Lift And Shift Foundation
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Lift And Shift Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.[1] based in New York City. It charitably supports military veterans interested in science and technology. As explained during a WRHU special broadcast remembering the September 11th Attacks,[2] their mission is to advocate for veteran inclusion in science and technology through programs that educate and build confidence. The emphasis of support extends beyond job training and transition, as many veterans will not, or can not, pursue a traditional corporate career.
| Formation | August 7th, 2017 in New York City |
|---|---|
| Founder | Thomas Smoot Jr |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | Veteran Services |
| Headquarters | New York City |
| Website | https://www.weliftandshift.org |
Background[edit]
Led by veterans, the nonprofit was incorporated in 2017 while participating in NYU Tandon's Veterans Future Lab's, Veterans Entrepreneurship Training (VET). A free, introductory educational program for active duty service members, US military veterans, and their spouses who seek to learn entrepreneurial skills or pursue business ventures. The foundation's primary purpose was established during VET. Even though STEM fields at the time lacked diversity[3], it was determined cultivating tech careers didn't incorporate a holistic approach that encompassed the well-being of veterans. Lift And Shift Foundation received a NTEE classification of educational services during their IRS approval, and the mission was redefined to be inclusive of mental health topics, such as building confidence and resilience.
The foundation launched a small pilot program while seeking IRS approval[4]. Until closing the pilot in 2019, it was led by the organization's founder.
Founder[edit]
Tom Smoot founded the charity as a way to give back after completing a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering[5]. Smoot told Popular Mechanics he was influenced by the support of Vietnam era veterans when he first returned from his service in Iraq[6]. As an Army veteran with PTSD, Smoot cites the challenges of transition and positions himself as an example for other veterans. He joined Make The Connection, a public resource from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to share his successful journey and help others[7]. The organization's interest in veterans' well-being is closely connected to Smoot's public advocacy.
Programs[edit]
Battle Of The Bots[edit]
Battle Of The Bots, started in January 2019. Prior to becoming a program offered by the organization, the first event was a half day robot building workshop. Veteran families were hosted for the day, provided tablets, robots, and food. The positive feedback from participants was a signal to the organization, and the program development commenced immediately. Over the following year, Battle Of The Bots hosted hundreds of participants in the greater New York City metropolitan area.
Lift And Shift Learning Series[edit]
During the COVID pandemic, Lift And Shift Foundation began shifting to online content. The Lift And Shift Learning Series was started as a way to reach and help veterans through quarantines. It was supported by a partnership with MasterClass to give veterans access to a variety of online educational content[8]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Lift and Shift Foundation - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- ↑ Remembering the September 11th Attacks 21 Years Later - a WRHU-FM New York Broadcast, retrieved 2022-10-31
- ↑ "Women and Minorities in the S&E Workforce". National Science Foundation. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Labs, Future (2018-08-06). "The latest from our Veterans Future Lab companies". Future Labs. Retrieved 2022-03-04.
- ↑ "Veteran discusses problem-solving therapy for vets at West Hempstead library". Herald Community Newspapers. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- ↑ Detwiler-George, Jacqueline (2018-10-17). "Thank You For Your Service to Our Country. Now What?". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- ↑ "Don't be afraid to ask for help". www.maketheconnection.net. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- ↑ Foundation, Lift and Shift (2020-12-10). "Elevating Veterans Through Music & MasterClass". Lift and Shift. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
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