Anyone can solve the cube.
scrambled → solved. that's the whole idea.CubeTroop is a free program that teaches kids to solve the Rubik's Cube one layer at a time — building problem-solving skills, study habits, and the kind of confidence that comes from doing something everyone said was hard.
drag the cube — go ahead
The cube isn't an IQ test. It's a recipe.
Rubik's Cubes get treated like proof of genius. In reality, solving one breaks down into simple, repeatable steps — and learning those steps teaches kids something bigger: hard things become doable when you break them into pieces. That lesson works on math homework too.
Algorithmic thinking
Kids learn to follow, memorize, and eventually understand step-by-step procedures — the same skills behind coding, math, and good study habits.
Real confidence
Solving a cube for the first time is a moment kids don't forget. It impresses friends, parents, and teachers — but mostly, it impresses them.
Small groups
Three students per Cube Leader. Everyone gets hands-on help, and every student graduates the course with a solve of their own.
Free, always
We never charge for teaching. Donations and grants cover cubes and materials so every kid takes their cube home.
One layer at a time.
We teach the official Rubik's layered method — the same approach in the official solution guide — in weekly 45–60 minute sessions. Each week targets one layer of the cube, so students master a stage before moving to the next and never feel overwhelmed.
Week by week, layer by layer
First layer, middle layer, final layer. Breaking the cube into clear, manageable stages builds confidence gradually.
Small groups, real attention
Each tutor works with a dedicated group of students, monitoring progress and adjusting in real time — including custom mnemonics for anyone who needs a different explanation.
Teach-back learning
Students explain steps to their peers as they learn. Teaching a move is the fastest way to truly understand it — and it builds communication skills too.
A cube to keep
Every student takes their own cube home, so practice continues between sessions. Milestones earn prizes along the way.
From our sessions
Races, first solves, and a lot of very focused faces. See the full gallery on the Schools & Sessions page.
Cube Leaders
UT Dallas students who spent a full semester building the curriculum, training as instructors, and setting up partnerships before teaching a single session.
Manasreddy Mallesh
Founder / Program LeadI'm Manas, a senior neuroscience major at UT Dallas and the founder of CubeTroop. I started this program to give kids in the Dallas, Frisco, and Plano area free access to Rubik's Cube instruction, and to show them that patience and practice can turn something that looks impossible into something they can actually solve. Outside of CubeTroop, I work as a Registered Behavior Technician and do Neuroscience research at UT Dallas. Both roles shaped how I teach: break big problems into small steps, build confidence through repetition, and meet each kid where they are.
Sethumadhav Ravuri
Co-Founder / Cube LeaderI'm Sethu, a senior biology major at UT Dallas, where I also work as an undergraduate researcher and a summer program TA. I joined CubeTroop to combine my passion for teaching with a meaningful way to give back to the community. Teaching kids how to solve a Rubik's cube is about so much more than just a cool trick. It actively engages their critical thinking and complex problem solving skills. The absolute best part of the experience is watching the breakthrough moments when the kids start guiding and teaching each other through the tough spots.
Shreya Saravana
Co-Founder / Cube LeaderI'm Shreya, a senior Neuroscience major at UT Dallas interested in cognitive science and problem solving. As an undergraduate researcher, I study how the brain learns and adapts, which made me curious about how people recognize patterns and develop strategies to solve complex problems. That interest is part of what drew me to this program. Outside of research, I work as a Registered Behavior Technician, helping individuals build new skills through structured, step by step learning. This project combines the things I enjoy most: learning, problem solving, and finding simple ways to explain complex ideas.
Where it started
CubeTroop grew out of an earlier program created by a founding team whose work made today's version possible. We're grateful for their help getting it off the ground.
Sean Kashiwagura
One of the original founders who ran the first version of CubeTroop. Thank you for helping get the program started.
Read Xia & Guransh Nanda
Original founders who helped create the earlier version of CubeTroop. Thank you for laying the groundwork.
Guidance from UT Dallas
Dr. Uma Srikanth
UT Dallas faculty member currently advising the program on development and educational framing.
Where we teach
Want CubeTroop at your school, library, or program?
We keep it free, we bring the cubes, and every kid leaves with a solve.
Get in touch Donate a cube