Buildrs Nation teaches young builders in under-resourced communities to build with AI — apps, businesses, and solutions to real problems in their neighborhoods. Free. Forever. Launching this summer at community centers in North Minneapolis.
#1 Worst
Racial achievement gap in the United States
Minneapolis Federal Reserve
33%
of Black and Latino children lack a computer at home
PRB / U.S. Census
17%
of Black youth have higher-level digital skills (vs. 46% white)
Urban Institute
170M
new AI jobs globally by 2030
World Economic Forum
Aligned with the White House Executive Order on Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth (April 2025). AI literacy is now a national priority. Buildrs Nation delivers it at the community level — teaching K–8 builders in North Minneapolis to build with AI.
Craig Clay
Founder & Executive Director
Self-taught technologist. Raised on the Northside of Minneapolis, where he still lives today. He built Buildrs Nation because the young people in his neighborhood deserve the same tools and opportunities as young people anywhere else.
Governed by a 6-member board of directors including a civil rights attorney, 21-year MPS veteran, and a 39-year Minneapolis Park Board leader. All program adults will complete background checks before working with students. Two-adult rule enforced at every session.
Families are enrolling now. This summer, builders walk into community centers in North Minneapolis with an idea — and over 8 weeks, they learn to use AI to build it. An app. A game. A business. A solution to a problem on their block.
What every builder receives
Cost to families: Nothing. Every program is free. Always.
Invest in a Builder
That covers a Chromebook, AI tools, trained facilitators, curriculum, snacks every session, and a Builder's Showcase where they present what they built. Every dollar is tax-deductible.
Everyday Giving
$25
Fuel a Builder
Snacks and supplies for one builder for the full 8-week program
$50
One Week of AI
One week of AI platform access and mentorship for one builder
$100
Equip a Builder
Curriculum materials, Builder’s Journal, and project supplies for one builder
$250
Tech Access
A Chromebook and AI platform access for one builder
Monthly Giving
$25/month provides critical supplies for one builder all year.
Recurring monthly support is the most impactful way to give. Predictable funding lets us plan ahead and serve more kids.
Give MonthlyProgram Investment
Half Scholarship
50% of one builder’s full year experience. Two donors at this level fully fund one builder.
Full Scholarship
Fully sponsors one builder for a complete year: Chromebook, AI tools, trained facilitators, curriculum, snacks every session, and a Builder’s Showcase presentation. The full cost of putting one builder in a seat.
Leadership Investment
For foundations, corporate sponsors, and philanthropists building at scale.
Fund one program for an entire quarter. Snacks, materials, devices, and facilitators for 3 months of weekly sessions. Named in our impact report.
Helps fund core pilot costs including devices, AI tools, curriculum materials, snacks, facilitator support, and the Builder’s Showcase for enrolled students. Recognition included in pilot materials and impact reporting.
Fund an entire program for 12 months. You choose: kids, parents, teens, seniors, business owners, or career changers. Quarterly impact reports and a Showcase invitation.
Fund three programs for a full year. Kids learn AI on Saturdays, their parents learn career skills at the same time, and certified teens connect to internships. Named partnership.
Fund all seven programs for a full year: kids, parents, teens, seniors, business owners, career changers, and summer camp. 200+ community members served. Advisory role.
Fully fund Buildrs Nation’s first year: all seven programs, a lead instructor, a program coordinator, devices, insurance, and a 3 month operating reserve. The inaugural year carries your name.
For corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, or multi-year gifts
Checks payable to “Buildrs Nation” — 1250 Wayzata Blvd E, Unit #1791, Wayzata, MN 55391
Summer 2026
30
builders
1 site
North Mpls
Year 1
100
builders
2 sites
Minneapolis
Year 3
500+
builders
5 sites
Twin Cities
Minneapolis first. We prove it here before we go anywhere.
Tax receipt
Instant 501(c)(3) donation receipt by email. Your gift is tax-deductible.
Personal update
A personal note from the founder on how your investment is being used.
Impact report
Photos, outcomes, and builder work from the Builder’s Showcase.
501(c)(3)
Tax-Exempt Organization
Verify on IRS.gov
EIN
41-5051913
Founded
March 2026
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Buildrs Nation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Secure payment processing via Stripe.