Volt & Venture began in 2025 when two neighbors volunteered to lead a one-day learning experience for high school students in a summer development program serving young people from underserved communities.
The session introduced students to electric vehicles (EVs) and home solar energy through demonstrations and opportunities to explore the technology firsthand. Positive feedback highlighted the value of connecting classroom concepts with technology students could see and touch.
By 2026, the founders had expanded the experience into a structured presentation exploring EVs, electricity, and related careers. Encouragement to “take the course on the road” sparked plans for Volt & Venture: a mobile learning lab designed to bring these experiences to more schools and community programs.
Our goal is to make technology approachable, spark curiosity, and help students see possibilities for their own futures.
Meet the Founders:
Jonathan Glass
- Jonathan is a retired Marine Corps officer who has called Richmond home since 2020. His experience with autonomous technology began in the military, where he commanded unmanned aerial vehicles. Purchasing a home with solar power in 2020 sparked his interest in residential energy systems. In 2024, purchasing a Tesla Cybertruck expanded that interest to electric vehicles, supervised self-driving technology, and the potential for EVs to provide backup power during outages. Through Volt & Venture, Jonathan shares these interests with students through practical, hands-on learning.
Daryl Neighbor
- Daryl is a retired Air Force officer who has lived in Richmond for more than eight years and actively volunteers with grassroots community organizations. He purchased his first electric vehicle, a Nissan Leaf, in 2015. His household later switched entirely to electric vehicles when his wife purchased a Tesla. Since 2017, he has also lived in a home powered by solar energy. Daryl brings years of everyday experience with EVs and solar power, along with a strong commitment to serving his community.