TLEEM is Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit helping over 4,000 K-12 and college student members build social capital, confidence, and networks school doesn't teach yet needed to thrive beyond the classroom. Founded by Arjun Sharda in 2023, we deploy our flagship chapters program in schools and community clubs worldwide.
Founded in Round Rock, Texas, United States Operating globally with chapters in multiple countries Serving over 4,000 student members worldwide Contact: press@tleem.orgEmpowering the next generation through Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Cutting-edge skills for the digital age
Developing tomorrow's visionaries
Fostering innovation and creativity
Building the future, one project at a time
The language of the universe
TLEEM was founded by Arjun Sharda, a 7th grader from Leander, Texas who is passionate about technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Arjun wanted to join a club with like-minded people but couldn't find any club at his school that had people interested in the same things as him. So he decided to make his own non-profit organization with the hopes of helping people in his school just like him. He wanted to do this across the world for people to help them grow, learn, and also network. Arjun saw that networking as a K12 student was a problem. Resources such as LinkedIn are 16+, leaving K12 students like me less opportunities to network
, Arjun says.
We're tomorrow. We're the next leaders and CEOs. If someone has a burning passion for something, they should be able to follow it, regardless of age. And, I think that networking plays a big role in being able to follow it.
Today, TLEEM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that is advancing education in the TLEEM (Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Mathematics) field by helping individuals (primarily K12) develop and sharpen their skills so that they can follow their passion -- whether that be a professional career, or changing the world, famously through the chapters program.
Founded as a school club in Leander, Texas
Registered as a nonprofit organization
Received federal nonprofit status, expanded to India
Expanding globally with chapters in multiple countries
Be part of a global community shaping the future of education and innovation.
TLEEM stands for Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Mathematics. These are the core focus areas of our nonprofit organization.
TLEEM primarily serves K-12 students globally, though we welcome anyone passionate about our mission areas. We currently help over 4,000 student members across multiple countries.
Yes, TLEEM is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, having received this status on November 27, 2023. We are Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit.
TLEEM operates globally with chapters in multiple countries including the United States, India, Canada, Croatia, Qatar, Slovakia, Pakistan, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, and Japan.
TLEEM's flagship program is our chapters program, which deploys in schools and community clubs worldwide to help students build social capital, confidence, and networks school doesn't teach yet needed to thrive beyond the classroom.
TLEEM was founded in September 2023 by Arjun Sharda, a student from Leander, Texas, who wanted to create networking opportunities for K-12 students.
TLEEM was founded to address the lack of networking opportunities for K-12 students. Founder Arjun Sharda recognized that platforms like LinkedIn have age restrictions (16+), creating barriers for younger students trying to connect with peers who share their interests. He created TLEEM to provide K-12 students with spaces to build relationships and develop social capital from an early age.
TLEEM stands out by focusing on networking and relationship-building skills that traditional education often overlooks. While many nonprofits concentrate on academic content, TLEEM emphasizes the development of social capital and confidence through our chapters program and community initiatives, helping students build the connections they need for future success.
Schools and communities can start a TLEEM chapter by visiting our chapters page or contacting chapters@tleem.org. We provide comprehensive support, materials, and guidance to help establish chapters that create meaningful networking opportunities for K-12 students.
Since September 2023, TLEEM has expanded to serve over 4,000 students globally, established 37 chapters across 11 countries, and created valuable networking spaces where students build confidence and connections that traditional education doesn't typically provide.
TLEEM is led by founder Arjun Sharda, who started the organization as a 7th grader, along with a board of directors and dedicated team members who share a vision of helping K-12 students develop essential networking skills and social capital for future success.
From its humble beginnings as a school club in Leander, Texas, TLEEM has experienced rapid growth, achieving 501(c)(3) status within months of founding and expanding internationally to become Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit serving thousands of students across multiple continents.
K-12 students often lack access to networking opportunities, struggle to connect with like-minded peers outside their immediate environment, and don't receive formal education on building professional relationships. TLEEM addresses these challenges by creating structured programs that foster connection, confidence, and social capital development.
TLEEM chapters can be found in the following locations: