This Summer Is the Perfect Time to Launch a Spike

If you’re laboring away trying to figure out what to do this summer, labor no more; build a Spike. Pursue your own ambitious passion project, a custom crafted venture — business, service, artistic, academic, athletic, or anything else — that fits with your “story” and is tied to your passions and interests. You can patchwork it together with self-led learning, internships and other things if you wish but make a Spike the keystone to your summer. Why a Spike. As explained in greater depth in this blog post on how to make the most of your summer, you want your summer activities to reinforce your personal narrative and advance the “end of high school” goals that you’ve set for yourself, or should set for yourself. You also want it to challenge you, impress others and be revitalizing. And you want to do something that is feasible and flexible in today’s shelter-in-place environment of social distancing. A Spike does all of these things. Story-alignment: By definition you determine your Spike project AFTER figuring out what your story currently is and you custom design it to reinforce your story. This way, you’re doing something that is 100% focused on the things that you’re really excited about and that are meaningful to you. Approaching the planning and design of your Spike with intentionality helps make it engaging, rewarding, unique and story-aligned. It’s the difference between grandma’s home-cooking and a supermarket packaged version. Grandma’s is better every time because you can tell love has been poured into it! Challenging: We define a Spike project as something with real-world impact that requires persistence. Part of being successful depends also on building domain and skill expertise in whatever you’re doing and that also adds to the challenge. Most of our students have learning plans in parallel to their business plans (a.k.a. launch plans) because you’ll need to develop that expertise in tandem. This equates to self-led research, online courses, meeting with other experts, etc. and we find it’s the most engaging way to learn. For instance, we’ve had students who weren’t interested in learning to code but whose parents rightfully wanted them to learn it because it’s the new literacy — required in the new economy just like reading and writing. Those students who incorporated it into their Spike learning plans followed through and learned basic coding skills while the others didn’t — because it was tied to something meaningful. In one student’s case, his Spike was to become a quant trader which required coding his own trading algorithms. So he had to learn the basics of python to do it. I like to equate it to my background as a student athlete. I hated running but did it (and well) as training for the sports I played in high school and college. If you had told me to learn to run or become a runner, I would have said ‘no way’. But it was packaged as part of my love for soccer, and I threw myself fully into it. This is the case for all types of Spikes. We’ve had video gaming Spikes that have turned students into neuroscience and behavioral economics experts. Fashion Spikes that have turned others into positive psychology and genocide history experts, and more. Impressive: Spikes are also uncommon and interesting. They show creativity and initiative, and they have real-world impact. If you pursue your Spike far enough, then you’ll likely get external recognition through press, awards, talks, testimonials, etc. which amplifies the impressiveness. If you’re doing something over the summer that many others are doing or that was created for you, then it just won’t be as impressive. Revitalizing: Again by definition, a Spike should tap into your interests and passions — the things that give you energy and excite you. You know you’ve found it if you jump up most days (not all) and really want to do it. Therefore it doesn’t deplete your energy nor create anxiety that so many other high-pressure programs build into the student experience. It takes time, of course, but also is not as time consuming as you might think; you’ll have time to pursue other pure-fun summer activities. Flexible. You define and plan your Spike model so you can narrow the scope down to projects that can be done remotely or projects that are only local. You can pivot the model if the situation changes. You’ll have autonomy and control! Summer Spike Examples: Alex and Yani Alex, who prefers to use a pseudonym to stay anonymous, developed a Spike the summer before her senior year. After some self-discovery work, she decided that she wanted to pursue her passion for international affairs & policy. Then she delved deeper and identified a more narrow issue that she was passionate about: the integration of Syrian refugees into her country’s society. She is from a EU country where, like in many other western countries, there has been growing xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment that offended her deeply. She had also visited a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey which had profoundly impacted her, and had volunteered to teach dancing to Syrian refugee children in her home city. She researched all the leading nonprofits working in the space in her country and networked to speak with experts from those organizations to identify a viable way she could contribute. Due to her musical background (conservatory) she had access to musicians. In addition, she had access to gorgeous ocean-front, nature preserve. So despite being from a lower middle class family whose parents never attended college, she organized a series of charity concerts that raised thousands of euros for the top nonprofit supporting refugees in her country. The organization awarded her a Youth Social Ambassador distinction, and she eventually got accepted into Harvard, Stanford and Yale with an almost full financial scholarship. Yani is another one of our former students — now at Wharton @ UPenn — who started her Spike in the summer before her senior year. You can read more (and watch a video) about her story in an upcoming
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lumi.network webinar

