KID INK. is Empowering Students with Skills for the Future

I had the opportunity to hear Chelsea Cooper speak at her launch event, and am deeply moved by her commitment—not just to her own child’s future—but to the city of Detroit and every student navigating its public education system. What she shared wasn’t just a talk; it was a call to action, rooted in love, vision, and the powerful belief that we must invest directly in our communities if we want to see change.

🧠 A Parent's Mission Turned Movement

Despite having access to private or charter school options, Chelsea and her family chose Detroit Public Schools because they believe change must come from within. She described their decision as not just an educational choice—but a civic responsibility. She began by reaching out to teachers to ask a simple but radical question: "How can we help?"

📊 Insights from the Frontlines of Hiring

To better understand what students actually need to succeed, Chelsea contacted hiring platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. The results were striking:

• Degrees are becoming less relevant.
• The most in-demand traits are mindset-based: ambition, communication, confidence, and critical thinking.
• 71% of global CEOs would prefer hiring someone with AI proficiency over industry experience.
• Yet only 25% of employers are offering that training—leaving a massive gap.

🚀 KID INK: Chelsea's Bold Solution

To address this skills gap, Chelsea co-founded KID INK, an immersive education platform that equips youth with both technical tools and the mindsets to use them with purpose. Students explore:

• AI and no-code development
• 3D modeling and green technology
• Cybersecurity and data privacy
• Financial technology and real-world applications

But it’s not just about technical skill—Chelsea emphasizes resilience, creativity, and rapid prototyping through their "fail fast, iterate fast" method.

🛠️ What a KID INK Workshop Looks Like

• Day 1: Exploration — Students are exposed to new technologies, role models, and industries they may not have known existed.
• Day 2: Execution — In just 3 hours, students work in teams to develop solutions to real-world challenges with no budget.
• The result? A tangible portfolio project that reflects initiative, skill, and problem-solving.

🌱 Building Real Pathways

Students can exit the program through three potential paths:

• Startup Track: Launching a business idea with mentorship and community support.
• Career Track: Gaining experience through internships with partner companies.
• Income Track: Monetizing their ideas and potentially licensing solutions to real companies.

🔭 Chelsea's Vision: Local Roots, Global Reach

• Embed the program in public schools to support teachers and complement core curriculum.
• License KID INK’s curriculum to educators and institutions nationally.
• Create a global network of youth innovators to collaborate and exchange solutions across borders.

This isn't just about skill-building. It's about empowering youth to believe they can solve problems in their own neighborhoods—and then bring those solutions to the world.

👣 Walking the Path of thebarefoot.dev

Chelsea is a living embodiment of thebarefoot.dev ethos—meeting people where they are, listening to the needs of her community, and co-creating solutions with those most affected. She’s proving that you don’t need a million-dollar grant to innovate. You need heart, hustle, and the courage to ask better questions.

Just like the barefoot doctors who brought medical tools to rural villages, Chelsea is bringing innovation literacy to neighborhoods often left behind by the tech world—and showing young people they already have what it takes to lead.

❤️ How to Support the Movement

• Sponsor meals — Share culture, community, and care during workshops.
• Sponsor a student — Help remove the financial barriers that prevent youth from joining.
• Volunteer or mentor — Whether you're technical or not, your presence matters.
• Spread the word — Share this story with someone who needs to hear it.