O'Shaughnessy Ventures Invests in Innovative Air Quality Project for Schools

O'Shaughnessy Ventures Fuels School Air Quality Initiative

In an inspiring move towards improving education environments, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV) has awarded the prestigious O'Shaughnessy Fellowship to John Kennedy, a notable education leader based in North Carolina. This $100,000 fellowship will empower Kennedy to scale the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation's Clean Air K12 initiative, aimed at enhancing air quality in schools through innovative, do-it-yourself (DIY) air purifiers known as Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes.

Kennedy plans to implement this initiative district-wide, starting with the Greater Houston area. The Corsi-Rosenthal Box, a simple and cost-effective DIY air purifier, can be constructed for approximately $60. Instructions are readily available on the Corsi-Rosenthal website, making it accessible for schools looking to tackle poor air ventilation, which can negatively impact student health and cognitive function.

The efficacy of these devices is supported by findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Testing has shown that the Corsi-Rosenthal Box is 99.4% effective in removing infectious aerosols in typical room settings after just one hour of operation. This promising statistic highlights the potential of these DIY air purifiers to transform unhealthy classroom environments into safe, breathable spaces for students and educators.

In an official statement, Jim O'Shaughnessy, CEO and founder of OSV, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "The Corsi-Rosenthal Box is a simple, affordable solution to classroom air quality issues. We are excited to support John and the team at Corsi-Rosenthal in rolling out this vital innovation to as many schools as possible."

Kennedy echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of good indoor air quality. "Nobody gets to choose the air they breathe. At Clean Air K12, we believe that schools deserve better indoor air, and that we can transform classrooms through DIY air purifiers. The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship represents a transformative opportunity for us to expand our grant program and pursue partnerships with school systems. We are honored to be a channel for change, providing a breath of fresh air to students and educators alike."

About John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a director at the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation where he leads the Clean Air K12 initiative. His background includes founding Mesa Cloud, a graduation tracking platform that was acquired by Panorama Education in 2023. Starting from a high school student entrepreneur in 2017, Kennedy now plays a significant role in AI solutions at Panorama Education and serves as an angel investor, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving education through innovative technology.

About the O'Shaughnessy Fellowship Program

Launched in 2023, the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program seeks to identify and empower the brightest innovators and creators. Selected fellows receive a grant of $100,000 and access to OSV's extensive network of founders and investors. In 2025, OSV plans to award 12 fellowships, along with 20 additional grants of $10,000 to up-and-coming innovators through the O'Shaughnessy Grants program.

Applications for the fellowship remain open until April 30, 2025, with more details available on OSV's official website. The entry of John Kennedy as the second fellow of 2025 showcases the organization's commitment to driving impactful change in educational environments.

About O'Shaughnessy Ventures

O'Shaughnessy Ventures is a forward-thinking investment firm committed to fostering creativity and helping visionary creators bring their ideas to fruition. Founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, a leader in quantitative investing, OSV strives to provide resources and partnerships that amplify the impact of groundbreaking creative ideas. With a rich background in art, science, and technology, OSV is dedicated to supporting innovators, irrespective of their age or experience, enabling them to succeed in their ventures.

For more information on this exciting initiative and O'Shaughnessy Ventures, please visit their website.