Lumi.Network Webinar Hosted by AcademicQuests

AcademicQuests recently hosted Lumi Webinar where Mr. Harish Menon, an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University and the Vice President International of Lumi.Network, shared program details, introduced Anushka Bhatnagar to share her student experiences, and answered attendees’ questions. Mr. Harish Menon is an award-winning mission-driven leader in global education management and consulting, who champions access, equity, and excellence in programs that make a transformative difference in people’s lives. He has led program management, finance, office of the CEO and president initiatives, and international market development at College Board USA headquarters. As a founding team member of the College Board India Global Alliance, he has managed stakeholders, including CXOs, higher education and K-12 leaders, the former Secretary of Education of the USA, White House staff, the special assistant to the President of the USA for education, and ministries of education. Prior to his work at College Board, Harish was a management consultant at Mitchell Madison Group, USA, focusing on manufacturing industries. Beyond education, Harish is deeply interested in the intersection of money, culture, and technology. He is an active investor in digital assets and occasionally flexes his coding muscles to write smart contracts. As a global citizen, he has lived in Kenya, India, the USA, and has now adopted the UAE as his home. The webinar started with an introduction to the Lumi Network, an AI-assisted entrepreneurship and innovation program for students aged 10-25. Lumi helps students build skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, and resilience through a design thinking curriculum accredited by Stanford University. Students work in teams to identify real-world problems and develop tech-enabled solutions, guided by near-peer “innovation facilitators.” The program features 15 live sessions with innovation facilitators spread over 1 to 15 weeks, culminating in a capstone presentation to industry judges. During the sessions, students investigate problems, ideate solutions, and build prototypes using AI tools. The program focuses on developing entrepreneurship skills (storytelling, prototyping), AI skills (productivity, creativity), and values (resilience, critical thinking). Students earn a digital “skills passport” showcasing their proficiency levels and have the opportunity to return as paid innovation facilitators after university. Anushka shared how Lumi helped her university applications and interviews, highlighting project outcomes, skills gained, and alignment with her academic goals. She has since returned as an innovation facilitator to guide other students. The Lumi program fee is $800, but there is a 40% discount ($480) for Eye on Ivy students using the code EYEONIVY40. Need-based full scholarships are available for 20% of students in each cohort. Interested students can register at www.lumi.network, selecting preferred dates in July-August. For additional questions, attendees were encouraged to email hello@lumi.network or harish@lumi.network. The webinar emphasized the importance of considering the time commitment and cost before enrolling. Overall, the lumi.network webinar was an insightful session that highlighted the transformative potential of the Lumi Network program, illustrating how it equips students with critical skills and opportunities for future success.
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Our Rising Stars

Owlypia – MEET OUR RISING STARS!

Congratulations to Our Owlypia Champions! We are thrilled to announce that three of our brilliant students have won Bronze Medals in the prestigious Owlypia competition! Chandni Devi from Cedar College and Muhammad Rafae Khan from Kaizen High School have excelled in the Owly category. Muhammad Ali Waqar from Cadet College Hasanabdal has shone brightly in the Owlet category. With our students’ competitive spirit and confidence to compete against students from around the world, we couldn’t be prouder! Keep shining and inspiring us all! #AcademicQuests #Owlypia #OwlypiaSummerChallengeResults #Owlins #Owlets #Owlys #InternationalContests #AcademicQuestsContests
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Wevoi Reload Round Results Announced

Wevoi Reload Round Results Announced!

