Innovation, Impact & What’s Next
- The Community
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
This summer, BESN X Community has been hard at work building opportunities, creating access, and inspiring the next generation of leaders through education, technology, and creativity. With the support of our partners and the power of our Art, Code & Community (ACC) Fund, we’ve made a lasting impact in Toledo and beyond.
Summer Highlights
1. Summer Program with The Art Tatum Zone – In June, we kicked off an exciting summer program in partnership with The Art Tatum Zone, offering youth hands-on learning in STEM, esports, AI, visual arts, and career exploration. This program gave young participants the tools and inspiration to see themselves as creators, innovators, and leaders.
2. Connecting with New Sponsors at Origins Game Fair Our team traveled to the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, where we connected with potential sponsors, game publishers, and community partners excited about supporting our mission and STEM Center.
3. Executive Director Recognized at Toledo’s Juneteenth Event During Toledo’s Juneteenth celebration, our Executive Director, Timothy Fields, was recognized for his leadership and commitment to empowering underserved youth through innovative educational programs.
4. Summer Program with City of Toledo Youth & Park Services In July, we partnered with City of Toledo Youth and Park Services to run an engaging summer program at the Believe Center, blending STEM learning, recreation, and mentorship to reach dozens of local youth.
5. Partnership with Lucas County Metropolitan Housing This summer also marked the start of our partnership with Lucas County Metropolitan Housing, expanding our reach into more neighborhoods and connecting families to STEM programming, esports, and career pathways.
Next Up: Back-to-School Event
August 15th, 2025
We’re ending the summer strong with a Back-to-School Celebration from 5 PM to 7 PM, in partnership with the Believe Center and Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center. This event will feature school supply giveaways, STEM activities, and resources to prepare youth for a successful school year.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Donors
We are deeply grateful to Anthem, Buckeye Health Plan, City of Toledo, Restoration Games Toledo Rotary Club, John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, and many more who make this work possible. Your contributions keep our programs free and accessible for youth who need them most.
Every backpack, every workshop, every game demo, and every art project is powered by community support. We invite you to continue partnering with us to build a brighter future for Toledo’s youth.
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