Programs, Pathways and Possibilities: What Students Learned at Pioneer’s Program Fair
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The virtual Program Fair at Pioneer Academics’ 3rd Annual Co-Curricular Summit was an insightful experience, especially for high school aged students looking to explore co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Every virtual booth had representatives on hand, ready to answer questions about their programs—what life as a participant looks like, the admissions process, and more. It was a chance to connect with experts and get the inside scoop on a wide range of programs, helping attendees discover which co-curricular path might be right for them.
One of the standout sessions came from the Davidson Institute for gifted people, where Megan Cannella hosted a live Zoom info session. Cannella delved into the definition of giftedness, explaining it as a “brain-based difference” and a form of neurodivergence. She answered questions about how Davidson supports gifted students, with Destiny also offering real-time responses in the chat. Students were encouraged to engage directly, making the session both interactive and enlightening.
Pioneer Academics also engaged attendees with Dana and Meg answering questions via Zoom and chat. Dana emphasized that Pioneer offers an academic experience unlike traditional classrooms—there are no lectures. Instead, the program focuses on fostering academic curiosity and creating strong connections with professors. Pioneer actively seeks students who are eager to collaborate and make the most of their cohort-based learning model, offering a hands-on, research-driven opportunity for those looking to dive deeper into academic inquiry.
Over at the QuestBridge booth, Christian Martell offered key tips on how to craft a standout application. QuestBridge connects high-achieving, low-income students with a supportive community and transformative opportunities. Christian stressed that QuestBridge reviews applications holistically, with no single component outweighing the others. Students were advised to start early, focus on writing clear and compelling essays, and carefully choose recommenders. Christian also reassured attendees that while QuestBridge aims to support low-income students, those who have faced significant financial challenges are encouraged to apply, regardless of their specific income bracket.
In addition to these engaging sessions, the fair also featured other programs like ExploraVision, where Fadia Ahmed Hussein led a video chat to discuss the science and technology contest—a national competition held in the U.S. and Canada and jointly sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association. Fadia provided insights into how students can showcase their creativity through innovative scientific projects.
Other booths like Matriculate, The Rural Debate Initiative, and The Yale Young African Scholars offered specialized advice and resources. Attendees also learned more about Odyssey of the Mind, the Center for Talent Development (CTD), which shared introductory videos, and the Davis Scholarship. For students interested in addressing global challenges, the Global Problem Solving Institute provided an inspiring overview of its offerings.
The Program Fair at the Pioneer Co-Curricular Summit gave students an excellent chance to connect directly with program representatives, explore various academic and extracurricular opportunities, and gather all the tools they need to take the next step in their educational journeys. If you missed this year’s event, be sure to attend next year’s summit to explore even more opportunities.
