Our Journey
Every year, millions of gallons of cooking oil are discarded, contributing to environmental pollution, while billions of people around the world still lack access to basic hygiene resources. Owed Soap began with a simple biology lesson that revealed how used cooking oil can be transformed into soap through saponification. What started as a classroom idea grew into a student-led movement focused on sustainability, health, and service. Today, Owed Soap brings together students from different communities to reduce waste, promote hygiene, and create opportunities for impact both locally and around the world.
Our Growth Milestones
January 2024
The Idea
Owed Soap was founded after discovering that used cooking oil could be transformed into soap, turning a biology lesson into a mission to improve hygiene through sustainability.
February 2024
First Restaurant Partnership
We partnered with Café Vitale, our first restaurant donor, launching our used cooking oil collection program and sustainable production model.
March 2024
Building the Team
As demand grew, we expanded our team and refined our soap-making process to prepare for larger community impact.
June 2024
Funding the Mission
Our first fundraiser with Keller Williams Peninsula Estates helped fund materials and support future soap donations and outreach.
November 2024
Expanding partnerships
We welcomed new leadership and secured a second restaurant partnership with Madras Café, increasing our capacity to recycle cooking oil and produce soap.
December 2024
First Major Fundraiser
As the year was coming to an end, we raised over $500 by giving handmade eco-friendly packaged soaps to fundraise to Keller Williams Peninsula Estates.
January 2025
Launching Student Chapters
Owed Soap expanded beyond Mountain View by launching new student chapters and partnering with the Mountain View Teen Center for a dedicated workspace.
March 2025
First Soap-Making Workshop
We hosted our first public workshop, teaching over 20 students how to turn used cooking oil into soap and promote sustainable hygiene.
April 2025
Continued Growth
Great Oak High School became our third student chapter, bringing Owed Soap's mission to more student leaders.
May 2025
Becoming a Nonprofit
Owed Soap officially became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit through Empowerment Works and was recognized as a Top 350 finalist in the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition.
June 2025
Supporting Global Growth
Through two successful bake sales, we raised nearly $1,000 for our international initiatives and welcomed Central Valley High School as our fourth student chapter.
July 2025
Expanding our Impact
We donated over 200 bars of soap to local nonprofits while launching new chapters at Fusion Academy Cupertino and Hiyoshigaoka High School in Japan, marking Owed Soap's international chapter expansion.
August 2025
International Expansion
We launched our first international partnership with Fields of Hope Rwanda while officially establishing our Mountain View High School chapter.
December 2025
Looking Beyond Borders
As our international work expanded, Owed Soap was recognized as a semifinalist for the Emerging Innovator Award.
May 2026
Global Recognition
Owed Soap was recognized as a Top 250 team in the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition, celebrating our innovative approach to sustainability and student-led social impact.
Today
Our impact so far
8 student chapters, 3 countries, 13,000+ bars of soap produced, thousands of pounds of cooking oil recycled, and countless lives impacted.
Broadening Our Global Reach
Owed Soap continues to uplift communities by scaling its mission through intentional partnerships and microgrants. This chapter focuses on fostering independence and health through local soap-making hubs.
Strategic Funding
By awarding microgrants, the organization provides the essential tools and raw materials needed for local leaders to launch their own soap production facilities.
Looking Forward: Establishing new community chapters across East Africa through 2026.
Deepening Regional Ties
The team works alongside Friends of the Heart in Rwanda, equipping students with technical skills to maintain high-quality laboratory standards.
The 60/20/20 Impact
This tiered model ensures that 60% of soap helps families, 20% supports schools, and 20% is sold to fund future production cycles.
Our Next Chapter
Shape the Future With Us
Our journey is far from over. With every bar of soap produced and every chapter formed, we move closer to a healthier world. Join us in writing the next chapter-whether through a donation that fuels our mission or by volunteering your time to spread hygiene education globally.