Hi! We're Big Wonder
We’re an Oakland based non-profit & makerspace focused on cultivating inspiration in young people by nurturing creativity, wonder, and emotional wellbeing.

our vision

Amidst a rapidly changing world, we believe young people need more than just coping skills—they need space to be openly curious and to let creativity breathe beyond a screen.

the makerspace

Teens need a third place to go where they can simply follow the muse. Part community hub, part creative space, part curiosity shop, Big Wonder's Inspiration Shop and Youth Makerspace will be opening to the public on Nov 10th, 2026 🎉

Read about our perspective in the wild.

The Science Behind Inspiration

Nov 2023

How to Help Teens Find Purpose Amid The Mental Health Crisis

Feb 2023

Student Agency in a
Changing World

Nov 2020

Democratizing Purpose

March 2020

Purpose Learning and
Student Agency

March 2020

Redesigning Education

Aug 2019

Designing Purpose

July 2019

Designing for Humanity

June 2019

PROGRAMMINIG

Our programs are rooted in the science of inspiration and its impact on mental health, motivation, and sense of purpose. We have shared dozens of materials through our free online toolbox, Purpose Project, and will be releasing much more in 2027.

If this strikes a nerve for you, please reach out. We love collaborating with other non profits, researchers, funders, and community members to bring the magic of Big Wonder to as many people as possible 💫

Supporters

We couldn’t do this without the generous support of donors and partners