It started with one sister, one LEGO set, and a stress-relief visit home.
In 2022, BrikShare founder Bora Mandić's older sister came home from college needing a way to unwind. Bora put together a LEGO set from his own collection and gave it to her to build. The next time she visited, he had a new one waiting.
That small ritual sparked a bigger idea. What if any kid, not just a sibling with access to a personal LEGO collection, could check out a set the same way they'd check out a book?
Educational toys shouldn't be a privilege reserved for families who can afford them.
Bora began building relationships with public libraries in Minnesota to pilot the idea: LEGO sets shelved and circulated like any other library item, available to any child with a library card, free of charge.
Why access matters
Play is one of the most powerful tools for childhood development, and one of the most unevenly distributed.
Educational toys like LEGO build problem-solving skills, creativity, empathy, and stronger social connection. Those benefits shouldn't depend on a family's income.
Student-led, from high school to college
Bora founded BrikShare as a student at Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, where the Community Organization Club still expands programs, maintains sets, and mentors new members. Bora now continues leading BrikShare's growth as a student at Stanford.
Rise Global Challenge
2023 Finalist
MN Cup
2023 Semi-finalist
Awesome Foundation
St. Paul Grant Awardee