Congratulations to 优蜜视频 on an amazing 25 years!  

I am so grateful to the many friends of 优蜜视频 from the Los Angeles area and beyond who joined us for this magical evening celebrating 优蜜视频鈥檚 founding 25 years ago.聽As guests arrived they enjoyed cocktails and delicious hors d鈥檕euvres, listened to live jazz piano and bid on silent auction items. The jubilant crowd included current and past board members, alumni, students, parents, educators and staff all excited to celebrate this major milestone for the organization. I want to extend a big shoutout to our talented EXPLORE students who displayed impressive research projects at the reception, as well as Ziv Bard, a current Caroline D. Bradley Scholar, who came all the way from the Magic Castle in Los Angeles to amaze and delight our guests with mesmerizing magic tricks.聽

The evening鈥檚 program kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome by Master of Ceremonies and 优蜜视频 parent, Chris Gialanella, President and Publisher of Los Angeles Magazine, followed by a special proclamation presentation honoring 优蜜视频鈥檚 25th anniversary from Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kathryn Barger. A special highlight of the evening for me was when the audience applauded with heartfelt gratitude as Elizabeth 鈥淏etsy鈥� Jones, our 优蜜视频 President and Co-Founder, came to the podium. 

Betsy introduced fellow 优蜜视频 Co-Founder, Jim Davis and shared her memories of the beginnings of 优蜜视频. She recalled sitting at her kitchen table with Jim making plans to create a new organization to support gifted youth and all aspects of a gifted child鈥檚 educational and personal needs. Jim assisted Betsy at the podium in introducing the honorees and presenting awards. Honorees included past board chairs, including Jeff Hudson and Chris Newman, whose leadership and dedication to the organization have been instrumental in its continued success. Jim and Betsy surprised additional honorees Michael Piechowski, who was honored for his 22 years of service as a longtime Yunasa Senior Fellow, as well as 优蜜视频 co-founder Jim Davis, for his important role in founding and guiding the organization in its early years. Lastly, Jim and Betsy honored the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), represented by Karen Anderson, PUSD Arts and Enrichment Coordinator, for the important role it has played in helping 优蜜视频 serve hundreds of our local schoolchildren through a long history of program collaboration.

One of my favorite moments of the evening was the champagne toast to 优蜜视频’s 25^th anniversary made by Board Chair, Byron Lichtenstein, an alum of the inaugural Caroline D. Bradley Scholar Class of 2002 and part of the first group of Yunasa campers. Byron shared his memories of finding 优蜜视频 as a 12-year-old and how it changed his life. The crowd raised their glasses in unison to toast the amazing accomplishments of the past 25 years and to look forward to the next 25. The surprises kept coming as Jeff Hudson presented Betsy with a special proclamation from the City of Pasadena that had been signed by Pasadena mayor, Victor Gordo, and a terrific video presentation was shown featuring 优蜜视频 children and community members sharing their gratitude to 优蜜视频 and wishing 优蜜视频 a happy 25th Anniversary.  

In addition to celebrating 25 years, the event raised funds which will support need-based tuition assistance, program implementation and community partnerships. A big thank you to current Caroline D. Bradley Scholar, Matthew Chang, and MC Chris Gialanella, who led the successful 鈥淔und-a-Future” live auction. I am so grateful to all of our 优蜜视频 friends who generously supported the event by making donations, purchasing tickets and silent auction items or volunteering. And a big thank you to the 优蜜视频 team for their tireless efforts organizing the event. It was a remarkable team effort. One of the things I hear expressed most when I talk to students, parents, alumni is how lucky they feel to have found 优蜜视频 because it has made such a difference in their lives. I feel lucky too, and I am very proud to be a part of this organization. Here鈥檚 to the next 25, 50, 75 years, and beyond! 

Jane Laudeman 

Development Manager 

Institute for Educational Advancement 

PASADENA, CA 鈥� 09/26/2023 鈥� The Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频), a national nonprofit dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our nation鈥檚 gifted and advanced learners, celebrated its 25^th anniversary with a Celebration Gala. The event, which was hosted at the San Gabriel Country Club, on Sept. 23, 2023 honored the individuals and organizations that support 优蜜视频 and raised funds to continue the nonprofit鈥檚 important work.

