Light2Give.org

Light to Learn. Light to Give.

Empowering middle school (aka Jr high school) students with hands-on STEM education while bringing hope and light to those in need.

Mission Statement

At Light2Give, we believe learning and giving go hand in hand. Our organization provides solar lantern kits to K–12 teachers across the United States. Through building these lanterns, students explore renewable energy, practice STEM skills, and experience the power of service. Once complete, the students donate their solar lantern to a local nonprofit that serves the unhoused members of their community. That nonprofit then distributes the solar lanterns (along with a note written by the students) to people in need. 

How It Works

1. We Provide the Kits
   Teachers receive free classroom-ready solar lantern kits and curriculum support.

2. Students Build & Learn
   Hands-on assembly helps students understand solar technology and renewable energy.

3. Lanterns Are Donated
   Finished lanterns are donated to local organizations that serve unhoused individuals and families.

Why It Matters

• For Students: A meaningful STEM experience that connects science to real-world impact.

• For Communities: A source of light and safety for people living without reliable electricity.

• For All of Us: A reminder that when we learn and give together, everyone benefits.

Call to Action

Join us in sparking brighter futures.

• Teachers: Request solar lantern kits for your classroom on the APPLY page.

• Donors: Help fund lanterns and empower students.

• Nonprofits: Partner with us to receive lanterns for your community.

Together, we can light the way—one lantern, one lesson, one life at a time.

The following images are from a Light2Give service learning experience held on December 6, 2024 at Valley Springs Middle School located in Asheville, North Carolina. This build involved the entire 6th grade class. As students rotated through their normal classes that day (Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, etc.), each teacher had a lesson plan ready that focused on solar energy. It was in the Science class that students actually assembled a solar lantern. Those solar lanterns were then donated to a local nonprofit that serves the homeless in the region. When that nonprofit picked up the solar lanterns at the school, a representative met with the 6th grade class and gave a presentation describing the work they do in the community and how the solar lanterns will make a positive impact on the lives of real people in need.