2017
ORIGINS IN BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON
Innoverge Founder, Archika Dogra, started the journey with small steps in her local hometown after combatting her own sense of imposter system in the STEM fields. Disillusioned with the unimaginative curriculum and eerily homogeneous representation in the classroom, she soon realized that her isolating story was just the tip of the iceberg. In an effort to tackle inequity and accessibility close to home, Archika co-founded a local community project bringing free hands-on STEM workshops to youth from underrepresented backgrounds in Bellevue, WA.
2018
THE JOURNEY
The journey began through 6:00am mornings every Wednesday to co-teach five elementary students at Jubilee REACH, a local community center. While the outreach started locally, the mission of intertwining advocacy, STEM, and service proved to be universal. In the following years, a regional chapter program would grow to span dozens of locations across multiple continents, with a shared intersectional vision of combining science and technology with social entrepreneurship and global citizenship.
2021
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
With in-person local workshops halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Innoverge adapted its programming to keep students connected and learning. Week-long virtual programs brought students together online for interactive STEMx workshops, discussions, and activities, allowing the organization to continue expanding access to interdisciplinary education despite the pandemic.
2026
EXPANDING OUR REACH
Innoverge is approaching 80 regions across three continents, continuing its expansion as a global network for interdisciplinary STEM education. The organization conducts monthly check-ins with each region to foster collaboration across its international network, and a microgrant system provides regions with funding to develop programs tailored to the needs of their local communities. Looking ahead, Innoverge aims to deepen its support for existing regions and continue increasing the reach and impact of its programs worldwide.
Today at Innoverge
At Innoverge, our completely youth-led team aims to tackle the vast inequities in STEM education by asking two intertwined questions.
First, how can we empower historically underrepresented youths with the educational programs, resources, and opportunities to thrive in STEM?
Second, how can we capture the intersection STEM and the humanities to create interdisciplinary, empathetic, and impact-driven leaders?
Innoverge’s work amplifies the message that every voice, idea, and story matters. Today and every day, we are endlessly striving to empower young leaders, thinkers, and innovators to use STEM to build a more just, equitable, and kind world.
