Friends of Young Tinker (FoYT)

Join the global Movement!

We proudly introduce Friends of Young Tinker, a global volunteer-driven initiative that unites individuals, businesses, and professional leaders to deliver STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education to underprivileged communities. Through hands-on volunteer services, innovative problem-solving in rural areas, and a commitment to fostering goodwill, we’re transforming lives and inspiring change worldwide.

The Mindset Behind Friends of Young Tinker

Friends of Young Tinker is more than an initiative—it’s a people’s movement. We champion a youthful mindset, not defined by age but by curiosity, creativity, and a fearless approach to solving problems. A “Tinker” is both a problem-solver and a trailblazer. We invite people from all walks of life to join us, contributing their skills, time, and resources to empower students and communities through experiential learning and innovation.

What inspired us to start FoYT (Friends of Young Tinker)

Story 1: A Triumph at NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2023

Friends of Young Tinker was born from a remarkable moment. In 2023, a team from the Young Tinker Foundation was selected to compete in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Supporters rallied to make it happen—mentoring students, arranging travel, and securing accommodations in the USA.

  • Chicago Chapter: Spearheaded by Nila Vohra and Nilesh Kothari, this group organized a visit to Nokia’s Chicago office, delivered a talk at Nokia HW, and partnered with the NRI Odia community, led by Manoj Mahapatra, who opened their homes to host the students.
  • Hyderabad Chapter: Led by Siddharth Mohanty, this team raised funds to support the students’ journey to the USA.

Thanks to these collective efforts, the students clinched a category award at the NASA challenge—a testament to the power of community and collaboration.

Story 2: Tinker on Wheels (ToW) in Rural India

In December 2024, volunteers led by Nihar Rout in Soro, Balasore, launched the ToW- Tinker on Wheels program in rural schools:

  • 5 hands-on workshops reached 1,500 students.
  • 3,000 students attended Tinkerfest, witnessing the launch of a satellite built by their peers.
  • Ground support came entirely from Friends of Young Tinker volunteers.

This initiative showcased how volunteerism can ignite the Young Tinker mindset, proving that real impact starts with collective action.

Recognising the Friends of Young Tinker
Friends of Young Tinker at Chicago
Friends of Young Tinker at Chicago
Friends of Young Tinker at Hyderabad
Young Tinkers winning moment at NASA, USA
Young Tinker at TEDxNaperville
Friends of Young Tinker - Nihar Rout being felicitated at Tinkerfest, Soro
YTSAT 1.0 launched from Soro, Balasore

Inspired? Here’s How to Join Us

Step 1: Become a Member

  • Join an Existing Chapter or Start Your Own: Click to access the charter and get started.
  • Contribute:
  • Alternative Entry: Join without a contribution via a referral from an existing chapter member. Contributions symbolize your commitment to shared responsibility.

Step 2: Connect and Act

Team up with like-minded “Young Tinkers”—a community defined not by age, but by a passion for innovation. Bring STEM education to kids in your city or village, stay connected via WhatsApp, and participate in our monthly and annual programs.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Chapter

As a chapter member, you’ll play a key role in driving impact:

  1. Host Monthly Meetings: Brainstorm ideas and turn them into action.
  2. Volunteer on the Ground: Deliver Young Tinker programs to schools in your district.
  3. Partner with Schools: Work with administrators to integrate our initiatives.
  4. Engage Decision-Makers: Advocate for enhanced problem-solving education.
  5. Collaborate with NGOs: Connect with national organizations to scale our reach.
  6. Tap into CSR Opportunities: Partner with corporates for funding and growth.
  7. Go Global: Link with international NGOs to expand the movement.
  8. Be an Ambassador: Represent Young Tinker on a global stage.

Join Friends of Young Tinker today and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future—one student, one solution, one community at a time.

FoYT Charter
Become Lifetime FoYT
Become Annual FoYT

Mission May 2025: 31 Days, 31 Districts

This May, we embark on a powerful journey across Odisha—bringing the Tinker on Wheels (ToW) experience to government and low-resource private schools that have never had access to a summer camp like this before.

From May 1st to May 31st, our mission is simple but bold: One district. One day. One unforgettable experience.

Goals for Mission May 2025

  1. Establish 30 District Chapters of the Friends of Young Tinker (FoYT) network.
  2. Ensure 30 schools participate in our 1-Day TOW Innovation Camp, becoming champions of the Young Tinker movement.
  3. Mobilize new ToW units by inspiring role model schools, local champions, and community-led FoYT chapters.
  4. Invite corporate leaders to witness real-time, on-ground impact and partner in scaling this initiative.

“One Month. One Mission. One State. 30 Sparks of Change.”

The Road Ahead

  • Mission 2026
    Deploy 30 Tinker on Wheels units—one for each district of Odisha—by March 31, 2026.
  • Mission 2028
    Ensure that every school in Odisha, no matter how remote, is empowered with hands-on STEAM learning via ToW—by March 31, 2028.
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