At the Celebration Gala, 优蜜视频 presented the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) with an award for their partnership and dedication to the children in the community. PUSD has been a longtime partner of 优蜜视频. From 1999-2010, the organizations ran a pilot program called Pipeline to Success that provided gifted middle and high school students in PUSD with enrichment classes, Personal Education Plans, and other services, and stressed strong relationships among students, teachers, parents, Program Coordinators and enrichment teachers. Most recently, PUSD tapped 优蜜视频 to deliver free, high-quality gifted and talented services for eligible students. Last year, over 130 students in grades 3-8 benefited from the 优蜜视频-lead curriculum.

优蜜视频 also honored co-founder, James Davis, past board chairs including Jennifer Burke, Jeffrey Hudson and Chris Newman for their leadership and Michael M. Piechowski for his longtime role as a Yunasa Fellow and incredible 22 years of service to gifted students.

鈥淛im and I wanted to create an organization to provide stimulating, rigorous programs that would address the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of advanced learners, while providing educators with tools and best practices to support the unique needs of gifted learners,鈥� said Elizabeth Jones, president and co-founder, Institute for Educational Advancement.

Recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 leading organizations supporting the needs of gifted youth, 优蜜视频 is one of the only nonprofit organizations providing a robust array of services in Los Angeles County. The nonprofit offers enrichment classes and learning opportunities, teacher trainings, consulting services, support groups, summer camps and scholarships for gifted learners. Since its inception in 1998, 优蜜视频 has supported over 11,000 students.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the Celebration Gala included dinner and a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. For more information about 优蜜视频鈥檚 programs and services, 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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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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This month, the Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频) kicks off our 20^th year of supporting the hearts and minds of gifted youth. Since 1998, we have been dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted children so that they can reach their full intellectual and personal potential.

As we reflect on our history, our milestones, our current impact and our vision for the future, we invite our community to join us in identifying what makes 优蜜视频 special. Can you add to the list below to help us get to 20 and celebrate our ?

1. 颁辞尘尘耻苍颈迟测.听Central to our initiatives here at 优蜜视频 is building a community of learners, teachers and mentors. This 鈥渃ommunity鈥� happens organically with the ongoing connections between of the families we serve, but also through the we organize to bring new perspectives and voices together.
2. 叠补濒补苍肠别.听As expressed in our logo of the Golden Ratio, at 优蜜视频 we aim to help gifted youth achieve balance in their intellectual and personal lives. We understand that personal growth is multi-faceted, and involves not just the intellect but also emotional well-being, personal values and social connections.
   
3. Fueling Curiosity. Gifted children need deeper exploration and enrichment than what is generally offered in a traditional school setting. We listen to our community, responding to their needs by offering deeply robust and advanced learning opportunities for all ages of gifted learners. Most recently, we launched our in response to an identified need expressed by our families for rich, STEM-based opportunities for middle and high schoolers.
4. 笔补谤迟苍别谤蝉丑颈辫蝉.听优蜜视频 first officially partnered with Pasadena Unified School District in 2000 to offer our Pipeline to Success program, an effort which successfully supported underserved gifted students in the district. Today, we continue to partner with local schools, school districts and education organizations so that through our combined efforts, the unique learning needs of the gifted population are met.
5. Parent and Teacher Support. Finding the right resources and support for a gifted child can be overwhelming, frustrating and time-intensive. Since our inception, 优蜜视频 has helped to ease this process for parents and teachers by providing in-person and online (see our ) guidance, counseling and support to help these caring adults find the optimal educational environment for a child.
   
