Present Minds

Supporting elderly individuals impacted by neurodegenerative diseases while cultivating a passion for neuroscience in youth.

Why Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system—which includes the brain, spinal cord, and neural networks. It helps us understand how we think, learn, feel, and behave, while exploring how the brain influences our everyday lives. Studying neuroscience is important because it advances our understanding of human behavior, improves treatments for neurological and mental health conditions, and contributes to discoveries that can improve human health and well-being.

Our Mission & Vision

"Our mission is to support elderly individuals impacted by neurodegenerative diseases through targeted fundraising and widespread awareness, while empowering young scientific leaders. We are dedicated to cultivating students’ passion for neuroscience by providing hands-on volunteer and internship opportunities, mentoring them in developing published research, and actively campaigning for the implementation of an AP Neuroscience curriculum in high schools."

Global Impact

How we support the 17 UN SDGs

Goal 3: Good Health & Well-being

Hands-on support to the elderly and advocating for health literacy through our newsletter. We strive to empower youth and the elderly with evidence-based skills for fostering mental and physical well-being (GoodLife).

Goal 4: Quality Education

Advocating for an AP neuro course, providing internship & mentorship opportunities, and providing a platform for students to research & publish their findings.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Linking nursing homes with high school volunteers, partnering with schools/organizations, hosting fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and sharing resources.

Why Is Our Mission So Important?

Bridging the High School Learning Gap

High school science curriculums have remained largely unchanged for decades, offering standard Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Meanwhile, neuroscience has emerged as one of the fastest-growing academic and industrial fields of the 21st century. By introducing standardized AP Neuroscience, we bridge the gap between high school science and modern higher education, giving students early exposure to cutting-edge cognitive and biological research.

Solving the Domestic Healthcare & Research Pipeline Crisis

Our nation faces a staggering shortage of medical professionals, clinical researchers, and neurological specialists. Neurological disorders—ranging from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to mental health conditions—affect millions globally. To solve tomorrow’s health crises, we cannot wait until junior year of college to introduce students to the brain. We must inspire students in high school to pursue careers in neuroscience, medicine, and bio-engineering.

Democratizing STEM & Unlocking Potential

Access to specialized scientific education is often reserved for elite private schools or well-funded magnet districts. Standardizing AP Neuroscience through the College Board levels the playing field nationwide, ensuring that talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented groups gain access to high-level science coursework, college credit, and career path clarity.

The current high school science curriculum remains unchanged for decades, offering standard Biology, Chemistry, and Physics while ignoring the booming field of modern neuroscience. Standardizing an AP Neuroscience course bridges this learning gap and democratizes STEM education nationwide, unlocking the potential of hidden talents and addressing the "Lost Einsteins" phenomenon among underrepresented students. By exposing high schoolers to cutting-edge cognitive research early, we actively combat the projected 0.5 million healthcare worker shortage by inspiring the next generation of medical professionals, clinical researchers, and bio-engineers before college. Furthermore, bringing specialized, high-level brain science to all high schools creates equal opportunity for young women, directly accelerating efforts to close the 118-year gender gap in STEM and preparing a diverse workforce to solve tomorrow's neurological and health crises.

Meet the Team

Dedicated students and researchers driving change in neurodegenerative care and education.

Kelsey

Co-founder & Co-president

Meheret

Co-founder & Co-president

Nandana

Vice-president

Zaym

Software Engineer

View Full Team & Bios