Since 2010 MINDDRIVE has offered a STEM project-based, experiential-learning program to underserved, at-risk, culturally diverse urban teens (14-18 years old) in Kansas City's urban core. The purpose of the program is to provide technical and vocational skills, teamwork, critical thinking, structure, planning, process, success/failure, accomplishment and leadership opportunities in an environment supported by adult volunteer mentors and facilitators.  

MINDDRIVE expanded in 2015 to participate in Electrathon America, a nationally-recognized competition in which teams strive to build the most efficient electric-powered vehicle. The winner is determined by how many laps each vehicle can complete over one hour with a specified battery configuration. In 2016 the program expanded again to offer evening classes and summer programming. During the 2017-18 school year, BattleBots and Kansas City’s first drone racing program were added. Since the fall of 2018 MINDDRIVE has partnered with public and charter schools for school-day classes offered at the MINDDRIVE facility, with students earning credits toward graduation. Additionally in the spring of 2019, in-school drone clubs were added. 
 
Base curriculum includes: 

• Welding/fabrication – students learn to weld culminating in fabrication of sculpture they design
• Electrathon – students design, develop, build, test and race competitive electric vehicles
• Drones/Robotics – students design, construct and compete in BattleBot and drone-racing leagues
• Digital Content Design – students learn basic graphic design, photography, videography
• Legacy auto conversion – students convert cars to electric power sources
• Accelerate – life-skills, career readiness and financial literacy class for juniors and seniors

MINDDRIVE can serve more than 200 students in after-school, school-day and summer programs. Ultimately evolving as a workforce development program, the long-term goal of MINDDRIVE is to build the capacity of youths to achieve success in school, work and life, and to provide pipelines to full-time employment through post-secondary training, certification and/or education, aiming to increase the number of minority and at-risk youth pursuing STEM careers.

COMBAT Funding: $30,000.00