Bright Minds recently received a $20,000 grant from the Parusha Foundation to expand STEM education access in Howard County. The Parusha Foundation is focused on helping students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The grant will support the purchase of 3D printers in nine Howard County middle schools that will be used as part of the Foundations in Technology curriculum and to support other STEM activities. Middle schools that will receive printers include: Dunloggin, Harper’s Choice, Elkridge Landing, Lake Elkhorn, Murray Hill, Mayfield Woods, Oakland Mills, Patuxent Valley, and Thomas Viaduct.

HCPSS and Bright Minds celebrated the launch of the 3D printers during a reception held at Harper’s Choice Middle School on December 13, 2022.

Mahesh Parusha, Founder of Parusha Foundation, shares his personal journey here:

“I was born in a middle-class family in India with 4 children and my dad’s single income. We grew up with limited resources; our house never had a TV or a refrigerator. School and learning was our prime focus growing up. I was very curious about life and opportunities while at school. I had a lot of passion for mathematics and science, but didn’t have access to opportunities that would allow me to explore these areas beyond classroom basics. For example, I was not able to attend science fairs or Math Olympiads due to financial and resource limitations. At that time, there was no support or resources available to help students like me bridge financial gaps and access those learning opportunities.

After high school and based on my interest in mathematics and science, I was eager to pursue a degree in engineering. I started by pursuing an engineering degree at a polytechnic institute. I was not able to afford staying in the dorm, and had to travel 2-hours each way to attend classes. On many occasions, I was forced to miss classes due to commuting delays. Apart from these challenges, I was excited to complete my courses and go on to an engineering college. However, the college admission exam would require me to sit for an exam with 100,000 other smart kids and only 15,000 qualifying, and I felt I had some critical knowledge gaps that I needed to address in order to be competitive. Due to my financial status, getting proper exam training was a real challenge. Despite this challenge, I did not give up, kept working to build my knowledge, and was able to qualify on my third exam attempt. This achievement and my ability to complete my bachelor’s in engineering laid the foundation for me to be able to travel to the US where a world full of opportunities existed.

I came to the US in 2001 to pursue a masters in engineering (at Bridgeport University) with the help of student loans. These loans would cover only my first semester tuition and 4 months of living expenses, which was a tremendous burden on me and my family. Everyday was a sleepless night in the conquest to achieve my dream and survive at the same time. By the end of the semester, I was out of funds and working hard to identify other options. Thankfully, I was able to receive a scholarship at Lamar University in Texas to complete the rest of my degree.

After graduating, I worked hard to establish myself professionally. I was able to find good work as a software developer and pay off my student loans. In 2005, I established my own IT services and software development company, Value Solutions inc., that works with clients in a range of industries (including healthcare, pharmaceutical, financial, manufacturing, and government).

As I was working and building my company, one question kept plaguing me: What is the purpose of my existence apart from acquiring education and becoming successful in life? This question really took shape for me after I learned about Warren Buffet’s Giving Pledge and decision to divert most of his assets to charity. It surprised and inspired me, and ultimately allowed me to see how I could channel my life experiences into helping people who faced challenges like I did. After learning about Buffet’s pledge, my mind was spinning considering exactly how I could support others. I dreamed of building a platform to increase access to STEM education, and to create a sustainable model to help children that was unconditionally, unbiased and with an equal opportunity to learn and thrive to success.

In 2019, my plans and dreams came to a reality when I achieved my naturalization certificate to become a US Citizen, dedicated my life and earnings to support the Giving Pledge, and established the Parusha Foundation. This country has shaped my dreams and allowed me to channel my struggles and achievement towards a greater cause. I am proud to be part of this journey and dream, and very eager to help many more children benefit from our work.”