WELCOME:

Founder’s Message

DEAR FRIENDS,

As we reflect on the past two years at Base 11, one word comes to mind: transformation. The unforeseen challenges of 2020 created lasting changes in our country, demanding continued innovation and adaptation. Yet, amidst the disruption, we witnessed incredible resilience and growth from our Base 11 community.

I am incredibly proud of how our team has leaned into our digital-first approach—through virtual conferences, digital playbooks, and Base 11 Digital, our online platform providing Access, Awareness, and Belief so that STEM education and entrepreneurship can reach students and young adults everywhere.

Looking ahead, we are energized by the possibilities of the Next Frontier Initiative. Through this ambitious program, Base 11 and our partners aim to empower a staggering 100,000+ students, early-career STEM professionals, and aspiring STEM entrepreneurs.

We are fueled by the belief that with the right support and encouragement, anyone can thrive in the exciting world of STEM. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, we can unlock the potential of the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

On behalf of the entire Base 11 team, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are building a brighter future where STEM education and opportunity are accessible to all.

Sincerely,
Landon Taylor
Founder

WELCOME:

President and CEO Message

Dear Base 11 Community,

It is with immense gratitude that I address you as president and CEO of Base 11. The past two years have been a whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and most importantly, impact.

Building upon the incredible foundation laid by our founder, Landon Taylor, and the visionary leadership of Ingrid Ellerbe, we embarked on a transformative journey. Growing Base 11 Digital, spearheaded by our talented team, we shattered geographical barriers, bringing our programs and resources directly to students and early-career adults nationwide. And reaching out to partners across the country, we facilitated events, playbooks, and opportunities for students to learn, access mentorship, and pursue their goals.

Witnessing the passion and dedication of our participants has been truly inspiring—and I cannot wait for all that is ahead.

Looking forward, we are laser-focused on the ambitious Next Frontier Initiative. As president, I am thrilled to lead Base 11 in empowering over 100,000 individuals to pursue their STEM dreams. This initiative embodies our core mission of fostering Access, Awareness, and Belief in a way that will have a lasting impact on the future of STEM.

After two years of successful growth and productivity, Board Chair Doug Bender transitioned from his role in 2023. Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud is our esteemed new board chair, leading us into a season of growth as we pursue our ambitious vision.

Diversity and inclusion remain paramount to our success. We are committed to dismantling barriers and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can excel in the exciting world of STEM.

Thank you to our dedicated team, our generous sponsors, and all who believe in Base 11’s mission. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals, shaping a future where innovation has no boundaries.

Onward and upward,

Teniel Jones

President & CEO, Base 11

Impact

Serving More Students

6274

STUDENTS REACHED IN 2022

6018

STUDENTS REACHED IN 2023

Building More Partnerships

12

PARTNERS ADDED IN 2022

4

PARTNERS ADDED IN 2023

In 2020, Base 11 achieved its initial goal of accelerating 11,000 students on their pathways to STEM degrees – one year ahead of schedule! We then launched an audacious new goal:

Reach 100,000 students by 2030

2021 100% 100%

11,187

2020 85.5% 85.5%

55

2020 100% 100%

11,187

2020 85.5% 85.5%

47

2019 94% 94%

10,629

2019 78% 78%

43

2018 58% 58%

6,206

2018 58% 58%

32

2017 40% 40%

3,490

2017 47% 47%

26

2016 3% 3%

323

2016 27% 27%

15

2015 .03% .03%

STUDENTS

4

2015 5.5% 5.5%

PARTNERS

3

Impact

In 2022, Base 11 propelled an incredible 11,000 more students toward STEM degrees.

We then launched an audacious new goal:

Reach 100,000 students by 2030

2022 Highlights

Base 11 Digital

“Base 11 was opening doors to my career BEFORE it went digital! Imagine what opportunistic doors it can open now that I have the keys right on my phone!”

– Breanna Allen, Base 11 Member; Automation and Process Engineer, Precision Castparts

New Features

We switched to a more robust platform with tools and features better suited to our members’ needs. Some of the highlights include:

Mobile and desktop compatibility
A description and road map for each industry in Next Frontier Industry Pathways
A dedicated page for each corporate sponsor where members can learn more and access opportunities
A built-in interactive community where students, early-career adults, Accelerator Partners, and sponsors can network and connect with each other via a variety of mediums
Enhanced user experience with customizable user profiles that showcase bios, resumes, certificates, social links, and more

Membership Updates

Membership increased 173% between 2021 to 2022, to a total of 901 registered users by the end of 2022.

Student Success Story

Rafael Rosales

“Base 11 gave me invaluable hands-on experience and room to test my potential. The biggest takeaway that I got from my research internship with Base 11 was the confidence I gained. I realized that as an engineer you don’t have the solutions to problems, rather you have built skills and acquired an expansive toolbox which allows you find solutions to any engineering problem. I have been able to take everything I gained through Base 11, which helped me be a top candidate for several job opportunities. Now, I apply the skills and confidence I gained at Base 11 in my new career.

Last year, I started my career working as a project engineer for Phillis 66, a Fortune 50 company. I am proud to work for a company that provides energy and improves lives.”

– Rafael Rosales, Base 11 Digital Member

2022 Highlights:

Next Frontier Conference & Expo 2022

Base 11’s inaugural Next Frontier Conference & Expo was held in November 2020, and its mission to empower students, early STEM career adults, and STEM entrepreneurs in the Next Frontier industries remains relevant. The initiative aims to help over 100,000 individuals on their pathway to success by 2030.

In 2022, the Next Frontier Conference & Expo brought together STEM leaders, hiring managers, academic partners, students, and young professionals for a virtual conference focused on education, networking, and discovery.

250

ATTENDEES

35

SPEAKERS

3

SESSIONS

Student Success Story

Rasool Ray

Spokane Falls Community College student Rasool Ray participated in Base 11’s Caltech Aerospace Mentorship Program in Summer 2022. Based on his work, he contributed to a Caltech report on Lunar Architecture for Tree-Traversal In-service-of Cabled Exploration (LATTICE) that went on to be published. Congratulations, Rasool!

2022 Highlights:

STEM Career Playbook

In 2022, Base 11’s signature program, the STEM Career Playbook, continued to empower students on their journeys to future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Playbook provides students with a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of STEM career exploration. Through a combination of interactive modules, industry mentorship, and real-world experiences, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in the ever-evolving STEM landscape.

2022 Highlights:

The Inaugural Year of the Parity Project

In partnership with Base 11, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (the Divine 9) joined the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity in a commitment to advance economic parity for Black Americans by giving young leaders access, awareness, and belief to pursue STEM careers.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (the Divine 9) signed an agreement to advance goals shared by the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, or “the Boulé.” Together with Base 11, they are working to advance economic parity for Black Americans through a variety of channels, including promoting STEM education and careers, and giving students and early-career adults the access, awareness, and belief to pursue education and careers in these high-growth industries. One of the most prominent activities of the year was the Executive Leadership Council’s (ELC) active involvement in several key gatherings, including the 2022 Parity Project Innovation Challenge trip.

Our goal is to rapidly expand and have 100,000 young leaders by 2030, with 50,000 of them being Black students or early career adults.

2022 Highlights:

Parity Project Innovation Challenge

Through the Parity Project Innovation Challenge, students and early career adults proposed technological solutions to advance economic parity for Black America. Our winners traveled to Washington DC, New York City, and the Bahamas to visit esteemed leaders at The White House, JP Morgan Chase, The Executive Leadership Council, and the Grand Boulé, where they presented their ideas, connected with mentors, and advanced their projects.

College/University Level

Jasmine Bacchus – Tied for 1st Place
Black Fashion Lab for Entrepreneurs & Executives

Kiante Bush – Tied for 1st Place
Meet The “Rich Paul” of Startup Investing

Al Richardson – 3rd Place
Using BlockChain to dismantle ISP monopolies

High School Level

Nova Sportsman – 1st Place
The Menstruation Station

Shaelin Triebe – 2nd Place
Ezzz Sleep

Parity Project Innovation Challenge winners present their economic parity solutions at The White House. Left to Right: Dwayne Murray, Doug Bender, Teniel Jones, Nova Sportsman, Michael Hyter (President of ELC), Kiante Bush, Gabrielle Harris, Jasmine Bacchus, Paul Griffin, Chanda Lowrence, Roderick Hall, Landon Taylor, Sezi Fleming

Photo credit: Executive Leadership Council

2022 Highlights:

DNA Diversity Challenge

We hosted the DNA Diversity Challenge in partnership with Regeneron to increase Black American participation in genetics research—helping us improve medical research, discovery, and treatment for all.

Influencer Challenge

Chanda Lowrance – 1st Place
A TikTok Campaign that encourages Black genomics

CuriosityScience – 2nd Place
The Trip of Tomorrow

Collaboration Challenge

Areahna O’Rea – 1st Place
Transforming Lives: It’s in my DNA

Janae McCloud – 2nd Place
HBCU Partnership and African American Genomics

Smrithi Chakravarthy – 3rd Place
DNA Diversity: A Collaborative Focus Group Model

Britnee Johnston – 3rd Place
Promotional Recruitment Campaign of ResearchMatch

Gary Kawakami – 3rd Place
The Roots Project

2022 Highlights:

Blockchain Breakthroughs for a Better World Challenge

In partnership with Coinbase, we hosted the Blockchain Breakthroughs for a Better World Challenge. We invited students and early career adults to propose new ways to use blockchain technology that address critical global issues such as environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, or financial inclusion.

