Igniting Innovation.
Empowering Youth
ABOUT US
Mission
To empower children and youth through STEAM education by providing access to innovative tools, learning opportunities and hands-on experiences that foster creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. At MakingTheShift, we believe in the power of education to transform communities and prepare new generations for the challenges of the future.
Vision
To be a global benchmark in STEAM education, impacting thousands of young people by bridging the education and technology gap. We aspire to build a world where every child and young person, regardless of their background, has access to quality resources that allow them to develop their full potential and become an innovator, creator or leader of tomorrow.
THE HISTORY OF MAKING THE SHIFT
Andres Hurtado Rangel is the founder of Making the Shift Foundation Inc., driven by a lifelong belief that education and early access to technology can transform lives. Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, Andres grew up surrounded by science, circuit boards, and computers through his father’s entrepreneurial influence.
After migrating to the United States, he became a Microsoft Certified Trainer at 19 and went on to build global technology companies providing cloud services, data protection, cybersecurity, and Global SuperCluster Datacenter solutions for private and government entities worldwide.
Through the foundation, Andres is committed to giving children in underserved communities the same opportunity he had—to learn, innovate, and believe there is more to dream and achieve.
In an increasingly technology-driven world, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education has become a fundamental pillar for the development of new generations. However, in many regions of Latin America, access to innovative educational resources remains a challenge.
Aware of this gap, a group of leading technology companies in the United States, joined forces with a common purpose: to boost STEAM education in Latin America and provide opportunities to children and youth through access to cutting-edge technology and educational programs.
Thus was born Making The Shift, an initiative that seeks to transform lives through education, connecting students with innovative tools, training in 21st century skills and practical experiences that allow them to develop their full potential.
Since its inception, Making The Shift has worked in partnership with schools, communities and organizations to provide laptops, educational software, workshops and mentoring. Thanks to the support of companies and strategic allies, the foundation has impacted hundreds of children and youth, preparing them for the challenges of the digital future and fostering their creativity, critical thinking and innovation.
From technology to social impact, Making The Shift not only teaches, but transforms realities.
IMPACT & ACHIEVEMENTS
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✅ More than 850 children and young people impacted with access to STEAM education and technology in various regions of Latin America.
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✅ 75 + teachers trained in innovative methodologies to integrate STEAM in their classrooms, improving educational quality.
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✅ +350 laptops and technological devices donated, allowing students to explore and develop skills in programming, robotics and design.
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✅ Partnerships with +15 organizations and technology companies, including Synertech Solutions, Bizion Group, ICS Innova Cloud Inc, and more, to ensure program sustainability.
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✅ Creation of 3+ STEAM innovation labs in schools and community centers in Colombia, Guatemala, providing access to state-of-the-art tools.
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✅ Expansion to 4 Latin American countries, reaching communities in Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua.
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✅ Mentoring programs with international experts, connecting students with professionals in technology, engineering and science.
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✅ Educational events and hackathons with the participation of hundreds of young people, promoting creativity, critical thinking and problem solving.
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✅ Measurable impact on the development of digital skills, with a 70% increase in student interest in technology and science careers.