Mission
With youth and adults in the Greater Newark community, we explore the technology that is all around us. Together, we learn how things work, how to create as well as how to fix what’s broken.
Programs
At Prime Factors Learning Lab, we believe in a holistic and dynamic approach to learning that empowers individuals to become innovators and leaders. Our methodology is built upon three key pillars:
Community-Rooted Project-Based Learning
We facilitate hands-on activities that are deeply connected to the needs and contexts of our Greater Newark community. Through engaging, real-world projects, participants develop practical skills and a keen awareness of how technology can address local challenges. This approach ensures that learning is not just theoretical, but directly applicable and impactful, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance.
Integrated Social-Emotional Learning
We facilitate hands-on activities that are deeply connected to the needs and contexts of our Greater Newark community. Through engaging, real-world projects, participants develop practical skills and a keen awareness of how technology can address local challenges. This approach ensures that learning is not just theoretical, but directly applicable and impactful, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance.
Youth Leadership & Talent Pipeline
Our commitment extends beyond teaching technical skills; we actively cultivate the next generation of leaders. We train program alumni to return as paid peer teachers, creating a sustainable local talent pipeline. This peer-to-peer model not only provides valuable employment opportunities but also empowers our students to become mentors and role models, strengthening their leadership abilities and fostering a cycle of learning and empowerment within the community.
Team
Friendship brought us together. A shared vision of grassroots, paid education opportunities kept us going. We are here to promote learning and curiosity within our families, neighborhoods, and social networks.
Elliot Ikheloa
Elliot studied economics at Harvard, worked
at McKinsey as a strategy consultant, served as chief
of staff at a high school, and joined the founding team in a
successful Bay Area tech company. He is happy to channel his
love for learning into community-based education efforts.
Emmanuel Larose
After attending the University of South Carolina and earning
an MBA in Project Management, Emmanuel returned to his
hometown Newark, NJ, to work at a startup and also make a
difference in his community. He now works with youth,
teaching software engineering skills and empowering the next
generation.
Timeline
We center our education process in our own story, our community, and the young people around us.
Held outdoor math tutoring sessions during the pandemic
Summer 2020
Incorporated Prime Factors 501(c)3
July 2021
Partnered with Rutgers and Apple to create Generation Code summer program
Summer 2022
Generation Code grows with former students returning as teachers
Summer 2023
G-Code teachers were all former students and AI introduced into curriculum
Summer 2024
Hosted Sunday math tutoring sessions at Zoo Crew Basketball tournament
Summer 2024
Launched Let's Pod afterschool program with middle schoolers in Newark
Winter 2025
Partners & Sponsors
We are grateful for our many partners and sponsors.
