My personal experience with TeachAids began in 2010, a year after Piya had launched this groundbreaking organization. Witnessing her vision take root and flourish has been nothing short of inspiring.
TeachAids' HIV education modules have been viewed by over half a billion people as a testament to the organization's ability to scale solutions effectively. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the tangible difference TeachAids is making in underserved communities globally. The organization's meticulous approach, evident in the development of culturally specific versions and the use of engaging animated characters and celebrity voices, demonstrates a deep understanding of the problem space, a executing excellently on solutions that are relatable and sticky, kudos to Piya's vision and her approach to driving the organization's mission along with her passionate team of volunteers.
The expansion into concussion education with "CrashCourse," utilizing VR and HD technology, further exemplifies TeachAids' commitment to innovation and excellence. TeachAids bringing cutting-edge resources to schools and youth sports organizations is filling a critical gap.
TeachAids, embodies the pursuit of excellence I witnessed in its nascent stages. Piya's vision, coupled with the organization's thorough execution, has resulted in a global impact that is both profound and lasting. It's a testament to the power of well-crafted, accessible educational resources in fostering healthier lives, particularly in those areas that need it most. TeachAids' proven track record of innovation and global reach ensures that any donor's contribution translates into measurable impact, fostering healthier lives worldwide. To me it is not about donating time or resources but the fulfillment that you're empowering communities with knowledge and tools for a better future.
TeachAids is an inspiring, strong and focused organization. In my role as the Director of Community Engaged Learning at Stanford’s Haas Center for Public Service, I have the privilege of partnering with numerous organizations, and TeachAids stands out for its unwavering commitment to rigor and student development. Through Dr. Piya Sorcar’s courses at Stanford and internship programs for both undergraduates and high school students, TeachAids provides young leaders with invaluable exposure to rigorous research methodologies. These experiences not only demonstrate the determination and resilience required but also fosters a sense of purpose and dedication.
What truly distinguishes TeachAids is its exceptional leadership, particularly that of Piya Sorcar. Piya brings both her passion and intellect to the table, harnessing the talents and passions of everyone she collaborates with. She orchestrates the team with finesse, inspiring a sense of unity and purpose. As an organization reliant on volunteers, it is Piya’s positive energy, commitment to rigor and clear vision that instill and maintain commitment to the work.
TeachAids uses innovative and smart methods to build and drive change through the resources and services they provide. When I first met TeachAids and evaluated how they have been able to create such impactful resources and materials, I was blown away at ahead of the curve they are in their methods and thinking. It far surpasses what is in the industry. Working with them gets true results based on these methods and it makes them some of the best partners your organization can work with to achieve success.
I have been with TeachAids since 2017 and cannot imagine ever leaving because it is truly rewarding and amazing to dedicate my time to an amazing organization that serves our communities by promoting health education and providing innovative solutions. I have seen the amazing work of the HIV prevention, CrashCourse, and CovidB projects through the years I’ve been with TeachAids.
I am proud to be part of such an amazing non-profit that continues to address the needs of the community. Everyone is welcoming and it’s wonderful working with like minded individuals who have a shared goal. Not only are my colleagues fantastic at their job, but they are loving and caring individuals, both in the office and out in the world.
As for Dr. Piya Sorcar, the founder of TeachAids, she is amazing and I have never met anyone else like her. All I have to say is I am thankful for her guidance and even guiding me back to the right path when I am off it. I really do not know where I would be without her, other than lost! Her support and teachings have gifted me with knowledge, perspective, and direction I would not have otherwise had, and I thank her for that.
I have had the great privilege of being involved with TeachAids from the very beginning. In 2005 I watched Piya launch the first scientific research projects as a PhD student at Stanford that were the start of all this, and maybe even helped in that process a bit, and from that point on I have been truly impressed with the care, rigor and integrity that Piya has shown for the work but also for her students, other volunteers and the people who learn from their programs. Piya wanted to do things the right way from the start and base everything on science, not ‘opinions’, and this has made a huge difference. You can see that the products and programs they have created are not only top quality but they are supported by an incredibly impressive list of people. Those experts get asked to participate in many organizations and programs but I am sure that one of the reasons why they choose to work with Piya’s org is because they see that the teachings and programs are based on research that is scientifically rigorous and valid, and because the vision for TeachAids is very unique. I have volunteered for TeachAIDS since 2009 and I continue to be in awe of this organization; the programs are better than anything else out there and they still offer them for free. It would be so easy to ‘give in’ and monetize these courses but under Dr. Sorcar’s leadership the organization has continued to make courses available to as many people as possible, for free. We all know that this is the best way to share the knowledge and teach. It is pure and beautiful, and the results speak for themselves. This is truly a wonderful organization, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to volunteer for TeachAids!
As a veteran I’m always looking to further the needs and ends of my fellow war fighters. I am proud to support TeachAids, as they are proud to support veterans. TeachAids has deftly tackled concussion and head injury awareness for veterans, not stopping at developing resources and handouts like other nonprofits, but really understanding the cultural issues standing in the way of meaningful change. For example, TeachAids has facilitated high level discussions on how to change the culture of the military in order to foster more transparent reporting, and more empathetic responses from ‘the system’. Without tackling cultural factors that limit adoption of the cutting edge research and tools TeachAids has likewise developed, it wouldn’t go anywhere. Some nonprofits develop materials, some try to address cultural change, none have executed on both fronts to the extent that TeachAids has repeatedly done. I know they don’t just focus on veterans, which makes the impact they have had on the veteran and military community all the more impressive. You want to know who’s a great nonprofit? TeachAids. From their founder, Piya, to their interns, everyone of them CARE about the work they do on a level that is truly impressive. I rated them 5 stars because I couldn’t rate them 10. Respectfully, holden (Afghan war vet, army infantryman)
To be honest, I am completely smitten with TeachAIDS. And with good cause. I discovered them whilst searching for jobs/organizations I would readily add to my "has-a-heart-and-soul" list. While I found dozens and dozens of nonprofits also committed to sustainable growth and development, TeachAIDS resonated with me on whole other level. Their meticulous, research-based, culturally sensitive approach to HIV/AIDS prevention education can be likened to nothing I've yet seen! I was privileged to have worked on a number of fundraising and development projects in the past and will forever remain a part of the T.A family in the future.
In addition to the phenomenal work TeachAIDS engages in at the global level (which speaks for itself), I was equally struck by how they operate with such integrity at the local level. Having lived, breathed and worked all things nonprofit for the better part of my life, I cannot stress how important this is!! The very clear "outward orientation" of their work, coupled with a wholesale lack of ego, has allowed for a seamless adoption of TeachAIDS materials in more than 70 countries and counting!
I was not drawn to volunteer on account of the breadth of their work-- plenty of organizations also have an impressive international scope--but because of their unique model of sustainability. TeachAIDS materials are free of charge, licensed through Creative Commons, and help to facilitate meaningful community engagement. Every interested man, woman, or child can obtain, disseminate and implement the materials in a manner best suited for their community. This means TeachAIDS is not a distant 'parent' organization sitting thousands of miles out, determining *what* the implementation process will look like. Simply put, they develop incredibly high quality applications and offer them generously (read: no strings attached) to the world.
If any of this resonates with you, I would highly recommend taking stock of your talents and resources to see if there might be a natural fit. If you're geographically or otherwise limited, perhaps you can at least help to spread the word about TeachAIDS. There are numerous opportunities to speak up for populations who might not have the voice or audience we so freely enjoy!
*This is an entirely unsolicited and honest assessment of my experience with TeachAIDS.
Review from Guidestar