Pasadena, CA 鈥� 11/1/2022 鈥� Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has partnered with local nonprofit, the Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频), to deliver high-quality gifted and talented services for eligible students. 优蜜视频 is dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of the nation鈥檚 gifted and high-potential youth and offers classes, resources and support for those with exceptional intellectual skills. PUSD students identified or demonstrating potential towards identification for gifted and talented education (GATE) are invited to attend after-school Innovation Clubs, a student-centered learning experience where scholars work in teams to complete a variety of design challenges, and explore independent topics of study in the STEM fields. This year, over 130 students in grades 3-8 benefited from the 优蜜视频-lead curriculum. 

鈥淚t is such an asset to be able to tap into the expertise of an organization that dedicates itself to meeting the unique needs of gifted learners,鈥� said Karen Anderson, Pasadena Unified School Arts & Enrichment Coordinator and GATE Specialist. 鈥淭he Institute for Educational Advancement understands how to connect with our students and their unique needs, challenging them while developing their critical and creative thinking skills, and nurturing their love of learning.鈥�

优蜜视频鈥檚 program for PUSD includes STEM challenges like catapults, science fiction writing, mentoring, online 3D printing workshops, and environmental design projects. In order to reengage students into the school environment coming out of the pandemic, the partnership was started in spring 2022 and continues through this fall at six schools who needed additional support to run this valuable educational program. 

鈥淔or almost 25 years, 优蜜视频 has helped gifted students to work toward their potential through curated learning designed with a whole child approach,鈥� said Elizabeth D. Jones, 优蜜视频 President. 鈥淧artnering with the Pasadena Unified School District鈥檚 GATE team allowed us to work within our own community to provide gifted students with academic, social, and emotional support that will benefit the children beyond the classroom walls.鈥�

For more information about the Institute for Educational Advancement, please visit /. 

About the Pasadena Unified School District

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) serves pre-K to 12th-grade students in a 76-square mile area that includes the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County. The Pasadena Unified School District prepares students for the future by inspiring the joy of learning in every child, every day. With an innovative curriculum and a commitment to excellence, the schools of Pasadena Unified develop each student鈥檚 potential so that they鈥檙e ready to succeed in an ever-changing world. For more information about the Pasadena Unified School District, please visit .

About the Institute for Educational Advancement

The Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频) is dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our nation鈥檚 gifted and high-potential youth. Central to the mission of 优蜜视频 is a commitment to the development of the whole child through engaging educational experiences that promote optimal challenge, mentorship, exploration of ideas, and recognition of personal potential. 优蜜视频 seeks to connect gifted individuals through dynamic and engaging year-round programming. Additionally, 优蜜视频 supports a diverse community that creates a sense of belonging and affirmation. For more information, visit.

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In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we wanted to highlight a particular volunteer who has been a great help to us. Janet has been coming into the office twice a week since January. She supports 优蜜视频 with everything from organization to developing teacher resource materials for our program. We are incredibly grateful for the work that she does.

Here is a little about Janet:

1. Where are you from?

I am originally from California, but lived in Minnesota for seven years, and recently moved back to this warm sunny state (happily escaping the long cold winters!).

2. Describe your experience with education?

My journey in Education began when I was bitten by the travel bug after participating in Youth for Understanding for a summer during high school. That experience influenced my decision to pursue a degree in TESOL and I was lucky to have briefly taught abroad many years ago. I have always had a passion for the education field and how the brain develops, learns, and achieves creative feats. While in Minnesota, I worked with ESL and Early Education teachers as a trainer, and coach/consultant. These experiences changed my career direction towards Instructional Design.

3. Why do choose to volunteer with gifted kids?

My interest in gifted education began when I did my student teaching in a聽 5th/6th grade G.A.T.E. classroom. I enjoyed the depth, complexity, and exchange of knowledge that can be shared with the students.聽 I choose to volunteer because I believe in making a difference in this world. I feel that one way I can contribute positively is by sharing my knowledge and experiences, and by helping children reach their full potential so they too can make a positive impact on society.

4. What do you like to do for fun?

On my spare time I like to read, write poetry, Zumba, and explore other cultures.

In the words of Program Coordinator, Alexis Hopper: 鈥淭hank you for contributing your time, experience, skill and passion to 优蜜视频 Academy, Janet! Your work to support our students, teachers, and staff has made an impact that is truly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our team!鈥