Minnie Lahoti, the founder of ML STEM Prep, is a firm believer in the transformative power of education. At its core, ML STEM Prep isn't just another run-of-the-mill online tutoring platform. It's a supportive community of mentors and tutors who are dedicated to helping high school and college students on their STEM journey. Minnie started this initiative to tackle a very real issue: the daunting challenge that organic chemistry and calculus present, causing many students, over 70% for premed and over 50% for engineering, to change course. She's on a mission to ensure that students pursuing medicine and engineering can do so without being discouraged by these tough courses.
What sets ML STEM Prep apart is the personalized touch. It's not just about tutoring; it's about building one-on-one relationships with students, providing them with the support and guidance they need to overcome hurdles and excel in their academic pursuits. The focus isn't just on getting through the material; it's about empowering students to chase their dreams, especially when they encounter the notorious "weed-out" courses like Organic Chemistry and Calculus.
Minnie's journey resonates with many aspiring students. She immigrated to the United States from India to study chemical engineering at the University of Alabama. Along the way, she found her knack for teaching and started tutoring fellow students in organic chemistry and calculus in 2011. Even after earning her M.S. from the University of Houston, she continued to tutor STEM subjects. She worked in the automotive industry, contributing her skills in catalysis for aftertreatment systems in vehicles, until the pandemic hit, leading to her job loss. It was during this challenging period that she recognized the potential in online tutoring, and with determination and courage from a former professor, Damon DeVito, she established her own company, ML STEM Prep at Darden Business School.
Minnie's advice to fellow entrepreneurs is both simple and profound: always remember your 'why.' This reminder keeps you going, especially during the tough times when giving up seems tempting. For Minnie, her 'why' is grounded in the impact she has on students' lives. As an immigrant herself, she knows the value of education and is driven to help other students achieve their dreams.
ML STEM Prep isn't just about educational support; it's about fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and resilience. Through personalized mentorship and unwavering dedication, Minnie and her team are breaking down barriers and making education accessible to all, making sure that no student's dream is out of reach.