Who We Are

Founded in 2025, ARCHIE Lab was created to bridge a critical gap: brilliant young minds with transformative ideas often lack the funding to bring them to life. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Virginia, we provide microgrants that empower youth from diverse backgrounds—including those with learning differences, from underrepresented communities, and with nontraditional learning paths—to pursue meaningful research, innovation, and creative projects.

Our Mission

ARCHIE Lab funds youth-led innovation by providing microgrants for research, creative, and community impact projects. We believe brilliant ideas can come from anyone, and every young person with drive and curiosity deserves the opportunity to turn their vision into reality.

Why We Exist

  • Great Ideas Come From Everywhere

    Innovation and creativity aren't limited by background, learning style, or circumstances. Young people from all walks of life have meaningful contributions to make, and we're here to provide the funding to help them succeed.

  • Ideas Need Resources

    Great research and innovation require funding for materials, technology, data collection, community engagement, and more. Our microgrants provide essential seed funding to transform concepts into reality.

  • Mentorship Is Essential

    Quality mentorship transforms good ideas into successful projects. We require youth to identify and apply with a qualified mentor, creating a partnership that ensures guidance, accountability, and professional growth.

  • Real-World Impact

    Youth-led projects create tangible outcomes—research publications, community solutions, creative works, and innovations that make a difference.

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Our Partnership with Nexellence Institute

ARCHIE Lab was founded by Dr. Michelle (Lu) Yin, who also founded Nexellence Institute—an educational organization offering research-based courses for diverse learners. Students who complete Nexellence courses gain foundational skills that can strengthen grant proposals.

Important: Nexellence coursework is not required to apply for ARCHIE Lab grants. Any youth with a compelling project idea and qualified mentor may apply.

Sustainability Partnership: Nexellence Institute donates profits to ARCHIE Lab to help sustain and grow our microgrant programs. This partnership is disclosed in all materials, and the organizations maintain separate finances and operations.

Visit Nexellence Institute

Executive

Michelle Yin
Dr. Michelle Yin, Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director

Associate Professor at Northwestern University with over two decades of research in inclusive education, learning differences, and youth development.

Board of Directors

Burhan Ogut
Burhan Ogut, Ph.D.
Co-Chair

Provides strategic oversight and governance

Ruhan Circi
Ruhan Circi, Ph.D.
Co-Chair

Provides strategic oversight and governance

Christina Lee
Christina Lee, J.D.
Secretary

Manages organizational documentation and compliance

Peter Steiner
Peter Steiner, Ph.D.
Treasurer

Oversees financial management and sustainability

Our Values

Merit & Potential

We fund the strongest projects and most committed youth, regardless of background.

Youth Leadership

Young people lead their own projects with mentor support, developing agency and confidence.

Inclusive Excellence

We celebrate diverse perspectives and different ways of thinking, learning, and creating.

Rigor with Support

We maintain high standards while providing appropriate guidance and resources.

Real-World Impact

Projects should create tangible value—new knowledge, solutions, or creative contributions.

Authentic Partnership

Youth-mentor teams apply together, ensuring committed, genuine collaboration from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While Nexellence courses provide excellent preparation in research methods and project design, they are not required. Any youth with a strong project idea and qualified mentor may apply.
No. You must identify and secure your own mentor before applying. We provide guidance on how to find mentors and tips for approaching potential mentors, but we do not match or provide mentors.
Both were founded by Dr. Michelle Yin. Nexellence is a for-profit educational company; ARCHIE Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nexellence donates its profits to ARCHIE Lab to support microgrant funding. The organizations operate independently with separate finances.
Applications are reviewed by our independent board of directors based on project merit, feasibility, youth commitment, mentor qualifications, and the strength of the youth-mentor partnership.