workshops – Institute for Educational Advancement Connecting bright minds; nurturing intellectual and personal growth Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:26:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ieafavicon-e1711393443795-150x150.png workshops – Institute for Educational Advancement 32 32 Resource Round-Up: 7 Resources for Gifted Girls /blog-resource-round-up-7-resources-for-gifted-girls/ /blog-resource-round-up-7-resources-for-gifted-girls/#respond Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:31:33 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-resource-round-up-7-resources-for-gifted-girls/ By Nicole Endacott

We鈥檙e kicking off Women鈥檚 History Month by sharing resources specifically for the amazing girls* in our gifted community who are already making history! What resources have been helpful for the gifted girls in your life? Share them with us!

Though normally a 7-week program, the signature Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program will be running virtually in 2021. The 2-week opportunity is available to rising sophomore, junior, and senior girls鈥攖rans and cis鈥攁nd non-binary students. No prior computer science experience is required. The program covers projects related to computer science, such as art, storytelling, robotics, video games, web sites, and apps. Participants will also hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and connect with female engineers and entrepreneurs.

The EngineerGirl website is a service of the National Academy of Engineering that is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. Though submissions are closed for 2021, the next prompt will be announced in September.

This week-long summer mathematics camp for high school girls provides a stimulating and supportive environment for girls to develop their mathematical ability and interest. In 2021, the program will be virtual and open to all genders. Participants learn about the exciting mathematics of Codes, interact with peers who share an interest in mathematics, and work with female mathematics graduate students and professors. The campers stay in a residence hall and are chaperoned by female mathematics graduate students and undergraduate students.

Dr. Ellen Littman is a clinical psychologist licensed in New York State, with a focus on high IQ adults and adolescents. Dr. Littman has been recognized by the American Psychological Association as a pioneer in the identification of gender differences in ADHD, with special expertise understanding issues affecting women and girls with ADHD. She was a podcast guest on the topic of 鈥淲hy ADHD is Different for Women鈥 in December 2020 鈥 you can listen .

Designed by Smith鈥檚 professors and staff, precollege programs offer an inspiring learning experience. The hands-on, collaborative environment lets students directly engage with world-class scholars who help them pursue their passions and develop new skills. Both remote and on-campus opportunities are available.

The Advantage Testing Foundation Math Prize for Girls is the largest math prize for girls in the world. Each fall at MIT, nearly 300 young female mathematicians compete in the challenging test of mathematical creativity and insight. Their goal is to promote gender equity in the STEM professions and to encourage young women with exceptional potential to become mathematical and scientific leaders. Their format for the Fall 2021 contest has not been announced at the time of publication.

Kim Moldofsky鈥檚 mission for this blog is to help parents raise STEM-loving, Maker-friendly kids. She writes about raising gifted children, girls in STEM, and the Maker Movement. Additionally, she is the founder of #STEMchat, which brings parents, educators and STEM professionals together monthly via Twitter to share resources and ideas.

* We are using 鈥済irls鈥 to include any gender-expansive or gender nonconforming youth. Definitions may differ by organization.

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A Spyglass Sit-In /blog-a-spyglass-sit-in/ /blog-a-spyglass-sit-in/#respond Wed, 05 Aug 2020 06:18:05 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-a-spyglass-sit-in/  By Jennifer de la Haye

 

This week, I had an opportunity to observe a session of , 滨贰础鈥檚 new distance learning program that brings professionals and students together via Zoom for specialized workshops. This particular session was the 4th class in a 6-part series for children ages 9-12. The first three classes were about public speaking, and this one was entitled Speech and Debate, taught by master鈥檚 candidate Reece Aguilar, Assistant Debate Coach for the University of Southern CaliforniaIn an hour and a half (which flew by), I personally learned more than I expected to.  

This was a beginner鈥檚 class, so the instructor started from scratch 鈥 he taught us what debate actually is: the act of persuading a skeptical audience to align with your view. He led us through the components of an effective debate, including how to remain unemotional and free of fallacies.  

By the end of class, each student was charged with the task of writing a complete argument that might be used in an actual debate. They were given an array of topics to choose from, including whether or not schools should extend recess, whether or not cafeterias should offer free lunch, or whether or not schools should require uniforms. Students were given no more than five minutes to create their arguments, and each one was able to write and deliver their 30-second arguments with articulate confidence.  

I am not sure what I expected, but I was riveted the whole time! This was far from a droll lecture; this was an interactive discussion, truly a hands-on workshop. Reece did a fantastic job engaging the children; every student participated in the conversation and the final presentation. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic rendered in-person learning unsafe, I was skeptical about the quality of distance learning. I could not picture 滨贰础鈥檚 dynamic, interactive programs translating into an online format. After sitting in on both Spyglass and Yunasa, I am convinced that 滨贰础鈥檚 teachers and staff have mastered distance learning. And while we would all rather be together, this is the next best thing.  

