support they need to thrive. Our goals focus on fostering inclusive collaboration, hands-on innovation, and future-ready skills—especially for youth from underrepresented communities. Through science, design, and mentorship, we help young changemakers turn ideas into real-world solutions.
01:
01:
Connect:
Foster a collaborative environment where innovators connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, insights, and solutions. By building a strong network, we empower students to tackle global challenges together and create long-lasting impact.
Start your design adventure with the following three simple steps.
02:
Organize
Equip innovators with the tools and frameworks to organize their ideas, projects, and teams effectively. Through structured project development and hands-on experiences, students learn how to transform ideas into real-world solutions, driving positive change in their communities.
Start your design adventure with the following three simple steps.
03:
Reimagine
Encourage innovators to think beyond the present and reimagine the future. By embracing creativity and forward-thinking, students are empowered to design and implement technologies that solve pressing global challenges, imagining a future shaped by innovation.
Start your design adventure with the following three simple steps.
04:
Equip
Provide innovators with the necessary skills, technology, and mentorship to bring their solutions to life. We are committed to equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Start your design adventure with the following three simple steps.
OUR OFFERS
OUR OFFERS
OUR OFFERS
What We Offer
CORE Futures Lab offers a dynamic learning experience that helps youth grow into skilled innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.
Monthly Hands-On Workshops
Focused sessions on topics like AI, IoT, and data science that spark curiosity and develop essential tech skills.
Monthly Hands-On Workshops
Focused sessions on topics like AI, IoT, and data science that spark curiosity and develop essential tech skills.
Monthly Hands-On Workshops
Focused sessions on topics like AI, IoT, and data science that spark curiosity and develop essential tech skills.
Take-Home Challenges
Reinforce workshop learning with real-world problem-solving tasks students can complete independently.
Take-Home Challenges
Reinforce workshop learning with real-world problem-solving tasks students can complete independently.
Take-Home Challenges
Reinforce workshop learning with real-world problem-solving tasks students can complete independently.
6-Month Innovation Cycle
Youth teams develop solutions to global issues, mentored by experts and enriched through international field experience.
6-Month Innovation Cycle
Youth teams develop solutions to global issues, mentored by experts and enriched through international field experience.
6-Month Innovation Cycle
Youth teams develop solutions to global issues, mentored by experts and enriched through international field experience.
FutureScape CORE Expo
Our annual showcase where students present their work to a global audience and connect with industry professionals.
FutureScape CORE Expo
Our annual showcase where students present their work to a global audience and connect with industry professionals.
FutureScape CORE Expo
Our annual showcase where students present their work to a global audience and connect with industry professionals.
Mentorship & Networking
Students gain access to experienced mentors and build lifelong connections with like-minded innovators.
Mentorship & Networking
Students gain access to experienced mentors and build lifelong connections with like-minded innovators.
Mentorship & Networking
Students gain access to experienced mentors and build lifelong connections with like-minded innovators.
Global Learning Opportunities
Our program includes exposure to international challenges and cultures, broadening student perspectives through immersive experiences.
Global Learning Opportunities
Our program includes exposure to international challenges and cultures, broadening student perspectives through immersive experiences.
Global Learning Opportunities
Our program includes exposure to international challenges and cultures, broadening student perspectives through immersive experiences.
ANNUAL EVENT
ANNUAL EVENT
ANNUAL EVENT
FutureScape CORE Expo: Innovating the Future
The FutureScape CORE Expo is an annual event where middle school to college innovators showcase their groundbreaking projects focused on addressing global challenges through technology. This event is not just about displaying technology; it’s about giving students the opportunity to reimagine the future—50 years from now. It serves as a platform where youth envision the impact their innovations will have, not only in their lifetimes but for generations to come.
The FutureScape CORE Expo is an annual event where middle school to college innovators showcase their groundbreaking projects focused on addressing global challenges through technology. This event is not just about displaying technology; it’s about giving students the opportunity to reimagine the future—50 years from now. It serves as a platform where youth envision the impact their innovations will have, not only in their lifetimes but for generations to come.
Given that the target audience is young innovators with an average life expectancy of 80 years, FutureScape encourages them to think beyond the immediate future and to project how their work will influence a world 50 years ahead. By guiding them to imagine a future shaped by their solutions, we are fostering a mindset where they understand that the changes they make today can create lasting impacts on future generations. The Expo provides a unique opportunity for students to bridge today’s challenges with tomorrow’s solutions.
