ABOUT THE FUND
The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.

CULTURALLY RELEVANT SCIENCE
Meagan Naraine, Executive Director & Co-Founder
Alumni (’21), M.A.T. in Science Education
[email protected]

Tamir Mickens, Co-Founder
Alumni, College of Education
[email protected]
PROBLEM
Underrepresentation of diverse cultural groups in the STEM curriculum, which leads
to low academic engagement, achievement, and ultimately the pursuit of STEM careers for those underrepresented students.
SOLUTION
We want to completely reinvent STEM curriculum by building a digital learning platform of educational
resources including representation of underrepresented groups. Students will see themselves in these STEM resources, and believe they belong in these fields and can be
successful
BUSINESS MODEL
We generate revenue by licensing our custom curriculum to schools as well as offer training to educators on how to implement it. In addition, we will continue to apply for grant funding to help underwrite our ongoing community services
TARGET MARKET
School leaders, district personnel, principals, and instructional coaches that lead in schools with large underrepresented populations. We are launching in Georgia and have plans to eventually expand across the United States
KEY COMPETITORS
STEMScopes, Foss, Amplify, Kiddom
USE OF FUNDS
60% Software & Technology
40% Marketing
How did you meet your co-founder?
Tamir and I used to work at the same high school teaching science where he was my instructional coach. When COVID-19 shut everything down, we noticed each other making homemade videos in our backyards and kitchens to engage our students virtually. I randomly called him one day and suggested that we create curriculum for all science subjects that engages Black and Brown students from all walks of life….and that is how Culturally Relevant Science was born.
How has your company pivoted from its initial launch?
At the time of our initial launch, we were simply making culturally relevant STEM YouTube videos for teachers to show in class. From participating in various fellowships that have helped coach and scale us, we pivoted our company to be a comprehensive curriculum developer for schools seeking inclusive STEM curriculum. With that service, came the opportunity to offer educator training on how to properly implement our curriculum. We know as
we continue to participate in similar opportunities, our company will continue to pivot in ways that generate more revenue and greater impact to young people toward studying and pursuing careers in STEM related fields.
How has Georgia State supported you in your entrepreneurial journey?
As a Georgia State DSPETL Teaching Fellow, I obtained my Masters of Arts in Teaching on full scholarship. This 5-year program has provided me with the remarkable opportunity to be mentored by Dr. Natalie King of the College of Education & Human Development. Under her leadership, she enrolled me in courses that built the framework of our culturally relevant mission. In addition, she was also responsible for the opportunity to present our curriculum at the Southeast Regional Noyce and Association of Teacher Educators national research conferences. Most importantly, Dr. King is the person that sent us the MSESF application. Apart from Dr. King, DSPETL has also
connected us with a network of other educators doing the same work. My fellow cohort members teach science in Title I schools, and are always the first to implement the curriculum resources we develop.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Entrepreneurship means taking an idea that you are extremely passionate about and transforming it into a business that is impactful and successful.
What advice can you offer to entrepreneurs?
You will hear a lot of NOs as you pursue opportunities, but at the right time, your YES will come and make it all worth it.
Was there a moment where you wanted to quit entrepreneurship?
Yes. In April 2023, we were informed that we did not receive two substantial grants we really thought we would receive. This was a moment where it seemed like everyone, and everything was saying no. It made us doubt our mission, our skills, and our entire organization. On the last day of April, we learned of our acceptance into the Main Street Seed Fund and was confirmation that everything we want is not a guaranteed yes. When a YES does show up, it is meant to be.
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
COMING SOON
ABOUT THE FUND
The Marcus Foundation supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.