Mission & Values

At Helix, we seek to create environments for students and educators to thrive through thoughtful collaboration utilizing human centered design practices customized to the unique needs of each educational environment. 

Our History

We started in 2018 with a small student run cafe in Chicago.

Since then we’ve expanded our offering to K-12 students at schools and programs across the country. The pandemic closed our cafe, as we moved with students online during the first years of the pandemic.

We’ve now grown into a full service education program designer for K-12 schools and programs focused on bringing high quality support and programs for educators and students across the country.

Since 2018 we’ve served over 5,000 K-12 students in a variety of programs both in school, after school, and during the summer. We’ve worked with students from 124 schools and have served more than 480 educators unique programs designed in collaboration with community and school partners using human centered design practices.

We are a proud 501C-3 Not for Profit Organization

Values

  • All of our work is rooted in research back human centered design principals that create opportunities for organizations and individuals to find novel solutions to unique problems.

  • Students that can explore different learning styles, career paths, and activities with educators who empower their curiosity are best set up to build life long confidence and critical transferable skills for a variety of career pathways.

  • Every educational ecosystem is unique. We know best practices and experience can help guide thinking, but it is critical to acknowledge that each educator faces unique challenges that deserve unique solutions.

  • Hands on education is powerful for all students. From the classroom to summer programs to after school time and internships, hands on learning is key to achieving positive student outcomes.

  • Learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom to every element of the day from after school programs to small businesses, from first jobs to summer programs.

Meet the Team


  • Executive Director, Education

    Caitlin Botsios brings expertise in curriculum development, professional development, and educational program management, building on her background as a middle school teacher and her leadership roles at WE and Teach For America. Through Helix, Caitlin works to empower educators and students by creating innovative learning experiences that blend technology, personalized learning, and civic engagement.

    Connect with Caitlin

    caitlin@helixeducation.org


  • Executive Director, Business Operations

    Sean Connolly brings expertise in student entrepreneurship, business education, and community partnerships, building on his background in higher education and community development at Loyola University Chicago. Through Helix, Sean works to transform traditional education by creating innovative learning experiences that bridge schools and communities.

    Connect with Sean

    sean@helixeducation.org

Contact us

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