6. All听厂迟耻诲别苍迟蝉. 优蜜视频 is committed to helping all gifted children, regardless of background. This is why as a nonprofit we to be able to provide our heavily subsidized program offerings. And for those who are not able to pay tuition, we offer financial aid and scholarships. We are dedicated to not turning away any qualified student from participating in our programs. While it varies by individual program, approximately 1 in 4 students served by 优蜜视频 receives financial aid.
7. 础诲惫辞肠补肠测.听While 优蜜视频 and our partners have made progress in advocating for the rights of gifted learners to receive needed support and resources, we still have a ways to go. In a national poll conducted through our we have uncovered that the general public believes in supporting our gifted learners financially. With our many education and advocacy partners, we are working to ensure that gifted youth have access to the resources they need to thrive.
   
8. 笔别辞辫濒别.听Each time we talk to a parent, teach a student, train a teacher or provide counseling, our 优蜜视频 staff, teachers, counselors and Fellows are deeply committed to providing the highest quality services possible. Our dedicated runs deep and it is felt by the students and parents in our community who overwhelmingly report positive experiences with 优蜜视频.

I invite you to learn more about how we plan to celebrate our and share with us what you believe makes 优蜜视频 special. And if you鈥檙e interested in participating in our 20^th Anniversary Celebration Committee, drop me a line at adaniels@educationaladvancement.org!

Share your memories with聽us on social media using the hashtag #优蜜视频20.

On Friday, November 17^th, the Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频) will honor three tremendous individuals who have worked to address the needs of gifted education in our community. Here鈥檚 a little bit more about them.

Raising the Bar for Gifted Students: Jason and Sandy Roberts

Jason and Sandy Roberts, recipients of this year鈥檚 Community Advocate Award from 优蜜视频, have worked diligently to ensure that the needs of highly able learners are met in Pasadena Unified schools. Initially coaching elementary and middle school students in mathematics, Jason and Sandy launched to provide mathematically gifted middle school and high school students with the skills and insight needed to excel in honors math and science programs at the most elite universities in the world.

Math Academy partners with Pasadena Unified School District in reaching students starting in the 6^th grade, and offering them sequenced mathematics coursework that culminates in completing Calculus in the 8^th grade. But while the Roberts remain dedicated to serving students in Pasadena, they envision being able to expand Math Academy to other districts. 鈥淥ur belief is that once enough parents become aware of what鈥檚 being achieved at a struggling, under-resourced district, they鈥檒l have no choice but to pressure their respective school boards to follow suit, which will mark the beginning of a sea change in mathematics education across America,鈥� Jason told Pasadena Now this past summer.

And enabling large-scale change is nothing new to the Roberts family. Jason designed and developed much of Uber鈥檚 original real-time and global 鈥渁ir traffic control鈥� technologies. With a mathematics degree from the University of Chicago, Jason has also launched technology startups and built high-frequency trading systems. Sandy is no stranger to effecting change, either. With a degree in economics from University of Chicago, she also shares her love of math by teaching at the Math Academy and raising funds to support the new organization. Sandy has spent the last ten years on nonprofit boards, holding leadership positions with the Junior League of Pasadena, Young & Healthy and the Pasadena Educational Foundation.

Parents to three children, the oldest of whom is a student in Math Academy, Jason and Sandy exemplify the values that 优蜜视频 holds dear, namely helping every child reach their potential and providing them with the skills and tools to flourish intellectually, creatively, socially and emotionally.

Photo courtesy of Sandy and Jason Roberts

Inspiring Joy in Gifted Youth for Science and Math:聽 Tony Travouillon

Physics. Electrical Circuitry. Astronomy. These are not typical topics covered in elementary and middle school. But thanks to Tony Travouillon, Ph.D., our fortunate 优蜜视频 student community gets to explore the universe and learn how to build electrical circuits through our Academy program. Beloved by 优蜜视频 students and parents, Tony will receive this year鈥檚 Educator Award at our Awards Dinner & Celebration next month.

Since 2011, Tony has been delighting gifted young minds through his 优蜜视频 Academy classes, held in the Pasadena area. According to one parent of a student in Tony鈥檚 Astronomy class, 鈥淢r. Tony inspired my child with his passion and knowledge of science and made learning fun.鈥�

An astrophysicist, he is a System Scientist at Thirty Meter Telescope Observatory, where he conducts experimental research on atmospheric turbulence and its repercussions for astronomy, image degradation, adaptive optics and interferometry. Since receiving his Ph.D. in astrophysics and undergraduate degrees in Physics and Astronomy at the University of New South Wales, Tony has remained devoted to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. In addition to teaching at 优蜜视频, he holds a Visiting Associate position at Caltech and is an Adjunct Professor at College of the Canyons.

