Support Our Students' Philanthropic Projects

At T.E.M. Studio, our intentional third space is where teens can slow down, explore what matters to them, and discover their capacity to make a difference. Away from the pressures of school and home, our students engage in a thoughtful, non-urgent process of developing Mitzvah projects and service-learning initiatives that emerge from genuine curiosity and a personal connection to causes they care about. Each project begins with spacious time for deep research and reflection—teens identify issues that resonate with their values, investigate nonprofit organizations doing meaningful work in those areas, and develop strategic plans that honor both their creative talents and authentic community needs. Through our mentorship approach, students learn to organize their timelines in alignment with their natural rhythms, set goals that are aligned with their deeper intentions, and build the foundational knowledge necessary to advocate effectively for their chosen causes.

The journey from inspiration to impact requires real-world skills cultivated through patient, aligned action rather than rushed execution. Our students learn to craft professional correspondence as they reach out to nonprofit leaders, conduct informational interviews, and build collaborative relationships with community organizations. They develop marketing materials for their fundraising initiatives—designing graphics, writing compelling narratives, and leveraging social media to amplify their message—all while staying grounded in the "why" behind their work. This hands-on experience in project management, professional communication, and creative problem-solving cultivates a philanthropic mindset rooted in service and transformation. These teens are learning that meaningful change comes from working with intention, building genuine connections, and trusting the process—skills that will serve them as engaged citizens and compassionate leaders in whatever paths they choose.