buildOn is an international nonprofit organization established in 1991. It is known for running youth service afterschool programs in different high schools in the United States. It also builds schools in developing countries across the world. The organization’s programs aim to engage young citizens, mostly from urban areas, in community service participation. It also promotes literacy, from your children to adults, in developing nations.

The organization views its service learning and school construction programs as a form of social activism. They generally intend to “break the cycle of poverty, low expectations, and illiteracy.”

Based in Stanford, Connecticut, buildOn received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. It was established by CEO and President Jim Ziolkowski who got an inspiration after watching a two-day celebration for the opening of a school in a Nepali village. Since its establishment, it has been able to carry out its programs through funding and donations from various sponsors.