Tony鈥檚 passion for teaching is evident in the classroom, and on the inquiring, curious faces in his classes. 鈥淚n 优蜜视频 I found the perfect place to teach the way I want to teach,鈥� said Tony. 鈥淚 can take full advantage of the small classes to really cater for each individual, adapting to the need of every student and offer an experience that is tailored to my audience.鈥�

Photo credit: Walt Mancini/Pasadena Star-News/News/SCNG

Join the Celebration!

Join us on November 17^th at our Awards Dinner & Celebration, to be held at The University Club of Pasadena, and show your support of these and other exceptional advocates for gifted education.

To sponsor and/or purchase tickets or a program ad, click .

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We interviewed alum Niles Owens about his experience in the program and how it shaped his life as a student.

How did you become involved in 优蜜视频鈥檚 Pipeline program?
I believe I was selected around the time I was beginning middle school. It seemed like a great opportunity that my parents supported me pursuing.

What challenges did you face in your schooling experience?
When I got to [University of California, Riverside], it was hard for me to keep up with the pace of the quarter system. I went in thinking I was going to take 20 units a quarter and graduate early. I was hit with a dose of reality almost immediately. It would have made more sense for me to start slow and work my way up once I better understood how to keep up with the pace. This was not new for me because I had the same issue transitioning from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school.

How do you think this program changed your schooling experience and outlook towards education?
The program had a way of breaking things down more than my teachers had the opportunity or time to do. The program either offered extra help, or gave new information sooner than I would have gotten it in school. Because of that, I had a definite advantage in math, arts, and聽 the SAT鈥檚.

How did the Pipeline program prepare you for college, your career, and/or adulthood?
It definitely gave me the opportunity to get more attention with teachers who were experts in their field. I remember the SAT Prep instructor helped improve my score over 200 points. He broke things down and helped me understand how the exam is scored and even what the graders look for in the writing portion. This helped me to understand that even if I鈥檓 good at something, it never hurts to have someone else help you improve something that you may already be good at.

Do you have a favorite memory from the Pipeline program?
Nothing was more memorable than the college tours. The classes were fun and always informative, but the college tours helped put everything together. I hadn鈥檛 had much exposure to college campuses until taking the trips with the Pipeline program. I can鈥檛 put into words how eye-opening of an experience those were for my friends and I. Some schools that I had not previously considered became strong contenders for enrollment and others that were contenders may have been removed from my list based off those tours.

In what ways do you think programs like this benefit gifted and highly-able students in public schools?
I think that programs like this help gifted students in public schools by providing the additional help to stay focused in a setting where their needs aren鈥檛 as nurtured as they probably should be. It鈥檚 easy for a young person to get discouraged, but they can also be uplifted when they are put around like-minded individuals and instructors who can give them additional attention.

What advice, given your experience with Pipeline, would you give to gifted children and their families?
Take advantage of the opportunities that programs like this present. Visit colleges and universities anytime you can. Visit the ones you like and don鈥檛 like, because you might change your mind. Get help in subjects that you think you already have a good understanding in. Lastly, it鈥檚 never too early to start prepping for college.

What have you been up to since completing high school (college, career, etc.)?
After graduating from Pasadena High School in 2007, I graduated from UC Riverside in 2012 with a Bachelor鈥檚 in Media and Cultural Studies. After UCR, I graduated from Cal Baptist University in 2014 with a Master鈥檚 in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. Currently, I work at UC Riverside鈥檚 Recreation Department as a Special Events and Operations Manager. I live in Moreno Valley, CA with my wife who I met while attending UCR.

I can honestly say that I owe a lot to the Pipeline program. If not for them, I might not have been as prepared as I was for high school and college.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pipeline to Success program or would like to speak with someone about bringing the program to your district, please visit the for more information.

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