Our story
Studying shouldn't stop when the sun goes down.
Flash Forward Foundation is a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2024 by students in Bellevue, Washington. Student interns build $5.17 solar study lights for students who have no electricity, because without light the school day ends at sunset. As of October 2026, partners in Haiti, India and the DR Congo have received 72 lights.
The problem, made visible
A school day
In much of India and Sub-Saharan Africa the sun sets around 6 PM and school ends around 3 PM — leaving a student only 2–3 hours of daylight to study. 655 million people lived without electricity in 2024 (Tracking SDG7, 2026).
Why education
Why does Flash Forward build study lights?
Flash Forward focuses on education because it has the most compounding long-term effect on a student's opportunities. Light after dark means homework done, revision made, and a fair shot — every night.
For students, by students
For students, by students
High-school and college students in Bellevue build the lights themselves, for students who don't have light to study by. The people solving the problem are the same age as the people living it.
How we work
Three principles
01
Simple
A $5.17 light that anyone in the workshop can build — no exotic parts, no over-engineering.
02
Through partners
Local organizations like Brighten Haiti, Loksadhana and Malaika choose recipients — they know their students.
03
Transparent
You choose where your light goes — one of the partner countries or wherever it's needed most.
History
So far
Flash Forward is founded by students in Bellevue and builds its first prototype.
The IRS recognizes Flash Forward as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
72 lights delivered to partners in Haiti, India and DR Congo.
Executives join to build out departments and an internship program.
Key facts
- Flash Forward Foundation was founded in 2024 by students in Bellevue, Washington. (Source: Founded by students)
- The IRS recognized Flash Forward Foundation as a 501(c)(3) public charity effective August 5, 2025 (EIN 39-3605570). (Source: IRS determination letter)
- As of October 2026, Flash Forward has delivered 72 solar study lights: 42 to Brighten Haiti, 15 to Loksadhana (India) and 15 to Malaika (DR Congo). (Source: Program record)
- Each light costs $5.17 in parts, recharges in about 7 hours of sunlight and gives up to about 12 hours of light. (Source: The Study Light)
- By our estimate, the 72 lights add about 432 study hours a day, assuming about 6 hours of use per light. (Source: Program record)
- About 655 million people lived without electricity in 2024. (Source: Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2026)
Last reviewed October 11, 2026.