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional achievements of the participants in the Wevoi Reload Online Round. In the JuniorVoi category, Elani Ahmed Shah from Learning Alliance International secured the 3rd position, showcasing remarkable eloquence and skill. In YoungsterVoi category, Khawaja Hassan Yazdani from Beaconhouse Newlands, Multan claimed the 4th position. In JuniorVoi category Myra Adil from Learning Alliance International secured the 5th position. The Gold Medalists, We extend our congratulations to Nawaal Raza Shirazi from Learning Alliance DHA, Ayesha Ali, Deena Ahmed, Daniyal Hassan, Naymet Qamar from Learning Alliance International and Behryab Khan from Beaconhouse Newlands Multan for their exceptional performances. The Silver Medalists include Ibrahim Bin Adnan, Syed Hassan Ali, Samana Shabbir, Muhammad Bin Adnan, Arfa Noman, Khawaja Muhammad Hassan from Beaconhouse Newlands Multan, Hussain Abbas, Zaina Jamil, Syed Muhammad Zayn Al Abideen, Lyla Raazee from Learning Alliance DHA and Rafay Ozair, Muhammad Saleem Basheer, Minahil Khan, from Learning Alliance DHA. The Bronze Medalists are Amna Aneeq, Izma Khan, M. Ahad Ali, Muhammad Abdullah, Zahra Kamal, Muhammad Irtaza Iqbal, Ishaal Fatima, Mehr Fatima, Areeha Adnan from Beaconhouse Newands, Multan, Aryana Awais, Zaynah Ahmed, Eshaal Ali, Duaa Shoaib, Jurayj Hamid Shaikh, Arisha Adeel from Learning Alliance International and Hassan Raza Shirazi, Sophia Hamid, Daniyal Tariq, Ayaan Shahbaz from Learning Alliance DHA received Bronze Medals for their commendable performances. Congratulations to all the participants for their eloquence and dedication! Your thoughts resonate globally, and we are incredibly proud of each one of you for courageously speaking your hearts out and sharing your unique ideas during this public speaking contest. #AcademicQuests #WevoiResults #WevoiReloadRound #InternationalContests #AcademicQuestsContests
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Oxford-China Summer Program

Oxford-China Summer Program

The Oxford-China Summer Program is about to begin for 2024! Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and academics! Join the program, a 12-day adventure in Chengdu. Learn from top British academics alongside international classmates. Apply now! Last chance! We are offering a special 50% discount for the last ten international students. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! For Program details and registration, please click here. Register Now Contact us at hello@academicquests.com or academicprograms@academicquests.com Call Us: 0310 0042641 #AcademicQuests #Oxford #London #China #SummerPrograms #AcademicQuestsCourses #SummerAdventure #AcademicQuestsPrograms
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Owlypia Summer Challenge

Owlypia Summer Challenge 2024

Owlypia is an exciting international competition for students ages OWLINS (9-11), OWLETS (12-14), and OWLYS (15-18). The Owlypia aims to inspire intellectual curiosity in every young mind and has a central theme each year. This year’s theme is “Innovation: What’s Next”. Owlypia was founded in 2017 by Perceptum Education, a certified Social Enterprise based in London, UK. Why Owlypia! By participating in the Owlypia competitions (this time “Owlypia Summer Challenge”) in five different subject areas. Young intellectuals share their creative ideas, develop their multi-disciplinary academic skills, unlock their potential, build self-confidence, develop collaborative teamwork skills and create new friendships. Owlypia has five subjects, which are Social Sciences, Art & Design, Literature & Culture, Science & Technology, and Economics & Business. If you enjoy thinking, writing, and talking in a social and academically stimulating environment then, this is the challenge for you! Register Now: https://academicquests.com/owlypia-form/ Fee for Owlypia Summer Challenge: $27 Registration Deadline: 27th May 2024. For more information: https://academicquests.com/owlypia/ Participants will also be awarded digital medals based on their performance: 1- Top 15%: Gold Medal 2- Next 16-35%: Silver Medal 3- Following 36-60%: Bronze Medal Top 3 students from each subject will grab an impressive 20% discount for the Owlypia Global Rounds! #AcademicQuests #Owlypia #OwlypiaSummerChallenge #Owlins #Owlets #Owlys #InternationalContests #AcademicQuestsContests
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POSITIONING RESEARCH IN COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Evidence from the 2022-23 Admissions Results In this report of positioning research in college applications, Lumiere analyzes data from 340 students who participated in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program and their college admissions outcomes. Specifically, they compare Lumiere students to the general admission pool and find that students who conducted research were four times more likely to be accepted into a top university. For the class of 2027, Lumiere had 9 students accepted to UPenn, 7 to Yale, and 4 to Stanford, among more than 100 other institutions. Lumiere also examines how students incorporate research into their applications and identifies three main findings: A) Over 98% of respondents included their research project in their college applications, B) Almost a third of the applicants wrote about their research in a supplemental essay, and C) More than a third of the students accepted into top colleges received a recommendation from Lumiere, which they used in one of their college applications. Many Lumiere scholars who benefitted from Lumiere’s financial aid program for their research have now been offered admissions into top colleges like Stanford, Columbia, Cornell, and Brown. At the end of this report of positioning research, you will find six detailed case studies of Lumiere scholars who are now attending the world’s top universities.
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Register For Lumiere Summer Cohort 2024!