Red Cloud Renewable – 1st Place

Jeremy Martinez, M.D. – 2nd Place

UrbanTXT: Teens Exploring Technology – 3rd Place

The Fledge Crypto Ecosystem – 4th Place

2022 Highlights:

STEM Superhero Challenge

In partnership with Regeneron, we hosted the STEM Superhero Challenge—an opportunity for students and early career adults to highlight people who have inspired them on their STEM journeys.

Kiante Bush – 1st Place
From Corporate, to Church, to Community

Jules Manchester – 2nd Place
Not Just my Grandfather, a Hero

Lael-River Williams – 3rd Place (3-way tie)
It’s a bird ! It’s a plane! It’s… My Mom?

Zachary Bastian – 3rd Place (3-way tie)
RocketMan and Purple Rain!!

Abraham Ittycheri – 3rd Place (3-way tie)
My grandfather, the dropout signal engineer

James Lukas – 4th Place
My Dad’s Problem Solving and Networking

2022 Highlights:

Student Ambassador Program

Base 11 Student Ambassadors are motivated students with a passion for STEM. They represent Base 11 on their campuses, and assist with events. Ambassadors get the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by sharing and promoting Base 11’s programs and resources designed to empower women and minority students in STEM, all while becoming an agent of change and developing their own leadership skills.

2022 Ambassadors

Segen Mussie – Kentucky State University

Aaron Sandoval – Victor Valley College

Geline Manuel – Victor Valley College

Derrick Webb – Dillard University

Keyra Hall – Morgan State University

Kamille Trice – Morgan State University

2022 Highlights:

Innovation Centers

Highlight: Moreno Valley College

“We found that integrating meaningful hands-on classroom experiences into course curricula – such as through Makerspace activities – shows promise as a strategy through which MVC can improve student retention, and subsequently course success and program completion.” – Donnell Layne, Director of the Innovation Center & Mobile iMake Makerspace

After being closed during COVID, the Base 11 labs at MVC reopened and were busier than ever serving students, faculty, and members of the community

MVC’s makerspace is an inclusive, hands-on learning environment where you can design, create and innovate your ideas. The iMAKE STEM Innovation Center provides students with the chance to collaborate with faculty to explore new technology and gain skills using industry-standard equipment and software. Whether completing class projects, pursuing a hobby, or striving toward entrepreneurship, creative thinkers are welcome.

5814

STUDENTS SERVED IN 2022

5830

STUDENTS SERVED IN 2023

2023 Highlights:

Next Frontier Community Conference at Long Island University

At the Next Frontier Community Conference at Long Island University, students and early-career adults gathered to build their community; meet mentors; hear from companies like JP Morgan Chase & Co., Coinbase, and Regeneron; and learn how to take their next steps as they pursued college, career, or something entirely new.

The event featured expert speakers, opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, and breakout sessions focused on some of the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries, including life sciences and healthcare, engineering, entertainment and sports management, and finance, blockchain, and entrepreneurship.

120

ATTENDEES

17

SPEAKERS

15

SESSIONS

2023 Highlights:

Student Ambassador Program

Base 11 Student Ambassadors are motivated students with a passion for STEM. They represent Base 11 on their campuses, and assist with events. Ambassadors get the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by sharing and promoting Base 11’s programs and resources designed to empower women and minority students in STEM, all while becoming an agent of change and developing their own leadership skills.

2023 Ambassadors

Amani Nation – Long Island University

Jael Nelson – Long Island University

Matthan Banefo – Vaughn College

2023 Highlights:

Partnerships Advance Students

Twelve community college students took part in the Caltech Aerospace Mentorship Program during the 2022-23 academic year.

They spent the year studying the fundamentals of aerospace, connecting with graduate students for mentorship, and sampling the resources available at the prestigious research university.

52%

OF INTERNS IDENTIFIED AS WOMEN

90%

OF INTERNS IDENTIFIED AS A RACIAL MINORITY

2023 Highlights:

New STEM Environment in Memphis

In 2023, Base 11 worked in partnership with Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (also known as the Boulé) to make an accessible STEM environment in Memphis. The Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity’s Delta Member Boulé hosted the 2023 Delta Boulé STEM Summit. The theme for the summit was School to STEM Pipeline: Producing a Path to Parity. The STEM summit was held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the National Civil Rights Museum.

This was their first annual convening of Memphis STEM resources. The summit was designed to connect community partners, stakeholders, STEM educators, and professionals to present innovative STEM ideas and programs that benefited minority students and early-career professionals. The summit featured speakers, a keynote address from Dr. Angela Whitelaw, MSCS Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Academic Support, and two panel discussions. Each panel lasted approximately 30-35 minutes. Panel A focused on the academic obstacles minority students faced and the academic requirements for success in STEM degrees. Their goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how specific academic skills fit into the broader picture of STEM and how students could be prepared to leverage STEM skills and degrees to positively impact society. Panel B focused on utilizing STEM Careers, Private Equity/Venture Capital, and Philanthropy as a blueprint for creating a sustainable STEM infrastructure. They aimed to create a thriving STEM ecosystem locally, in underserved communities.

The 2023 Delta Boulé STEM Summit provided a platform for the brightest minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to facilitate an optimistic dialogue. The organizers were honored to have the recipient as a speaker. Given their extensive knowledge and passion for STEM, their insight was of great value to the audience, shaped the future of STEM in Memphis, and inspired the next generation of STEM leaders. All participants had the chance to promote their work and connect with other professionals.

2023 Highlights:

Parity Project Innovation Challenge

The Parity Project Innovation Challenge presents an annual opportunity for students and early career adults to develop creative solutions to advance economic parity for Black America. Applicants from across the country submitted ideas, and our winners received cash prizes and travel opportunities.

Meet the Winners

Oyelekan Ajiboye

Project: Odibo: An AI to Train and Pay Black People

Oyelekan is the founder of Odibo and a PhD student in chemistry at The University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Learn More

Garrett Ransom

Project: A Blockchain-Based Business Line of Credit: Data-Driven Change

Garrett is the founder and CEO of Thurman Labs and an alumn of Morehouse College.

Learn More

Iman Jervey

Project: The Comeback

Iman is a senior at Benedict College involved in the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Learn More

Destiny Harris

Project: Application Bias Eraser

Destiny is a junior at Benedict College studying business administration and accounting.

Learn More

327

CHALLENGE FOLLOWERS

38

CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS

Impact in Action

Garrett Ransom, one of the grand prize winners of our 2023 Parity Project Innovation Challenge, recently visited Coinbase headquarters in Washington D.C. to discuss the transformative potential of cryptocurrency and its impact on underserved communities. Ransom’s company, Thurman Labs, leverages blockchain technology to provide microloans to diverse-led small businesses, fostering economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

Ransom’s passion for using technology to create positive change aligns with Coinbase’s mission to increase economic freedom through blockchain-based solutions—and this visit to Washington D.C. signifies the growing recognition of Thurman Labs’ innovative approach to addressing financial disparities using cryptocurrency.

Kudos, Garrett! The Base 11 Team is incredibly proud of you.

2023 Highlights:

Parity Project Programs

Boulé-Base 11 Fellows Program:

32 Fellows Candidates
22 Mentors

Parity Project Innovation Challenge Year 2

4 Grand Prize Winners
2 Honorable Mentions

Partners

3DS_2014_Logotype_BlueSteel_RGB_fromweb-1080x339

Financials

2022 Revenue: $917,850

2023 Revenue: $270,325

The shortfall is due to the fixed expense as a percentage of total revenue. The fact that we underperformed the revenue goal, and the fixed expense increased due to added consulting fees in Base 11’s President’s absence, causes this increase in expense as a percentage of revenue.

Building the Next Frontier:

A Look Ahead at Base 11’s Future

The Base 11 Board of Directors is excited to share our vision for the future, a future brimming with opportunity and driven by the power of STEM education and entrepreneurship.

Amplifying Impact: The Next Frontier Initiative: We are committed to the Next Frontier Initiative, an innovative program that seeks to empower over 100,000 students, early-career STEM professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the coming year. The Next Frontier Initiative 2025 will be hosted as an in-person event. Through strategic partnerships and innovative program development, Base 11 will provide the essential tools and support to fuel this diverse and ambitious talent pipeline.

Focus on Equity and Inclusion: Base 11 remains steadfastly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the STEM landscape. We recognize the importance of dismantling barriers and creating pathways for all, regardless of background. We will continue to refine our programs and expand outreach efforts to ensure equitable access to our resources and opportunities.

Investing in Innovation: The future of STEM is dynamic, and Base 11 is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve. We will invest in cutting-edge technologies and develop new initiatives that effectively address the evolving needs of our participants. Base 11 Digital, our online platform, will be further enhanced to provide a seamless and engaging learning experience.

Collaboration is Key: We recognize the power of collaboration in achieving our ambitious goals. We will continue to build strong partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that empowers the next generation of STEM leaders.

A Brighter Future Awaits: The Base 11 Board of Governors is confident that by focusing on these key areas, Base 11 will continue to make a transformative impact. Together, we can cultivate a future where STEM thrives on inclusivity, innovation, and a shared passion for creating a better world.