TSJ Foundation’s mission
“The inspiration for the TSJ Foundation came from my mother, Theresa Sondra Jacobs, who dedicated over 30 years of her life to education,” explains Eric Jacobs, founder and CEO of the non-profit. “She was more than a teacher: she was a guiding light who believed in the power of learning to transform lives. After her passing, I wanted to honor her legacy by creating an organization that would make learning exciting, accessible, and unforgettable — using creativity and immersive experiences to inspire the next generation. TSJ is not just about education: it’s about sparking curiosity and making a lasting impact, much like she did.”
A major part of that mission involves using Star Wars droids, characters, spaceships, and settings from the movies to foster deeper engagement in the educational learning process, regardless of age. That goal is exemplified by TSJ’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) i-ARTS program, which uses robotics to teach coding, history, technology, art, and other subjects.
“Robotics combines creativity, problem-solving, and technology,” Jacobs says, “making it the perfect tool for engaging students in STEAM education. Incorporating Star Wars robotics was a natural fit because the franchise is a universal language of imagination and innovation. Robots can do more than just teach; they actively engage students, promote interaction, and make learning hands-on, which leads to higher retention of information. It’s not just about building robots—it’s about stepping into a Star Wars adventure where students can see their creations come to life, sparking joy, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
The Colin Cantwell connection to TSJ Foundation
Colin Cantwell’s work is complementary to TSJ Foundation’s cause, not just because of the Star Wars connection but also because he exemplified all the elements of STEAM during his entire life. He was interested in architecture, science, quantum physics, space travel, programming, art, model building, and many other pursuits, which led TSJ to include an exhibit of Colin’s work, as well as their usual Star Wars setup, at the Science Festival held at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Ohio in May 2024. They called the Colin-centered part of the exhibit Galactic Visions.
How did Colin’s work on Star Wars become part of the exhibit? Jacobs explains: “I have always been enchanted by Colin Cantwell’s works and designs, even though I never had the chance to meet him in person. I followed his incredible journey from afar, captivated by the artistry and innovation behind his creations. I connected with Sierra last year after seeing one of her posts on Instagram. I reached out, and we quickly built a connection rooted in our shared admiration for Colin’s legacy. Our first in-person meeting was during the COSI Science Festival at the Colin Cantwell exhibit, which we organized. It was a powerful moment that brought our collaboration full circle, honoring Colin’s work in a way that continues to inspire.”
“Colin had a rare gift: he could take dreams and turn them into realities that defined a generation.” — Eric Jacobs
And why did Eric and his team decide to create the Galactic Visions: Colin Cantwell exhibit? He replies: “Growing up watching Star Wars, I was captivated by the incredible galaxy Colin helped create; his designs were more than ships — they were gateways to adventure, hope, and limitless possibilities. My mom drew those iconic ships for me and that holds a memory for me in my heart. Colin chose to live in the shadows for decades, letting his creations speak for themselves, but in his later years, he embraced sharing his work with the world.
“It’s a story that deserves to be told, and the Galactic Visions exhibit is our way of honoring his legacy. It’s a journey through the galaxy he shaped, an experience that lets people feel the wonder and brilliance of his designs, and a tribute that ensures his story continues to inspire future generations.”
Bringing TSJ Foundation’s mission to life
Of course, it takes plenty of people who help Eric Jacobs bring TSJ Foundation’s mission to life. He has brought together educators, video producers, engineers, researchers, technicians, seamstresses, and people from many other disciplines to build droids and spaceships, plan curricula, and figure out how to put everything together for an exhibit like the one at COSI.
“Building TSJ has been a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and a shared vision of making a lasting impact,” Jacobs says. “From the beginning, I reached out to people who were not just skilled but deeply inspired by the idea of using their talents to create something meaningful. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet remarkable individuals from all over the world — whether through online communities, industry events, or personal introductions — each one bringing their unique spark to our projects.”
He adds: “What’s been truly special is the way these connections have grown organically. One talented person leads to another, and soon we had a network of innovators, educators, and creators who are as passionate about our mission as I am. Many of our team members are volunteers who give their time and expertise because they believe in what we’re building together.”
Star Wars is a big part of that, Jacobs continues, because it’s “more than a movie: it’s a cultural phenomenon that represents hope, adventure, and the belief that anyone can make a difference. It’s a story that transcends generations, inviting us all to be heroes in our own right. For me, Star Wars is a reminder that imagination knows no bounds and that every great journey begins with a spark of inspiration. It’s a universe where creativity and courage collide, and that’s something that resonates deeply with everything we strive to achieve at TSJ.”
The adventure has just begun
TSJ Foundation has plans in the works for more museum exhibits that will include not just Star Wars but Colin’s work too, from throughout his incredible career. Jacobs says: “Colin Cantwell’s work is nothing short of visionary — he didn’t just design ships; he crafted the heartbeats of a galaxy. His creations for Star Wars, like the Death Star and X-Wing, are more than iconic — they’re symbols of adventure, rebellion, and limitless imagination that have captured the hearts of millions.
“But Colin’s brilliance wasn’t confined to the silver screen. Whether guiding viewers through the moon landing or pioneering advancements in computer graphics, he was always pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Colin had a rare gift: he could take dreams and turn them into realities that defined a generation. His work wasn’t just about spaceships: it was about charting new frontiers and daring us all to look beyond the stars. Even in his later years, he shared his creations with the world, inspiring countless others to dream big. His legacy is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring impact of a true pioneer.”