Explore. Investigate. Reveal. Are you driven by the pursuit of unraveling mysteries, pushing boundaries, and shaping a brighter future? Join the dynamic community of researchers and embark on an exhilarating voyage of exploration. Whether it’s unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos or solving real-world challenges, Lumiere provides boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Gear up for an exhilarating voyage of exploration with the Lumiere Research Program! What awaits you? · – Collaborate with esteemed experts in your field. · – Engage in meaningful and thrilling research endeavors. · – Utilize state-of-the-art resources and facilities. · – Foster your curiosity and unleash your creativity. · – Network with a global community of innovators. · – Leave a lasting impact on science and society. Ready to elevate your passion to new heights? Apply now and become a driving force in our research revolution! Ready to commence your research journey? Join Lumiere Education, the forefront of cutting-edge research, and pioneer innovation! Explore uncharted realms of knowledge, collaborate with brilliant minds, and make a tangible difference. Seize the opportunity to shape the future—apply today! The registration deadline for the summer cohort is May 19th, 2024 (Please mark “Eye on Ivy” on the registration form so we can monitor your application and follow up accordingly. This will also aid us in providing assistance tailored to your needs.) #AcademicQuests #LumiereResearchProgram #LumiereSummerCohort #WorldofDiscovery #BetterFuture #AcademicQuestsPrograms #AcademicPrograms
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Lumi Webinar Calling! All Pakistani Students

Your chance to learn from our speaker, Mr. Harish Menon, a Carnegie Mellon University alumnus and Vice President International, Lumi.Network, is an award-winning, mission-driven leader in global education management and management consulting, who champions access, equity, and excellence in programs that make a transformative difference in people’s lives. Lumi.Network is not just another platform; it’s a transformative journey empowering young minds to become the innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers of tomorrow. Founded by a distinguished Stanford University professor, Lumi embodies values of collaboration, innovation, and education. LEARN about Lumi’s mission to nurture over a million young talents aged 10-25 in technology, design, and entrepreneurship. DISCOVER how Lumi utilizes AI to create dynamic learning environments. EXPLORE Lumi Quests, a flagship program based on design-thinking principles developed in collaboration with Stanford University experts. In a world grappling with AI, climate change, and global challenges, traditional education needs a reboot. Lumi.Network provides the solution – a gamified platform where learners develop essential skills while tackling real-world issues. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of innovation and growth with Lumi.Network! Register now to secure your spot. https://academicquests.com/lumi-network-webinar-registration-form/ #AcademicQuests #LumiNetwork #AIPlatforms #GlobalEducation #Innovators #Entreprenuers #Partnership #AcademicQuestsProgram
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HUM TV News Quill and Scroll

Hum Tv News Quill and Scroll

Empowering Tomorrow’s Journalists: Media Coverage of EoI’s Quill and Scroll Event Hum TV News clip of our event shows students inducted into Quill and Scroll Honorary Society celebrated alongside winners of the editorial writing competition. Judged by renowned American journalists, the event showcased oath-taking, award distribution, and inspiring words from host Ms. Shanza Khan, Founder and CEO of Eye on Ivy. She highlighted the significance of such opportunities in securing admissions to top-tier universities. Media coverage captured the enthusiasm and talent on display, highlighting EoI’s commitment to nurturing young journalistic talent. #AcademicQuests #QuillandScroll #Journalism #HonorSociety #InternationalContests #Inductees #EditorialWritingContest #Ceremony #AcademicQuestsContests #Hum TV News
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