Student’s “Drones for Dreams” Inspires $25,000 OtterCares Grant for Innovation Center’s New Philanthropy Initiative

On Thursday, May 7, the Innovation Center received a $25,000 grant from the OtterCares Foundation to help expand opportunities for students to apply their professional skills in support of nonprofit organizations across the region. The grant was inspired by Silver Creek High School junior Braeden Macchia’s work through “Drones for Dreams,” a student-led initiative that provides pro-bono drone services to community nonprofits.

Three people are engaged in conversation in a workspace, with equipment and safety gear visible in the background. — *High School junior Braeden Macchia meets with the OtterCares Foundation’s Linda Crum, whose conversations with Braeden inspired the Innovation Center’s new philanthropy initiative.*

After connecting with Linda Crum and Lucy Nuremberg of the Ottercares Foundation last fall, Braeden shared his vision for growing and sustaining the program. “Braeden is a change maker,” Crum said. “He’s taken what he’s passionate about and asked, ‘How can I use this skill and talent to create lasting change and difference in the world?’ What he’s accomplished with ‘Drones for Dreams’ is incredible.”

A group of four people in a classroom celebrate a $25,000 check for St. Vrain Valley Schools' innovation initiative. — The OtterCares Foundation presents the Innovation Center with a $25,000 grant inspired by Braeden’s “Drones for Dreams” – funding that will expand nonprofit partnerships across every Innovation Center division.

Inspired by Braeden’s leadership, Innovation Center administrators applied for the grant to help expand that same spirit of service across more than 20 student project teams. Beginning next year, students in programs including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, design, media production, and more will dedicate a portion of their professional work to nonprofit partners, creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while supporting community organizations.

Group of five people holding a large check for $25,000 to St. Vrain Valley Schools for an innovation initiative. — *Innovation Center staff, the OtterCares Foundation, and Braeden Macchia celebrate a $25,000 grant that will scale Braeden’s spirit of service into student project teams across the Innovation Center.*

As the initiative grows, Innovation Center staff and students hope to continue strengthening partnerships with nonprofit and industry organizations while expanding access to meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Through the support of the grant, the Innovation Center aims to build a lasting culture of service that extends far beyond a single program or student project.