About Us
Our Story
AI & Robotics Youth Foundation (ARYF) was born from a father’s struggle with his 13-year-old son’s screen time addictionâand the discovery of something much bigger. When restriction-based approaches failed and time limits became constant battles, our founder tried a different approach: creating learning experiences so engaging that kids would choose them over mindless scrolling. What started as garage experiments teaching coding and robotics to his son and friend revealed the magic ingredientâpeer learning that made technology education feel like play. As these kids debugged code together and raced their robots, it became clear this wasn’t just one family’s challenge but a generational opportunity to help young minds thrive in the age of AI.
Mission
To prepare young minds for leadership in the AI era through engaging learning experiences in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking.
Vision
We envision a generation of ethical technology leaders who harness the power of AI and robotics to solve tomorrow’s challenges and drive positive change in the world.
Our Programs
Our curriculum evolves with student interests and emerging technologies, currently featuring robotics with VEX V5, Python programming, AI literacy and applications. As new innovations emerge, so do our offeringsâensuring students learn skills that matter for tomorrow.
Multiple Pathways to Innovation
We recognize that every young learner is unique. Some thrive independently with self-paced exploration, while others flourish through peer collaboration or structured guidance. That’s why we’ve designed flexible learning pathways that meet students where they are:
Free Online Courses (Launching Soon)
Self-paced video courses in Python, AI fundamentals, and roboticsâaccessible to any student with an internet connection. Once developed, these resources remain freely available to learners worldwide.
Innovation Labs & Camps
Weekend workshops and seasonal camps where students build real projects togetherâfrom programming robots to designing with 3D printers. The energy of peer collaboration transforms complex concepts into exciting challenges.
AI Mentorship Circles
Small-group sessions connecting students with industry professionals who guide them through advanced projects while sharing real-world insights about careers in technology.
Community Showcases
Regular demo days where students present their creations to families and peers, building confidence while celebrating their journey from consumers to creators of technology.
Our Funding Model
Sustainable Growth Through Diverse Support
We’ve designed a funding model that ensures long-term sustainability while maximizing our reach and program quality:
Community-Powered Support
Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants provide the core funding that enables us to develop and maintain high-quality educational programs. This diverse support base ensures organizational stability and independence.
Strategic Program Mix
Digital content, once created, can be shared at virtually no costâallowing us to offer free online courses to anyone interested. However, delivering exceptional hands-on experiences requires significant ongoing investment: expert instructors, cutting-edge robotics equipment, 3D printers, workspace rentals, and the operational infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly.
Sustainable Operations
Select intensive workshops, masterclasses, and premium programs generate revenue that directly funds our free offerings and helps us expand our reach. This balanced approach ensures we can maintain excellence across all programs while continually developing new learning opportunities.
Maximizing Impact
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we reinvest everything into our mission. Program fees don’t generate profitâthey multiply our capacity to serve more students, acquire better equipment, develop innovative curricula, and attract top-tier instructors who inspire the next generation of innovators.
This ecosystem approach allows us to maintain the highest educational standards while ensuring our programs remain accessible and continue growing to meet demand.
Board of Directors
Our foundation is guided by accomplished technology leaders who bring decades of experience from major tech companies and innovative startups. Their deep expertise in scaling technology organizations and driving innovation ensures ARYF remains at the forefront of educational excellence while maintaining strong governance and strategic direction.
Our Board of Directors includes:
Robert Wayne
President of the Board
A seasoned technology leader with over a decade of experience at industry giants including Amazon, CloudFlare, Monster Energy, and Newegg, Wayne founded the AI & Robotics Youth Foundation from a deeply personal mission to transform how young minds engage with technology. His extensive software development expertise, combined with his innovative approach to youth engagement, positions him to lead ARYF’s vision of making AI literacy and robotics education accessible to all children, ensuring the next generation becomes creators and ethical leaders rather than mere consumers of technology.
Montaque Hou
Chief Information Security Officer, Newegg Commerce
A technology visionary who transformed e-commerce through AI innovation, Hou spent six years as Newegg’s CTO architecting machine learning systems that revolutionized online shopping for millions of users. Now leading cybersecurity strategy for the publicly-traded company, he combines his Master’s in analytical chemistry with deep expertise in artificial intelligence to safeguard digital commerce at scale. His rare blend of scientific rigor and technological leadership makes him an invaluable voice in shaping the next generation of AI-literate innovators.
William Dale
Chief Executive Officer, Utiliware
A visionary technology leader who anticipates industry shifts before they happen, Dale has positioned Utiliware at the cutting edge of cloud transformation as organizations worldwide reimagine their digital infrastructure. His strategic foresight in serverless architecture and cloud solutions has made him a sought-after voice in the technology community. With deep insight into how emerging technologies reshape entire industries, he brings invaluable perspective on preparing young innovators for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Get Involved
Join our mission of empowering young minds in the age of AIâwhether you’re here to learn or to help others learn.
Ready to Learn?
Explore coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence through programs designed for all experience levelsâfrom free online courses to hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities.
Ready to Contribute?
Help us make transformative tech education accessible to all. Whether you’re a professional wanting to mentor, a supporter looking to fund free programs, or an organization seeking partnership opportunitiesâthere’s a meaningful way for you to make an impact.