April 06, 2021. Octane, Southern California’s leading accelerator, announced today its Spring 2021 cohort of four non-profits that will participate in Octane’s Non-Profit Accelerator. The Non-Profit Accelerator adapts Octane’s award-winning LaunchPad SBDC evaluation process to further the impact in the community and increase their sustainability.

The Non-Profit Accelerator focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) organizations, especially those that deliver education and resources to underrepresented communities.

“Octane’s commitment to the health, vitality and quality of the live/work experience in Orange County is at the core of our work to help non-profits build their capacity to serve diverse populations and extend their impact in our communities. Our Octane team and an impressive group of Subject Matter Experts are very excited to offer the five selected non-profits in our Spring Non-Profit Accelerator a valuable experience that will cultivate sustainability and empower continued service to underrepresented communities.” Said Linda DiMario, Director of Community Engagement at Octane.

Congratulations to the Spring 2020 Cohort:

Blind Children’s Learning Center– Blind Children’s Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children with visual impairments and their families. By operating programs including early intervention, therapy services, youth outreach, and school readiness, Blind Children’s Learning Center creates stability for kids in the community who need it most. Founded in 1962, Blind Children’s Learning Center is based in Santa Ana, CA

Music Preserves-Music Preserves Foundation’s mission is to inspire and educate our community through the preservation and presentation of music. Through collaboration with local schools, cities, music festivals, and the business community, Music Preserves Foundation creates robust music and cultural education programs that inspire and educate our community and students in South Orange County about the rich cultural history of American music.

Orange County Academy of Sciences and Art– OCASA is a non-profit organization that operates tuition-free schools for children from Kindergarten through 12th grade, emphasizing the academic, social, and physical development of children in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.  OCASA provides an education that respects the development of the child by using a proven pedagogy applied by an experienced and friendly team.  OCASA welcomes all students and their families to learn in harmony with an environment that favors a multi-cultural spirit and awareness of the world we live in.  OCASA operates school campuses in Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano serving approximately 600 students for the 2021-22 school year.

Project Scientist– Project Scientist is an education nonprofit providing equitable, evidence-based STEM programs for girls ages 4–12. Project Scientist was created to change the world’s view of who a scientist is and what a scientist does. We prepare the next generation of scientists by cultivating confidence in girls that they too have the power learn, innovate and change the world.

Vital Link– Vital Link is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing students for their future careers through experiential learning opportunities. We offer programs that introduce students to the world of robotics, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare and medical, computer programming, digital media arts, automotive technology and much more.

About Octane:

Octane convenes and enables the Southern California technology and medical technology business ecosystem by connecting people, resources, and capital. Our goal is to create 55,000+ high-value technology jobs in Southern California by 2030. We impact our community through LaunchPad, an industry-leading accelerator, Enterprise Solutions, a new platform to provide companies capital and growth resources to accelerate job creation, Signature Events & Programs, and direct access to capital. Learn more at octaneoc.org.