PI 515

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress.

At Pi515, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, creators, and problem-solvers through technology, education, and community. Together, we continue the work of building pathways where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy Juneteenth. ❤️🖤💚

06/17/2026

Investing in the future of Iowa’s students! 🎉

During the AT&T Fiber launch and ribbon cutting celebration, AT&T presented a $20,000 community investment to Pursuit of Innovation! These funds will go towards our Career Accelerator Program giving students access to hands-on digital literacy training, career exploration, and professional readiness skills.

A special thank you to Cheryl Riley, President of AT&T of the Upper Midwest States, for championing this commitment to community impact, and to Mayor Russ Trimble of West Des Moines for joining in celebrating this important milestone for Pi515!

Together, we’re building stronger connections, expanding opportunities, and creating pathways for student success through technology and innovation. 🚀

06/02/2026

Proud to lead an interactive AI ethics session at the West Des Moines Chamber’s HSLA program! Thanks to Microsoft for supporting our work in youth leadership and innovation. At Pi515, we empower students to shape the future of technology.

05/08/2026

At Pi515, we know that student success does not happen alone. It takes teachers, counselors, school leaders, families, mentors, and community partners who believe in young people and help open doors for them.

This week, we want to give a special shoutout to Mike Tierney, Tim Brickley and Sadie Nymeyer, the winners of our Day of Innovation educator prizes. Thank you for showing up for students, leaning into innovation, and being part of the movement to prepare young people for the future.

We are grateful for every educator who partners with Pi515, supports our students, encourages curiosity, and helps build pathways into technology, AI, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Teachers, we see you. We appreciate you. And we are honored to work alongside you. Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! 🌟

05/06/2026

Excited for our 2026 Pi515 Capture the Flag!

Students will explore cybersecurity through fun, hands-on challenges, solve real-world tech puzzles, and connect with cybersecurity professionals from Principal Financial Group Financial Group.

A huge thank you to the Principal employees who are showing up to mentor and support our students, and to Tryhackme for providing premium licenses to help our youth build real cybersecurity skills.

This is more than a competition, it is a chance for young people to build confidence, learn digital safety, and see themselves in the future of tech.

Let the hacking begin — ethically, of course!

05/04/2026

This May, Pi515, is the featured Kindness Collective non-profit, a national kindness initiative powered by the Lift Women’s Foundation in partnership with Royal Neighbors of America Neighbors of America.

Here’s how it works:
1. Conduct a small act of kindness
2. Share your action in the quick online form below
https://ow.ly/xChl50YT09t

For every act of kindness reported in May, Pi515 will receive $10 (up to $4,000).

When our community comes together—even through small, everyday acts—we create ripple effects that strengthen women’s economic empowerment, educational opportunity, and overall wellbeing.

05/01/2026

We're BLOWN AWAY after ! 🤖✨

With our biggest turnout yet, more than 200 youth and nearly 60 mentors in one room, this year's AI Challenge was an electric celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community, all in support of Pi515's mission to open doors in tech for the next generation.

Students spent the day pushing limits, solving real problems, and discovering what they're truly capable of, surrounded by mentors who believed in them every step of the way.
"I really believe Pi515 is one of the best organizations to invest in our students in our community!" — Chris Saldanha, Day of Innovation Volunteer

Thank you to every mentor, sponsor, donor, and community member who made this day possible. Your investment shows up in every student who walks out that door with something new lit up inside them.

🎥 See the magic for yourself: https://youtu.be/XE6Hylz_Et4

Pi515 Day of Innovation 2026

04/28/2026

Pi515 Challenge: Which one is your favorite? 🥇

If you could build one tech solution to help your school, community, or future career, which would you choose?

A. An AI tutor that helps students study
B. A smart city tool that makes neighborhoods safer
C. An app that helps teens manage money
D. A robot or AI assistant that solves a real-world problem

Drop your answer in the comments: A, B, C, or D!

Bonus claps 👏👏 if you also name a solution that is needed in your school, community, or industry.

04/24/2026

What a WHIRLWIND! We are once again BLOWN AWAY by the success of the Day of Innovation -- a day of learning, growth, and community that reminds us year over year how lucky we are.

To all our sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and donors: you make all of this work possible. Thank you for investing in our young people and our collective future.

To our students' parents and support systems: thank you for trusting us with your children and laying the foundation for their success.

To our students: we are honored to be a part of your journey. Go tear it up.

04/23/2026

We are excited to share our 2026 Day of Innovation Award Winners! Each year, we recognize individuals and organizations who have played a key role in helping us fulfill our mission. Their support continues to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. These awardees will be honored during the dinner portion of our Day of Innovation.

Leaving a Legacy: Steve Shaffer

Community Champion: Mary Bontrager

Trailblazer Award: Principal Financial Group, John Deere

Community Impact Award: KKR, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, United Way of Central Iowa

Educator Award: Thuy Do