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Turning Passion into Purpose, Project 345 Students Raise $8,500 for Global Education

A pair of OTS Intermediate School students proudly display their products at the Project 345 Marketplace.
Turning Passion into Purpose, Project 345 Students Raise $8,500 for Global Education

Our Intermediate School students recently proved that even young change-makers can make a global impact. Through Project 345—an innovative student-led initiative grounded in empathy, entrepreneurship and hands-on learning—students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 harnessed their creativity and compassion to help build a brighter future for children across the globe.

This year, students embarked on a months-long journey that blended design thinking, collaboration and real-world problem solving. Guided by their teachers, they brainstormed, designed and produced a variety of handmade goods—from jewelry and home décor to custom crafts and accessories—all with a singular mission: to raise funds for the construction of a school in Nepal.

The result? An incredible $8,500 donation to buildOn, an international nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service and education. This contribution will directly support the building of a new school in a rural community in Nepal, helping to unlock access to education for children for generations to come.

“We want our students to understand that they have the power to solve real problems and make meaningful contributions beyond our campus,” said Intermediate School Director Jon Wanders. “Project 345 shows them what’s possible when they lead with purpose.”

The impact of Project 345 goes far beyond the dollars raised. Students learned how to manage projects, think like entrepreneurs and collaborate with empathy—all while connecting deeply to the lives of others around the world.

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