HISTORY

History of Purple Eagle

The story of Purple Eagle traces back to 2017 with the launch of MPowerStudio, an innovative makerspace established at Pittsburgh Obama Academy. This initiative was made possible after two dedicated parents secured a Google.org grant, allowing students access to cutting-edge tools and resources for hands-on learning and creative exploration.

As students became immersed in the makerspace, some began staying after school to further experiment with the equipment, refine their skills, and even start their own businesses. Recognizing the financial needs of sustaining the makerspace, a group of students, with the help of a Carnegie Mellon University intern, created a database of grant opportunities in the summer of 2018. This strategic move enabled the school and the makerspace to apply for—and win—additional funding and material donations from organizations like IKEA, Grainger, Dremel, and 84 Lumber.

In 2019, two Class of 2020 students explored ways to incorporate entrepreneurship into the makerspace experience. Their research led to the successful acquisition of a grant from The Grable Foundation, which laid the foundation for Purple Eagle Ventures (PEV)—a student-managed venture fund aimed at launching student-run businesses and social impact projects.

PEV proved to be a catalyst for student innovation, helping to establish five student-run companies and two social ventures. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed significant challenges, disrupting in-person collaboration and forcing a shift in focus. With students unable to meet in person, PEV had to reevaluate its approach. At the same time, it was presented with new opportunities that weren’t feasible under its existing for-profit structure.

In response, a Class of 2022 student spearheaded the formation of Purple Eagle Charitable Fund (PECF) in 2021—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to facilitate individual student-driven initiatives, such as grant writing and fundraising. PECF quickly gained momentum, securing multiple grants, most notably from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation in 2022.

By 2024, PECF was rebranded as Purple Eagle, marking a new era for the organization. Since then, it has expanded its mission beyond fundraising, focusing on advocacy, curriculum development, and the creation of innovative educational opportunities for students across Pennsylvania.

With its roots in makerspaces and student entrepreneurship, Purple Eagle continues to evolve, empowering the next generation with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.