About the Foundation

Building a world where every young person can create, discover, and lead.

We bring education, imagination, access, and community together because possibility grows when young people are given the tools and trust to explore it.

Students collaborating on painting, microscopy, and robotics in a community learning studio

Ages 5 to 25

Why we exist

Creativity and discovery belong in the same room.

Atlantic Arts and Science Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to expanding access to quality learning across the arts, science, technology, innovation, and academic enrichment.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to discover their talents, pursue their passions, and develop the confidence and skills to thrive in college, careers, and life.

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Tax exempt public charityRecognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Our full mission

Opportunity that transforms.

The mission of the Atlantic Arts and Science Foundation is to expand educational opportunities and empower children, families, and communities through the transformative power of the arts, science, technology, innovation, and academic enrichment. We are committed to removing barriers to opportunity, increasing access to quality learning experiences, and providing resources that inspire creativity, curiosity, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Through strategic partnerships, scholarships, community programs, mentorship, and innovative educational initiatives, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all young people, especially those from historically underserved communities, have the opportunity to discover their talents, pursue their passions, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and life.

Leadership

Experience in service of possibility.

Our leadership brings together decades of educational expertise, executive management, youth advocacy, accessibility, technology, and community engagement.

President

Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee

Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee is a third generation educator and accomplished executive with more than 25 years of leadership across public education, charter school administration, central office systems, special education, school turnaround, and executive management. Her career has included service as a Superintendent, Chief School Administrator, Founding Charter School Leader, Principal, and Education Consultant. She has directed academic programs, multidisciplinary teams, technology modernization, compliance, facilities, and public budgets exceeding $100 million. Known for visible, collaborative, and student centered leadership, she translates strategy, data, and community voice into measurable improvement.

Beyond education, Dr. Chestnut-Lee serves on several nonprofit boards and contributes expertise in governance, strategic planning, organizational development, fiscal stewardship, program evaluation, equity, and community partnership. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Public Administration, a Master of Education in Special Education, a Master of Science in Adult and Continuing Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong systems, thoughtful leadership, and equitable access can transform opportunities for children, families, and communities.

Chief of Staff

Tabia Lee

Tabia Lee is a STEM education and technology advocate whose work spans program development, disability access, science communication, youth leadership, community engagement, and Artificial Intelligence management. A FOSSI Scholar and published STEM author, she brings experience in life sciences technical operations, minority STEM education, special education tutoring, and sustained disability advocacy. She is also the founder of a university disability justice advisory board.

Tabia earned a B.A. in Criminology with a Sociology minor, cum laude, from Howard University and is pursuing an M.P.S. in Artificial Intelligence Management at Georgetown University. As Chief of Staff, she helps translate the Foundation’s mission into accessible programs, strong partnerships, thoughtful communications, and reliable execution for the young people and communities it serves.

What guides us

Access. Imagination. Excellence. Belonging.

Access

We remove barriers and bring opportunity closer to the communities that have been historically underserved.

Imagination

We honor creativity as a powerful way to learn, solve problems, and envision a different future.

Excellence

We design quality experiences that value rigor, growth, reflection, and measurable impact.

Belonging

We create spaces where every learner is seen, supported, challenged, and invited to lead.

Let’s create opportunity

Bring your ideas. Bring your partnership.

We welcome conversations with educators, families, artists, scientists, funders, community leaders, and organizations that believe in the potential of young people.

atlanticacfoundation@gmail.com (215) 432-2545