Over the course of the two jam-packed days, leaders in the field shared their insights on the latest developments in co-curricular programming. Participants engaged in thought-provoking dialogues.
New connections were made. Inspiration abounded. Enthusiasm ruled. AND 25 students took our summit bonus challenge and won prizes including a signed copy of keynote speaker Warren Berger’s book, A Beautiful Question.
The 1st Annual Co-Curricular Summit facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge developments in co-curricular programming—from the most accomplished, highly respected leaders/organizations in this niche directly to educators and students.
On our 10th anniversary, we are proud that Pioneer Academic’s reputation made it possible for us to be the catalyst for this dynamic event. More to come in 2023!
Speakers
Matthew Jaskol
Founder & Director, Pioneer Academics, PBC
Matt Makel
Johns Hopkins University School of Education
Session Summary
The unique Co-Curricular Summit, made possible by Pioneer Academics’ reputation for academic integrity and leadership in online education, brings together prestigious academic programs for high school students. This session highlights preliminary results of a study of Pioneer scholars’ college experience, conducted and presented by Johns Hopkins University’s Professor Matt Makel.
Key Takeaway
Speakers
Rit Fuller
Founding Advisor of Pioneer Academics, PBC
Tim Elgren
Founding Advisor of Pioneer Academics, PBC
Session Summary
What makes conducting truly rigorous research so transformative for high school students? Distinguished Pioneer founding advisors and longtime faculty members share their thoughts on this question as well as on mentorship, a teaching method with lasting impact.
Key Takeaway
Speakers
Francisco Tezén
A Better Chance
Leslie Sullivan
QuestBridge
Gregory Manne
Rise
Session Summary
In a world with sharp inequalities across regions, income levels, and cultures, how do organizations operating in the education space provide access to co-curricular activities? This panel discussion explores the importance of breaking down the barriers to co-curricular participation and questions concerning what access means, how it works, and the results for students.
Key Takeaway
Speaker
Michael Parkin
Oberlin College & Conservatory
Session Summary
Why is conducting the type of rigorous research Pioneer demands so valuable for high school students? Michael Parkin of Oberlin College & Conservatory continues the conversation on transformational education drawing on his various perspectives as a faculty member, college administrator, and Pioneer mentor.
Key Takeaway
Speaker
Thomas Mullaney
Stanford University
Session Summary
What do you do as a researcher before you know what you’re doing? Thomas Mulaney, professor of history and East Asian languages and cultures at Stanford University, discusses the importance of teaching students how to navigate uncertainty on research as the highest form of education and true mentorship as the highest form of teaching.
Key Takeaway
Speaker
Warren Berger
Innovation Expert & Bestselling Author of “A More Beautiful Question”
Session Summary
“Beautiful questions,” and other kinds, are the focus of the Summit’s keynote speech by “questionologist” Warren Berger, whose work is foundational to Pioneer’s approach to research. Why are questions essential to innovation? How do questions change the world? Who is the world’s “champion questioner”? These questions and others are discussed.
Key Takeaway
Speakers
Brian Cooper
Pioneer Academics, PBC
Elias Hanno
Rise
Session Summary
Is “rigor” a good word or a bad word? Some definitions that may sound negative in other contexts become not only positive but essential when applied to academic research. Practicing academic rigor also benefits the researcher, providing skills for living and the kind of creativity that can change the world.
Key Takeaway
Speakers
Rob Arena
Johns Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Samuel Robfogel
Johns Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Session Summary
The difference between online education and remote learning became particularly clear during the COVID years, which also made surprising contributions to the quality of online education. The advantages of online education experiences for advanced young learners include participation in a community of peers where it’s OK to be a “nerd.”
Key Takeaway
Speakers
Mark Kantrowitz
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Maite Ballestero
CEE
Session Summary
What happens when a hundred or so brilliant science students from the top 1% in the world spend six weeks together on the MIT campus as participants in the Research Science Institute? Innovative projects, the beginning of lifelong friendships, lots of networking, math jokes—and not much sleep.
Key Takeaway
