Irvine Lights

From the mind of a freshman to an organization running in its third year, read more about Irvine Lights below!

Tell us all about you and your organization!

Irvine Lights is a student-run organization that empowers students with the resources and knowledge to change the world. We were founded in 2018 by a freshman named Shrey Gupta who had a vision to better his community through education, and provide other students with big aspirations the resources necessary to get out there and make a difference.

Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard?

It’s important for Gen Z to have their voices be heard because we are the voice of the future, and as one of the most progressive, diverse, and accepting generations, we will leave huge impacts on life as we know it.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?

We’re pretty optimistic about the future because once our generation starts entering the workforce, hopefully we’ll be able to make major breakthroughs in fields such as politics, medicine, and technology, among others.

What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future?

Right now, the most important issues facing our world include the COVID-19 crisis, climate change, police brutality, and racial injustice. Police officers and other people in positions of power rarely receive punishments for their actions, despite the fact that nobody should be exempt from the law. Climate change is a very real and pressing issue that many people deny. Gen Z recognizes all these issues, which is the first step to finding a solution.

What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?

Our organization offers relevant STEAM education for children that will ultimately go on to shape the world. These kids are the scientists, engineers, and technology developers of our future, and who knows? Maybe a child who came to an Irvine Lights workshop and reawakened their love for STEAM will build a career in medicine and find the cure to cancer. Even if they don’t pursue a career in STEAM, our workshops promote critical thinking among many other skills that are crucial to any field they choose. 

Will you be voting in the next election?

Unfortunately, nobody in our organization is of voting age.

Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects and endeavors.

Our Infinity project hosts hands-on STEAM workshops for K-8 students to enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills, and encourage them to develop passions and interests of their own. Our Beyond project helps students with a vision for a nonprofit to focus on their mission instead of wasting time with paperwork and fees. We provide them with 501c3 status and personalized advisorship from trusted experts.

Tell everyone where to find you online and on social platforms.

ig: @irvinelights

twt: @irvinelights

website: https://irvinelights.org/

If there is anything else you would like to say, please do!

Follow Irvine Lights on our social media pages and check out our website for updates on volunteer opportunities and workshops, and visit our blog for tips on running a nonprofit!