Community Partners

The Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab, powered by the 87 & Running Foundation, serves as a transformative launchpad for teens ages 14-18 who reside in under-resourced neighborhoods in Kansas City. The lab provides a safe environment, cutting-edge equipment, essential resources, and committed mentors to help these young individuals unleash their entrepreneurial and STEM potential. From coding to designing innovative products, the Ignition Lab empowers teens with the skills they need to thrive in their future careers. 

Check out our student spotlights below to see the incredible work students are doing. 

CAPSTONE HIGHLIGHTS 

A’hmya Gee ‘24
A’hmya Gee is a shining example of the transformative impact of the Ignition Lab. As a high school student in her second semester of Product Design, A’hmya has immersed herself in an advanced curriculum that challenges and inspires her. She has successfully designed her own 3D-printed night light and is currently experimenting with a clay 3D printer to produce a set of drinkable ware.

A’hmya’s ambition extends beyond product design. She is diligently preparing for the OnShape certification exam, aiming to graduate with a certificate in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Her dedication to her studies and her craft has already opened doors for her future. She has been accepted to Kent State University, where she plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

Demetrius Craig ’26
Demetrius has demonstrated remarkable growth and achievement through his involvement with the Ignition Lab. Starting with learning to code in Scratch, he quickly advanced to programming in Python. His technical skills expanded as he mastered soldering and programming Micro Bit circuits. Demetrius is now proficient in building, modifying, and programming VEX robots to perform specific tasks.

His journey didn’t stop there. Through the mechatronics program and the Opportunity Intern program at Ignition Lab, Demetrius became an integral part of the 87 & Running First Tech Robotics Team. As a member of the FTC team, he played a crucial role in building and programming the competition robot. Additionally, he used Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to design and laser cut tokens for the FTC matches.

Demetrius’ hard work and dedication paid off as he competed in two of the three FTC matches, helping his team secure a 23rd place finish in the region. His exceptional contributions were recognized with the Judges’ Choice Award, a testament to his creativity, skill, and teamwork.

Travis credits his brother and fellow teammates with being his rock during the toughest times in college, knowing that his path could have been drastically different without such unwavering support. Recognizing the importance of having a strong support system, the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation is committed to ensuring the well-being of student-athletes as they navigate the hurdles of sports, life, and academics. Partnering with Travis’s alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, the newly established Eighty-Seven and Running Endowment for Student-Athlete Mental Health and Wellness aims to ensure that every UC student-athlete has access to the mental health resources they need to succeed. Over the next few years, this endowment will guarantee the presence of a dedicated mental health professional on staff to support over 300 student-athletes in UC’s athletic department, helping them thrive both on and off the field.

The Kelce brothers often acknowledge that their hometown of Cleveland Heights played a crucial role in shaping who they are today. Driven by immense gratitude and deeply committed to giving back to the community that raised him, Travis, through the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation, has supported the Heights School Foundation and its athletic department since the early days of his career. Beyond this, the foundation also provides vital educational resources and opportunities, ensuring the diverse youth of Cleveland Heights have access to the tools they need for a successful future. Through these efforts, Eighty-Seven and Running continues to honor its commitment to uplift and empower Travis’ hometown community.