Who we are

FUTURE MINDS ACADEMY NEXTGEN INNOVATORS: is a nonprofit, hands-on STEM summer camp for rising 4th–6th graders, led by veteran educator Joe Ward with over 20 years of teaching experience.

MISSION: Our mission is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and expand access to hands-on STEM learning for families in our community.

WHY WE STARTED THE CAMP: Inspired by a shared passion for science and learning, the Joe and his brother, Mike, created Future Minds Academy: NextGen Innovators in order to build the kind of STEM camp they could not find locally for their own children. After seeing the lack of strong STEM options in Marin County, they launched this nonprofit to give young learners meaningful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and help them see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

BEYOND THE STANDARD CLASSROOM:

  • Everything is hands-on and built around active learning.

  • Students are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and think creatively.

  • Failure is treated as part of the discovery process.

  • Curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation are central to the experience.

  • The goal is not just learning science — it is building confidence and excitement about STEM.

  • Our camp culture is rooted in Aloha with a focus on kindness, compassion, respect, and genuine human connection.