Partnering to bring AI-powered creative expression and social-emotional learning to youth.
The That Could Be Me Foundation is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) that provides access to AI-based creative expression technology through its EduCreation platform, helping underserved youth express identity, explore aspirations, and envision a positive future for their communities.
Source: TCBMe website, "That Could Be Me Foundation is a 501(c)(3)..."
Derrick Tarver, Founder and Executive Director, brings 20+ years in youth behavioral health and supportive housing to the Foundation's mission. His work earned the Well City Challenge grand-prize recognition in 2023.
TCBMe blends AI, creativity, and SEL to build skills and self-efficacy. This is an approach highlighted by partner orgs working in youth well-being.
I met Derrick Tarver (CEO) with my professor Dr. Yang Wang at the Community-Driven Research Day (2024) in Philadelphia. We kicked off a year-long partnership soon after, meeting regularly to scope features and solve problems together.
I worked on the gamification layer of the app. My inspiration comes from early experiences with First In Math at St. Matthew School-weekly top-3 announcements, badges, and a friendly competitive atmosphere made learning exciting. I wanted to bring that same joy into TCBMe.
Received a $10,000 USD grant to research gamification, applying findings to a mental health application for youth on TCBMe's Circle platform community.
In 2025, I presented this work at the Philadelphia Trauma Training Conference (Thomas Jefferson University).
I'm excited to continue expanding the gamified experience-richer challenges, team-based goals, and analytics to keep learners engaged and supported as the platform grows. Any other companies, organizations, or groups may feel free to contact me for any gamification-related inquiries or opportunities.