ABOUT US
Our name comes from the ancient Greek tradition of a lighted torch being passed from one runner to the next. Since then, passing the torch has become a symbolism of relinquishing knowledge and skill from an expert to another.
Pass the Torch is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that aims to utilize the academic and extracurricular talents of high school and college students to shape the next generation of artists, scholars, and leaders. Even though Pass the Torch was founded and is based in New York City, its influence and programs have a global impact.
MEET THE TEAM
TAE KYU LEE
Founder and President
Tae Kyu is an undergraduate student at Cornell, whose desire to help fight educational inequality led to the creation of Pass the Torch when he was in high school.
RAISSA FERNANDES
Operations Director
Raissa's role, both as the Operations Director and a tutor, is crucial to the success of Pass the Torch.
We believe that diversity of thought and life experiences is important in our globalized society. One of the defining characteristics of Pass the Torch is our team of volunteers that come from a wide range of geographical areas and backgrounds. We are proud to welcome over 500 volunteers across 35 U.S states/territories, 14 countries, and 5 continents. Our volunteers include high school, college, and graduate school students, as well as early career professionals.
Milestone Timeline
March 2020
Tae Kyu, the founder, starts helping kids in his neighborhood who were struggling to adjust to online school caused by the pandemic.
April 2020
Realizing that the need is higher than what he can handle alone, Tae Kyu brings in other high school volunteers to help. The first version of Pass the Torch is born.
June 2020
Through word of mouth, Pass the Torch's reach quickly grows beyond the NYC area and begins reaching across the country. Operations move from a group chat to a Slack channel. We welcome over 100 volunteers.
September 2020
Volunteers and students join from all across the world. Hoping to fundraise, apply to grants, and increase our impact, Pass the Torch begins to apply for the 501(c)3 nonprofit tax exemption status.
April 2021
Our application for 501(c)3 status is approved by the IRS, legally defining Pass the Torch as a nonprofit organization.
​
​
July 2021
Congresswoman Grace Meng presents Tae Kyu with an official proclamation celebrating his work with Pass the Torch.
​
We celebrate providing over 3000 lessons.
August 2021
New York State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein presents Tae Kyu with an official citation. New York State Senator John Liu presents Tae Kyu with an official proclamation. The award ceremony at Senator Liu's office makes local, state, and international media.
November 2021
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sends Pass the Torch a letter of gratitude for our work in New York State and beyond.
July 2022
We celebrate providing over 4000 lessons. Our community of volunteers and students now span 5 continents.
Pass the Torch begins developing its policy advocacy division.
March 2024
We celebrate providing over 7500 lessons.
After many months of development, our policy advocacy division begins initial work.
May 2025
We celebrate providing over 10,000 lessons through our global team of 500 volunteers.
July 2025
Pass the Torch joins the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, enabling our advocacy division to work alongside over 7000 other UN-affiliated entities across 180 countries.