Donor Support Makes Student’s Wharton Experience Transformational | |
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This summer, IMSA student Shruthi Vasudevan ‘25 had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Wharton Global Youth Program in San Francisco. A dream made possible through the support of our donors, Shruthi was able to attend this prestigious program where she immersed herself in the world of startups and entrepreneurship.
"Going to this program was one of the best things I've ever done in my life," Shruthi shared. "I am so grateful for the people who sponsored me because, without them, I would not have been able to go at all."
Reflecting on the experience, Shruthi was grateful for the opportunity to learn so much about how to take her ideas to the next level. “Attending Wharton gave me not only the skills and confidence to pursue my startup idea but also a clear roadmap for how to turn it into reality,” she said. "This program has truly changed my life."
Beyond the classroom, Shruthi continues to develop her product with the guidance of a mentor and stays in touch with her team, with plans to launch their startup after college. Her passion for business and finance has only grown stronger, and she remains deeply thankful for the support that allowed her to take part in this life-changing opportunity.
Shruthi’s story is a perfect representation of the incredible impact donations can have on IMSA students. Donor contributions open doors to life-altering experiences, empowering students like Shruthi to transform their passions into amazing accomplishments!
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TC Energy: Fueling the Next Generation of Innovators | |
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IMSA is proud to offer students immersive summer research experiences that build essential skills and prepare them for success in college and beyond. Last summer, TC Energy’s $30,000 Build Strong grant empowered over 70 11th and 12th-grade students to engage in STEM projects in fields such as epidemiology, machine learning, climate modeling, and drug discovery. Guided by mentors from IMSA, Discovery Partners Institute, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and the Kane County Forest Preserve, these projects have been instrumental in shaping students' future paths.
Building on this success, TC Energy has increased its support to $40,000 for this summer’s Summer Research and Experiential Learning Opportunities (SRELO), enabling even more students to participate. Through programs like SRELO, TC Energy helps IMSA equip students with hands-on, immersive learning that prepares them for future challenges. This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to transition confidently from high school to higher education and STEM careers.
| Participants of the 2024 SRELO program, supported by the generosity of TC Energy | | | |
2015 Alumnus Offers $10,000 Matching Gift to Inspire New Donors | |
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Brendan Batliner ‘15 knows that IMSA made a lasting difference in his life, and now he’s committed to ensuring future students have access to the same transformative opportunities. This year, as part of the fall appeal, Brendan is offering a generous $10,000 matching gift to encourage support from new donors. Any donation of $100 or more from a first-time donor will be matched dollar for dollar. Brendan hopes to inspire recent graduates and fellow alumni who have never given before to contribute and help sustain IMSA’s legacy of excellence.
Brendan reflects on the reason behind his generosity: "I give to IMSA to afford future students the opportunity to experience the same exceptional education and experiences that shaped me." He credits IMSA with providing him the critical thinking skills that have guided him throughout his educational and professional career, "IMSA taught me foundational critical thinking skills and prepared me not just for university, but for a life of meaningful contributions."
He encourages alumni to join him in giving back, no matter the size of the gift. "If IMSA impacted you the way it did me, consider giving back in any way you can. It's a great way to acknowledge the opportunities and gifts IMSA gave us."
Brendan’s matching gift is a powerful reminder to alumni and new donors alike to participate in this year’s fall appeal, ensuring that future generations of IMSA students can enjoy the same opportunities that set him on his path to success. If you have an interest in being a part of Brendan’s matching gift pledge, consider visiting our online giving portal and give back to IMSA today!
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Robert Mandell '25, Mikaella Moraga '25, and Arnav Patel '25 proudly represented IMSA at the Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) in Kyoto, Japan earlier this semester. The students showcased their innovative Student Inquiry and Research projects to a global audience of peers and STEM professionals.
JSSF is a unique gathering where young researchers unite to share groundbreaking ideas, explore scientific advancements, and build a global community of change makers in STEM.
Thank you to the generous support of the IMSA Fund for sponsoring their travel, and allowing our students and their research to make an impact on a global stage!
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IMSA’s AI Innovations Shine on The Balancing Act with Montel Williams | |
We’re thrilled to highlight IMSA’s recent feature on The Balancing Act, hosted by Montel Williams, which showcased our groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence. This spotlight not only celebrates IMSA’s leadership in STEM education but also underscores the transformative potential of our AI initiatives in shaping the future. Your support makes these advancements possible. By contributing to our mission, you help us empower the next generation of innovators to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us in expanding our impact! | |
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Building a Legacy: How Family Foundations and Donor Advised Funds Shape IMSA’s Future | |
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For many families, philanthropy is not just a way to give back—it’s a way to build a lasting legacy. At IMSA, we’ve seen how donors use family foundations and donor-advised funds (DAFs) to make a significant and long-term impact on our students, programs, and mission.
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Family Foundations allow donors to set up a charitable foundation, often involving multiple generations, to manage their philanthropic giving. Family foundations offer the flexibility to focus on the areas that align with your values—whether it’s supporting specific programs like STEM education or enhancing campus life for our students. The beauty of family foundations is that they foster long-term engagement with causes you care about, involving future generations in giving back.
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Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) provide an easy and tax-efficient way to manage charitable giving. You can contribute assets to a DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to support IMSA or other organizations over time. DAFs offer flexibility and allow you to grow your charitable contributions while deciding when and how to distribute funds to make the greatest impact.
Both options give donors the ability to strategically manage their philanthropy and ensure that their support continues to create meaningful change. One IMSA family recently shared how their family foundation enables them to stay connected to their values while supporting IMSA’s mission. “We wanted to create a legacy that our children could be a part of, one that would continue to give students the opportunities to thrive in areas we’re passionate about, like STEM and leadership,” they said.
At IMSA, the generosity of family foundations and DAFs allows us to offer unique learning experiences, scholarships, and resources that shape the next generation of leaders and innovators. Whether you’re looking to establish a family foundation or contribute through a donor advised fund, these giving vehicles help ensure that your support has a lasting, meaningful impact.
To learn more about how you can make a difference at IMSA through family foundations or donor advised funds, please contact us at giving@imsa.edu.
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Hello,
I hope you’ve enjoyed the Fall/Winter edition of Impact IMSA. We are incredibly grateful for your support of IMSA’s mission and greatly appreciate your generosity. Thank you for investing in our students and their imaginations. Together, we can nurture the next generation of world-changers.
Cesar Patino, CFP, MPAS
Charitable Gift Officer
cpatino@imsa.edu
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ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education
1500 Sullivan Rd., Aurora, IL 60506-1000 | 630.907.5051 | imsa.edu/giving
To ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds
that advance the human condition.
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