Mission
Prepare young minds to lead the AI era.
Through engaging, hands-on learning in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking, we prepare students for a world where AI fluency is essential and curiosity is rewarded.
Who we are
About AI & Robotics Youth Foundation
Empowering young minds to lead in the age of AI — through robotics, programming, AI literacy, and the kind of learning that makes kids creators, not just consumers.
Our Story
A father, a son, and an idea.
AI & Robotics Youth Foundation (ARYF) was born from a father’s struggle with his 13-year-old son’s screen time addiction—and the discovery of something much bigger. When restriction-based approaches fell short, we looked for what young minds were actually drawn to. The answer: build, create, and compete with technology, not just consume it.
Read the full founding storyVision
Ethical leaders for tomorrow.
A generation of technology leaders who harness AI and robotics to solve real problems, build with integrity, and drive positive change in the world.
Our Programs
Multiple pathways to innovation.
Our curriculum evolves with student interests and emerging technologies — currently featuring robotics with VEX V5, Python programming, and AI literacy.
Every learner is unique. Some thrive independently with self-paced exploration, others through peer collaboration or structured guidance. We’ve designed four complementary pathways so students can grow in the way that suits them best.
Free Online Courses Launching soon
Self-paced video courses in Python, AI fundamentals, and robotics — accessible to any student with an internet connection. Once developed, these resources stay freely available worldwide.
Innovation Labs & Camps
Weekend workshops and seasonal camps where students build real projects together — programming robots, designing with 3D printers, and shipping things they’re proud of. Peer energy turns complex concepts into shared adventures.
AI Mentorship Circles
Small-group sessions connecting students with industry professionals who guide them through advanced projects and share 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 the journey from consumer to creator of technology.
Our Funding Model
Sustainable growth, 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 lets us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs — with the resilience that only a diverse support base can offer.
Strategic Program Mix
Digital content, once created, can be shared at virtually no cost — so we offer free online courses to anyone who wants them. Exceptional hands-on experiences require significant investment in equipment, space, and time.
Sustainable Operations
Select intensive workshops, masterclasses, and premium programs generate revenue that funds our free offerings and helps us expand reach. A balanced approach keeps the lights on while widening the door.
Maximizing Impact
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we reinvest everything into our mission. Program fees don’t generate profit — they multiply our capacity to serve more students, acquire better equipment, and grow new curricula.
This ecosystem approach lets us maintain the highest educational standards while keeping our programs accessible and growing to meet demand.
Leadership
Board of Directors
ARYF is guided by accomplished technology leaders who bring decades of experience from major tech companies and innovative startups.
Robert Wayne
Founder & President
A seasoned technology leader with over a decade of experience at Amazon, Cloudflare, Monster Energy, and Newegg. Robert founded the AI & Robotics Youth Foundation from a deep belief that the next generation deserves more than passive screens.
Hunts Chen
Principal Systems Engineer, Cloudflare
A strong background in technology and community engagement. Hunts brings passion and leadership to ARYF as a board member, committed to empowering the next generation through accessible STEM education.
Ke Huang
Sr. Engineering Manager, Google
Deep expertise in software engineering and leadership from his work at Google, where he drives innovation in generative AI and data analytics. Ke believes hands-on tinkering is how the next generation will learn to build with AI responsibly.
Get Involved
Two ways to join us.
Whether you’re here to learn or to help others learn — there’s a place for you.
Ready to learn?
Explore coding, robotics, and AI through programs designed for all experience levels — from free online courses to hands-on workshops and mentorship.
Explore programs →Ready to contribute?
Help us make transformative tech education accessible to all. Whether you mentor, fund, sponsor, or partner — every action multiplies our reach.
Ways to help →