WE PUT
YOUR FAMILY FIRST
Mission "To inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by providing high-quality STEAM education & Wellness programs to underrepresented youth. Our mission is to bridge the opportunity gap by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math."
Purpose Learning Lab, Inc (PLL) is a non-profit organization that is committed to investing in youth, children, and families through education, wellness, and mentorship to create agents of change. We provide programming during non-school hours such as: after-school enrichment, tutoring, and vocational training for minority students and families in the RDU area. Our programs are designed to not only inspire young adults, but empower them with tools needed to contribute in a greater way to their community and families while building their self-esteem.
About Us
Our organization opened our doors in 2020 to provide learning opportunities during non-school hours to narrow the gap and create equitable enrichment solutions for youth, children, and families who reside in rural and underserved communities. Next to our STEAM infused enrichment opportunities, we provide private tutoring, mentorship, and mental health services to provide social-emotional supports for students and their well being. According to research, children and youth who reside in economically disadvantaged households and who live in low- resource, urban neighborhoods are more likely to lose ground in reading and math over the summer than their middle- and upper-income peers. These children and youth also often come from ethnic minority backgrounds. Since the onset of our program, we have made a commitment to help youth discover endless possibilities through our life changing STEAM Infused enrichment & wellness programs.
Our Approach
We provide a number of curriculum-enhanced drop in programs during non-school hours designed to promote learning and innovation in a safe and secure environment that will challenge your child to think outside the "box!" What sets us apart from our competitors is access to our diverse STEAM Infused enrichment opportunities while you work, shop, run errands, have business meetings, attend a doctor’s appointment or simply take a moment to yourself. From hourly care, to daily and weekly service during non-school hours, Purpose Learning Lab has all your families needs in one place!
What We Offer
We provide Drop In STEAM Infused Learning Labs for Children by the hour or for the whole day, Summer Camp, Before & After School, Track-Out, Parent & Child Wellness Workshops, Mental Health Counseling, Mentorship, Virtual Learning Labs, Empowerment Seminars, Wellness Retreats, Yoga/Meditation, Business Coaching, Tutoring, In Class Field Trips, and Test Prep to Bridge Education Gaps.
We also host date nights, birthday parties, event space rentals, and childcare during most school closings. In addition our trademarked programs listed above, we invite you to take advantage of one of our life changing adult events.
Meet The Founder & Directors
MyiShanka (Mya ) McMillian,
Founder
My name is Myi-Shanka (Mya) McMillan. I am a natural born Entrepreneur, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and author. With an impressive 15-year career in Education, Business Ownership, Science, and Entrepreneurship.I am unrelenting in my pursuit of impacting the hearts of youth. My passion for launching children into purpose derives from childhood paired with the birth of my children, Zione & Ziah Oliver; who serve as my daily motivation to pour into the hearts of others.In my spare time, I write poetry, provide individual & family therapy, as well as facilitate Wellness Retreats. All in all, it is my pleasure to invite you and your child (ren) into my family of purpose.
Saiquanza Outlaw,
Afterschool & Summer Camp Assistant Director
My name is Saiquanza Outlaw and I'm from Windsor, NC. I've obtained a bachelor's degree in social work from East Carolina University and I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in social work from North Carolina Central University. I'm a young black entrepreneur whose dedicated to making a difference amongst the lives of diverse individuals, families, and communities. I have more than 2 years of hands-on business experience that has groomed me to become a passionate advocate for youth, children, and families.
Twanda Whitten, Director of
Youth Mentorship & Outreach
Twanda is the founder and President/CEO of YANA (You Are Not Alone) Inc., based in Durham, North Carolina. This organization was developed to identify and serve the needs of the homeless, lost, impoverished, and disenfranchised in the local community and around the world. Twanda is the mother of one daughter Shilanka, who birthed her three beautiful granddaughters, Amiyah, Makayla, and Rylee. She is also the Guardian to her niece Zamiah the daughter of her late sister Jamell Whitten.
Meet The Board of Directors
MyiShanka McMillian
Executive Director
Joseph Foster
Senior Advisor
Angela Cropps
Vice President
ShaQuita Canty,
Secretary
Crystal Lassiter
Treasurer
Calisha Graham-
Book Keeper
Meet Our Life Changing Community Partners
Evelyn Semidey
Wellness Coordinator
The Empress Haven, PLLC
Zione Oliver
Youth Mentor
Jr. S.T.E.M. Director
K'Moria Williams
Cheer & Dance Facilitator
Torian Jones
Virtual Yoga Instructor
Beyouniquorn,LLC
Elliot Palmer
Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Mental Health Director
Website & Marketing
Vonna Pollard
Tim Jackson
Youth Mentor, Spoken Word, & Character Education Facilitator-
Soul Redemption Ink
Tamette Farrington
NC IDEA Icehouse Facilitator, Entrepreneurship
Ivy Baker
Parent Liason
Meet Our Amazing Volunteers
Tyree Green
Julia Lhotellier
Jaliyah Semper
Sherponice Tate
Cariyah Scippio
Our Life Changing Partners
Purpose Learning Lab is proud to announce our 2022-2023 Partnerships.
Purpose Learning Lab invites Organizations and Corporations to help Youth affected by COVID19. Our goal is to provide scholarships to offset/fully fund the cost for children/youth to receive tutoring, youth empowerment seminars, attend Summer Camp, After-school, and Drop In Enrichment Opportunities that will bridge education gaps due to COVID19.
Make a difference & Donate today!
Hands of Purpose Childcare
North Carolina Central University
Hope Valley Elementary School
East Way Elementary
Love To Serve Tennis Fondation
T'Farri Solutions & The Think Garden
The Empress Haven, PLLC
Mr. Cutz Barbershop
Glambitious Cosmetics