Given that the target audience is young innovators with an average life expectancy of 80 years, FutureScape encourages them to think beyond the immediate future and to project how their work will influence a world 50 years ahead. By guiding them to imagine a future shaped by their solutions, we are fostering a mindset where they understand that the changes they make today can create lasting impacts on future generations. The Expo provides a unique opportunity for students to bridge today’s challenges with tomorrow’s solutions.
Impact by the Numbers
Impact by the Numbers
Impact by the Numbers
100+
Youth innovators served
100+
Youth innovators served
100+
Youth innovators served
10+
Global mentors involved
10+
Global mentors involved
10+
Global mentors involved
4+
Countries represented in our international immersion
4+
Countries represented in our international immersion
4+
Countries represented in our international immersion
20+
community-driven projects launched
20+
community-driven projects launched
20+
community-driven projects launched
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
Questions all resolved in one place
Questions all resolved
in one place
Questions all resolved
in one place
Who can apply to CORE Futures Lab?
Middle school to college-level students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, who are curious about technology and social impact.
Do I need to know coding or science to join?
No prior experience is required! Our program is beginner-friendly and designed to teach you from the ground up.
Is participation free?
Yes, thanks to our funders and partners, CORE Futures Lab is offered at no cost to all selected participants.
What is the time commitment?
Workshops run monthly, with optional take-home activities and a 6-month innovation track for selected teams.
Can I join from outside the U.S.?
Yes! We welcome international applicants for both in-person and home-based programs depending on availability.
Who can apply to CORE Futures Lab?
Middle school to college-level students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, who are curious about technology and social impact.
Do I need to know coding or science to join?
No prior experience is required! Our program is beginner-friendly and designed to teach you from the ground up.
Is participation free?
Yes, thanks to our funders and partners, CORE Futures Lab is offered at no cost to all selected participants.
What is the time commitment?
Workshops run monthly, with optional take-home activities and a 6-month innovation track for selected teams.
Can I join from outside the U.S.?
Yes! We welcome international applicants for both in-person and home-based programs depending on availability.
Who can apply to CORE Futures Lab?
Middle school to college-level students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, who are curious about technology and social impact.
Do I need to know coding or science to join?
No prior experience is required! Our program is beginner-friendly and designed to teach you from the ground up.
Is participation free?
Yes, thanks to our funders and partners, CORE Futures Lab is offered at no cost to all selected participants.
What is the time commitment?
Workshops run monthly, with optional take-home activities and a 6-month innovation track for selected teams.
Can I join from outside the U.S.?
Yes! We welcome international applicants for both in-person and home-based programs depending on availability.
ARTICLES
ARTICLES
ARTICLES
Latest Articles
Latest Articles
Latest Articles
Nov 8, 2023
Making Data Science Democratic
Nov 8, 2023
Making Data Science Democratic
Apr 24, 2025
Dr. Amy Quarkume: Innovating with AI for Climate Resilience and Speech Delay Solutions
Apr 24, 2025
Dr. Amy Quarkume: Innovating with AI for Climate Resilience and Speech Delay Solutions
Nov 3, 2024
Dear Mama: Highlighting Environmental Pollutants on Black Maternal Health
Nov 3, 2024
Dear Mama: Highlighting Environmental Pollutants on Black Maternal Health
Nov 8, 2023
Making Data Science Democratic
Apr 24, 2025
Dr. Amy Quarkume: Innovating with AI for Climate Resilience and Speech Delay Solutions
Nov 3, 2024
Dear Mama: Highlighting Environmental Pollutants on Black Maternal Health
Aug 8, 2023
Not Blowing Smoke: Howard University Researchers Highlight Earth Science Data Inequalities Amidst Canadian Wildfires
Are you ready to co-create the future?
Are you ready to co-create the future? Join a movement that empowers young minds to drive innovation, equity, and real-world change through science, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration.
Are you ready to co-create the future?
Are you ready to co-create the future? Join a movement that empowers young minds to drive innovation, equity, and real-world change through science, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration.
Are you ready to co-create the future?
Are you ready to co-create the future? Join a movement that empowers young minds to drive innovation, equity, and real-world change through science, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration.