Purpose Learning Lab, Inc

Purpose Learning Lab is a Non-Profit Drop In Enrichment Studio designed to serve children, youth, and families. We offer a number of Curriculum Enhancing Learning Labs that challenge participants to think outside the box. Our programs foster curiosity, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking in young people to enable them to draw their own conclusions. We specialize in S.T.E.M., Literacy, Innovation, Wellness, and  Mental Health and Human Services. Through our program, we seek to develop supportive communities for families. Due to COVID19, we operate by RSVP only. During the academic school year, we operate Monday-Friday 2:00pm-6:00pm. During the Summer, we operate 8:00am-6:00pm. We offer a number of STEM Day Camps on DPS Teacher Workdays from 8:00-5:30pm.

Purpose Learning Lab, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, NC dedicated to empowering youth through STREAM-infused learning (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) combined with wellness and social-emotional support. We provide afterschool programs, day camps, summer enrichment, and family engagement activities designed to help young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At PLL, we believe in creating a safe, inspiring, and hands-on environment where children can explore their passions, strengthen their skills, and build confidence in who they are and who they can become

Volunteer Opportunities with PLL:

We welcome volunteers who want to share their time, skills, and energy to support our mission. Opportunities include:

• Afterschool Support (2–6 PM): Homework help, tutoring, and small group academic enrichment.

• STEM/STREAM Enrichment: Leading or assisting with fun, hands-on activities in robotics, coding, science experiments, art, or entrepreneurship.

• Wellness & SEL Activities: Helping with mindfulness sessions, journaling, group games, or mentoring students.

• Day Camps & Special Events: Supporting field trips, family engagement nights, or seasonal STEM Day Camps.

• Behind-the-Scenes Support: Assisting with administrative tasks, event setup, social media, or fundraising events.

Why Volunteer with PLL?

• Make a real impact on the lives of youth in our community.

• Share your talents in a meaningful way.

• Gain hands-on experience in education, STEM, and youth development.

• Be part of a passionate, mission-driven team.

✨ We believe volunteers are not just helpers—they are mentors, role models, and changemakers

Purpose Learning Lab, Inc provides curriculum-enhanced enrichment programs to promote academic success for youth. Our goal is to create pathways that ignite confidence, encourage hands-on innovation, & prepare students to pursue STEM & Integrated Art careers. We are committed to investing in youth through education, wellness, and mentorship to create agents of change. We believe in cultivating reason and empathy as foundations of an ethical, productive and fulfilling life Innovation-empowering leaders, exploring new approaches, and sharing ideas. To add, we believe in practicality, taking action, creating solutions, and providing hands on support. We teach courage, speaking out, thinking outside the box, and challenging ourselves and others. We provide a safe and fun environment for personal and social growth. We rely on cooperation, sharing ideas, and working together. We believe in Empowerment and Personal Growth – PLL is run for and by youth. Young people involved with our organization are empowered to take on leadership roles and give input on all facets of the organization. We strive to inspire all young people to find their passions and achieve their goals. We emphasize positive body image, mental and emotional wellbeing and peer support as key aspects to youth empowerment. We believe in Environmental Change & Healthy Alternatives– PLL strives to change local climate to one that embraces all young people. We believe that all youth should have access to voice their opinions. Building positive youth and adult relationships and opening lines of communication is key to this. We also strive to change negative climates of bullying and intolerance to become positive and celebratory. We believe in Resiliency –The founders of PLL are adamant about teaching resiliency. This model assumes that stress is inevitable, but even the worst experiences don’t have to lead to disastrous outcomes. Resilient individuals are able to bounce back from or adapt to stressful events. Positive self-esteem, problem solving, strong sense of identity and positive role model presence are all contributing factors to a young person’s resiliency.