One Stone Inc. is a student-driven nonprofit organization based in Boise, Idaho, dedicated to empowering high school students to become better leaders and effect positive change in the world. Founded in 2008, the organization operates on the belief that students possess the unique ability to drive meaningful societal impact through their creativity, strong voices, and commitment to challenging the status quo. By offering experiential service, innovative initiatives, social entrepreneurship, and a radical reinvention of learning, One Stone provides students with opportunities to engage in passion-driven experiences that benefit both their personal growth and their communities.
Key Strategic Focus
One Stone's strategic focus centers on fostering student leadership and community engagement through several core programs:
- Project Good: A student-led experiential service program that undertakes 15-20 projects annually, aiming to build community and character by addressing various societal needs.
- Two Birds: A revenue-generating business providing real-world experience in business, project management, technology, marketing, and design. Students work with clients on local, regional, and national levels, offering services such as strategy, web design, social media marketing, video production, animation, and graphic design.
- Hatch: An incubator for student-led ventures and workshops that bring design thinking to market, supporting the development of innovative ideas into business startups or high-impact projects.
- Lab51: A transformational, student-driven microschool that emphasizes growth over grades, empowering students to connect their learning to real-world applications.
- Catalyst: A multidisciplinary art studio enabling students to explore various artistic techniques linked to history, human rights, social and environmental justice, and more.
- Ripple: An audio studio for music performance, recording, audio engineering, and podcasting, allowing students to create and express themselves through sound.
- Foundry: A maker studio equipped with tools like a CNC router, laser engraver, and 3D printer, fostering creative confidence and technical skills through digital design and technology.
These programs collectively aim to equip students with 21st-century skills, including empathy, collaboration, communication, leadership, and creativity.
Financials and Funding
As a nonprofit organization, One Stone does not charge membership dues or fees, ensuring accessibility for all interested high school students. The organization relies on contributions from donors to sustain its programs and operations. Donations support initiatives like Project Good, Two Birds, and Solution Lab, enabling students to engage in leadership development and community service without financial barriers.
Technological Platform and Innovation
One Stone's innovative approach is rooted in design thinking, a problem-solving methodology developed at Stanford University's d.school. This process involves stages such as empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, testing, and evaluating, allowing students to develop human-centered solutions to complex issues. By integrating design thinking into its programs, One Stone empowers students to tackle real-world challenges creatively and collaboratively.
Leadership Team
The leadership team at One Stone comprises dedicated professionals committed to the organization's mission:
- Celeste Bolin: Executive Director, overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations.
- Kristen Goodwin: Director of Finance and Human Resources, managing financial planning and human resource functions.
- Allison Parker: Director of Development, leading fundraising and donor relations efforts.
- Jesse Ross: Director of Strategic Partnerships, fostering collaborations and partnerships to advance the organization's goals.
- Adan Callsen: Engagement and Outreach Manager, coordinating community engagement and outreach initiatives.
These leaders bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to support One Stone's mission of student empowerment and community impact.
Competitor Profile
One Stone operates in the nonprofit sector, focusing on youth leadership and community service. Comparable organizations include:
- World Vision: A global humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
- UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services): Provides infrastructure, procurement, and project management services to help build the foundations for sustainable development.
- Catholic Relief Services: An international humanitarian agency assisting the poor and vulnerable overseas.
- IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): A professional association dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
- Toastmasters International: A nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.
These organizations share a commitment to leadership development and community service, aligning with One Stone's mission to empower students and effect positive change.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
One Stone collaborates with various community partners, including businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, to provide real-world, hands-on learning experiences for students. These partnerships enhance the organization's capacity to offer diverse programs and initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for student growth and community impact.
Operational Insights
By integrating design thinking into its programs, One Stone differentiates itself from traditional educational models, offering students a unique platform to develop critical skills. The organization's commitment to student leadership and community engagement positions it as a leader in youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, One Stone aims to expand its reach and impact by:
- Scaling Programs: Increasing the number and scope of initiatives like Project Good and Two Birds to engage more students and communities.
- Enhancing Partnerships: Building new collaborations with organizations that align with One Stone's mission to provide additional resources and opportunities for students.
- Innovating Education: Continuing to develop and implement innovative educational models that prioritize student-driven learning and real-world application.
By leveraging its strengths and embracing new opportunities, One Stone is poised to further its mission of making students better leaders and the world a better place.
Contact Information
- Website: onestone.org
For more information about One Stone's programs, initiatives, or to get involved, please visit their official website.
