Non-Profit Business Plan: Advancing STEM Education and Genetic Disorder Awareness
Submitted to: Emergent Ventures (Fast Grants for STEM Talent Identification)
Organization Name: com2025.com STEM Education Wing
I. Executive Summary
STEM Education Wing is a non-profit initiative dedicated to democratizing STEM knowledge and raising awareness about genetic disorders like thalassemia. Our mission is to empower underserved communities through accessible science communication and education, bridging the gap between academic research and public health literacy.
This initiative leverages digital platforms like YouTube and X (Twitter) to deliver engaging content that explains complex scientific concepts in simple terms, targeting thalassemia patients, caregivers, and the general public. By combining patient-led research with mass media outreach, STEM Education Wing creates scalable solutions that address gaps in science literacy while fostering a new talent pipeline for patient-scientists.
We seek $50,000 in funding to support the first year of operations, which includes tuition for an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, equipment for science communication, research tools, and living expenses. This funding will enable us to build a foundation for impactful education programs and scalable outreach initiatives.
II. Organization Description
Mission & Vision
Mission: To advance STEM education and genetic disorder awareness through accessible science communication, research, and advocacy.
Vision: A world where every patient understands the science behind their condition and can advocate for their future.
Post-Graduation Vision
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in bioinorganic chemistry, I aim to:
- Pursue a PhD in Biochemistry to deepen my expertise in hematology and molecular biology.
- Launch a nonprofit organization dedicated to rare disease education and advocacy.
- Develop scalable science literacy tools that empower patients globally.
Core Programs
- Science Literacy Hub:
- Activities: YouTube explainers, X (Twitter) posts, infographics, webinars.
- Target Audience: Thalassemia patients, caregivers, underserved communities, general public interested in STEM education.
- Patient-Scientist Research Initiative:
- Activities: Research into hemoglobin dynamics and iron metabolism in thalassemia patients; translation of findings into accessible content for public consumption.
- Target Audience: Rare disease patients and healthcare providers seeking actionable insights into genetic disorders.
III. STEM Education Focus
Academic Pathway
Degree Pursuit: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialization: Bioinorganic Chemistry)
Key Research Areas:
- Hemoglobin’s oxygen-binding mechanisms in alpha-thalassemia mutations.
- Iron metabolism disruptions caused by genetic disorders like thalassemia and their parallels with long COVID effects on oxygen transport.
- Frameworks for genetic counseling that integrate molecular-level understanding with patient advocacy tools.
Proposed Research Directions
- Investigating how alpha-thalassemia mutations affect oxygen affinity and exploring potential therapeutic interventions such as antioxidants or iron chelators to improve hemoglobin function.
- Examining how viral infections like COVID-19 exacerbate hypoxia in thalassemia patients through interactions with ACE2 receptors and heme groups.
- Developing engaging science communication tools—YouTube videos, infographics, articles—that translate complex research findings into actionable knowledge for patients and caregivers.
IV. Financial Plan
| Category | Amount (USD) | Purpose |
| University Tuition | $30,000 | Year 1 chemistry degree costs at a reputable institution |
| Science Communication | $5,000 | Equipment for creating educational videos (camera, microphone, software) |
| Living Expenses | $10,000 | Basic subsistence while studying full-time |
| Administrative Costs | $5,000 | Website hosting fees, legal registration costs |
| Total Funding Requested | $50,000 USD | $50,000 USD bare basics now”$50,000 – $500,000″ ballpark budget |
This budget ensures that foundational resources are available to support both academic pursuits and impactful outreach initiatives.
V. Alignment with Emergent Ventures Goals
Talent Identification:
STEM Education Wing proactively identifies talent from overlooked patient communities by empowering individuals with genetic disorders to become advocates for their own health through STEM education.
“Zero to One” Innovation:
This initiative is the first patient-led project combining hematology research with mass media literacy tools to create open-access education platforms tailored for rare disease communities.
Scalable Impact:
Digital tools like YouTube videos and infographics allow global reach while creating replicable models for other genetic disorders beyond thalassemia.
Revenue Potential:
- Monetized educational content through YouTube/Patreon subscriptions.
- Partnerships with health nonprofits or educational platforms like LabX or Coursera.
- Freelance science writing for health-focused publications.
VI. Personal Story & Vision
For over two decades, I have lived with undiagnosed alpha-thalassemia—a genetic blood disorder that impairs hemoglobin’s ability to transport oxygen effectively—shaping my resilience and curiosity about the science behind human biology.
Through my experiences navigating chronic fatigue and cognitive challenges associated with thalassemia while observing the broader impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, I realized two critical needs: accessible scientific knowledge for patients and better science communication tools to combat misinformation.
The mainstream view I wholeheartedly agree with is that STEM fields are fundamental to human progress—advancing medicine, technology, environmental sustainability, and beyond.
By pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry focused on bioinorganic chemistry and hematology research, I aim to contribute meaningfully to this progression while addressing critical gaps in health literacy.
VII. Conclusion
STEM Education Wing transforms my personal struggle into a catalyst for systemic change in STEM education by combining patient-led research with scalable science communication tools.
Emergent Ventures’ support would enable me to:
- Build a novel talent pipeline for patient-scientists who can advocate for their own health while advancing public understanding of genetic disorders.
- Develop open-access platforms that democratize STEM knowledge globally.
- Create proof-of-concept models for patient-led research initiatives that can be replicated across other rare diseases.
“When patients understand their chemistry, they become advocates for their future.”
Thank you for considering this proposal.
Sincerely,
Chin Cheong Ghee
Contact Information: mrcheegk@gmail.com+601117604909 Malaysia
+6594657642 Singapore
Personal Website:
PayPal Business link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CHINCHEONGGHEE
Appendices
Personal Website: https://com20250.com
Sample Video:
Resources, Advocacy and Education Media Hub Website: https://com20251.com/revolutionizing-thalassemia-treatment-through-gene-therapy-cutting/
X/Twitter post
My tweet:
X (Twitter)
GK Chee
@GChee5005
Grant Proposal: https://com20251.com/grant-proposal-emergent-ventures-grant-fast-grants-for-stem-talent-identification/Cover Letter: https://com20251.com/cover-letter-for-emergent-ventures-grant-application/