STEM maker camp, educator training initiative for neurodivergent middle schoolers part of Britebound’s $13.3 million national investment in youth career pathways
Cambridge, Mass. – March 4, 2026 – TERC, a leading nonprofit in STEM education research and development, has been awarded a $300,000 grant over three years as part of Britebound™’s newly announced $13.3 million investment in youth-serving nonprofits nationwide. The funding will support NeuroVivid Pathways, a STEM maker camp and educator training initiative for neurodivergent middle schoolers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Alaska.
NeuroVivid Pathways introduces middle school–aged neurodiverse learners to brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) through an immersive maker camp experience, combining hands-on STEM learning with educator professional development designed to better support neurodivergent students. The program provides training, materials, and ongoing support to expand access for middle schoolers across the country, sparking their interest in STEM and preparing them for future careers in the field.
“When emerging technologies are designed with purpose and for all learners, they can expand the community of learners who will succeed in STEM,” said Christine Reich, President of TERC. “NeuroVivid Pathways reflects our work to design learning experiences that value different ways of learning, support educators, deepen problem solving and collaboration, and use technology in relevant and empowering ways that open doors for neurodivergent students to see themselves in STEM.”
TERC’s award is part of a broader national announcement by Britebound™, formerly American Student Assistance® (ASA), a national nonprofit dedicated to changing the way young people learn about careers and navigate post–high school success. The announcement recognizes a new cohort of mission-aligned organizations working to expand access to career-connected learning opportunities for middle and high school students. This new cohort includes co-investment opportunities with other funders including The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Hopelab, The Raikes Foundation, Spring Point Partners, and The Stuart Foundation.
"Our research shows that one in four teens have no plans to continue formal education or training upon graduation. Together, with our growing community of mission-aligned nonprofits, we are working to ensure that every young person can confidently find their why and find their way through informed decision-making about what comes next after high school. Doing so will ultimately set every young person on a path to career success and a brighter future," said Julie Lammers, President and CEO, Britebound.
Overall, the grants will significantly scale access to opportunities to improve career readiness outcomes for learners. The new cohort of grantees joins Britebound's broader community of current and past grant recipients, which now includes more than 100 organizations across 49 states and Puerto Rico. Grantees represent sectors including animation design, arts, construction, health, creative industries, technology, education, entrepreneurship, gaming, green jobs, and STEM.
Collectively, these grantees — including TERC through NeuroVivid Pathways — are expanding access to high-quality, career-connected STEM learning and strengthening the systems that support it. Through this investment, TERC will continue advancing inclusive, research-based STEM education that ensures neurodivergent learners can explore emerging technologies, build confidence, and see themselves on pathways toward meaningful STEM futures.
About TERC
TERC is a Cambridge, MA based nonprofit made up of teams of forward-thinking STEM experts dedicated to innovation and creative problem solving. TERC believes great futures are built through math and science.
For nearly 60 years, TERC has taken a learner-centered approach to STEM education in both formal and informal settings. At the frontier of theory and practice, TERC’s work encompasses research, content and curriculum development, technology innovation, professional development, and program evaluation. Through TERC’s STEM curricula and programs, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to ask questions, solve problems, and expand their opportunities. TERC’s professional development helps teachers and facilitators utilize new tools, materials, and inquiry-based strategies to enrich the learners’ experience.
TERC strives to create level playing fields for all learners, reaching millions of students each year. TERC imagines a future where teachers and students are members of vibrant communities engaged in creative, rigorous, and reflective inquiry.
To learn more, please visit www.terc.edu.