6 years, 36,000 students, 750 schools nationwide

A few years ago, I Support Learning founder Steve Waddell was a struggling high school student who felt disconnected and unengaged with school. In today’s world, he would have been identified as “at risk.” Bored and failing English, Steve was saved by a few caring teachers—and by a fascination with the computers and electronics that his dad brought home to the house. Without that support, Steve might have become one of the 6,800 students that drop out daily in the U.S.

In 2003, Steve founded I Support Learning with a single passion: to create engaging curricula that would get students excited about learning even the toughest 21st century skills—such as STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math). By using computers, sophisticated graphics, intelligent tutors, and high-tech simulated job scenarios—as well as design input from over 300 teachers and administrators—the 15 team members at I Support Learning have developed an award-winning formula that inspires kids and teachers alike.

Today, more than 36,000 students use our curricula at 750 schools nationwide. I Support Learning has won 3 major awards, including the “Emerging Business of the Year” from the Small Business Development Center and “Associate of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association. They were also selected by the American Association of SBDC’s as one of only 50 “Success Stories of the Year”. But despite all the successes, the mission is still the same: to engage kids and keep them learning—one skill, one student at a time.

“We have a phrase in house “Creators don’t drop out.” What that phrase means to us is if we can get the kid creating and inventing they’re engaged.”

Excerpt from video “Interview with Steve Waddell”.