 

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Virtual Learning Lab: Mathematical Poetry-Fibonacci Numbers and Sequences by Cassidy Kao /blog-virtual-learning-lab-mathematical-poetry-fibonacci-numbers-and-sequence-by-cassidy-kao/ /blog-virtual-learning-lab-mathematical-poetry-fibonacci-numbers-and-sequence-by-cassidy-kao/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:17:31 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-virtual-learning-lab-mathematical-poetry-fibonacci-numbers-and-sequence-by-cassidy-kao/ This is the first part of a series of new poetry workshops, pairing up math and poetry. In this video, Cassidy Kao will introduce Fibonacci Number and Sequence and two types of poems, the “Fib” and “Create Your Own Pattern” poems. At the end of the video, Cassidy will also teach you how to make a Fibonacci artwork!

This workshop is recommended for 1st to 6th graders.

Required Materials: Graph paper, markers or color pencils, a piece of yarn, scissors and glue.

About Cassidy: Cassidy is a published author of poetry books and the founder of a nonprofit organization, iPoetTree. Her mission is to inspire young children to love writing through poetry. She offers free poetry workshops to children from kindergarten to sixth grade in the community and wherever she travels to. Cassidy has many varied interests, from writing poetry to playing the piano to learning about rocks and minerals. But when you ask her what her favorite subject is, she says it鈥檚 math! In her spare time, Cassidy is an avid reader and enjoys hanging out with her friends to shoot silly homemade movies. She is excited to share her love of poetry with others and hopes to inspire more kids to create their own poetic masterpieces.

Thanks for watching!

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Why We Need the Label /blog-why-we-need-the-label/ /blog-why-we-need-the-label/#respond Tue, 10 Mar 2020 03:59:16 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-why-we-need-the-label/ by Jennifer de la Haye

When I summarize 滨贰础鈥檚 work to people outside our network: 鈥溾e are an educational nonprofit that works with gifted kids,鈥 I am often met with skepticism and confusion. The most common response I have received is, 鈥淚 believe all kids are gifted.鈥 I do too! All kids have special giftings. As a mother of a four-year-old and one-year-old, I exist in a state of perpetual awe as I watch the personalities of my own children and the children in my community unfold. My preschooler has a remarkable propensity for language; she has been holding elaborate conversations since before turning two, and through language, she has been able to reveal a deep understanding of her own emotion and the emotions of others. One of her best friends, who wasn鈥檛 interested in speaking as early, has LEGO architecture skills that could land him a job designing hoverboards and intricate skyscrapers and giant ships right now, at age four. A three-year-old I know can draw a Mr. Potato Head picture that he could easily slip into a book of 1920s surrealist art and no one would know the difference. And every child I meet astounds me with either a wild and creative imagination, a surprisingly sharp sense of humor, a well of empathy, or all of the above.

Yes, of course all kids are gifted, in that all kids have creativity, beauty, love, special talents, and unique modes of intelligence comprising their very being.

But this is not what we mean by 鈥済ifted.鈥 As a society, we needed a word to describe people whose experience of life is measurably different than their peers. I like the definition created by the Columbus Group in 1991: 鈥淕iftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm.鈥 When we dismiss the term 鈥済ifted鈥 because we have disdain for labeling children, or because all children are gifted, we are denying the existence of an entire body of people, whose inner workings are remarkably different than most.

california schools for gifted leanersA few years ago, Dr. Patty Gatto Walden, Yunasa Senior Fellow and psychologist, presented at the Beyond Giftedness Conference in Colorado. I had the privilege of listening to her speak. One idea from her discussion especially stood out to me: she talked about the incoming 鈥渃hannels鈥 that each person experiences. In a classroom, a child might take in several channels at once 鈥 the message of her teacher, the mutterings of her classmates, the sound of the shifting leaves on the pavement outside, the feeling that her desk-mate is melancholy, the way the new piece of art on the left wall of the classroom makes her want to paint. A person whom we have deemed 鈥済ifted,鈥 whose 鈥渋nner experience and awareness is qualitatively different from the norm,鈥 takes in hundreds of channels. Hundreds. Not several. She might be absorbing the message of the teacher while feeling that something is happening in the teacher鈥檚 life that is new and exciting; she feels her desk-mate鈥檚 melancholy, and her skin starts to tingle and her tummy begins to sink; she listens to the mutterings of her classmates and feels their emotions, too; she hears every sound in the classroom and outside, and each sound makes her body feel something different. For the sake of time, I won鈥檛 describe all 200 or 400 channels that our gifted child might be taking in. Dr. Patty took it further and said that a highly gifted person takes in thousands of channels.听 That is a lot for anyone. It is a lot for a child who is still learning who she is.

When we say someone is 鈥済ifted,鈥 we are not inferring that he is 鈥渂etter鈥 or 鈥渕ore special鈥 than other children. We need a label, though. We need a label because we need special programs. We need different types of classes, camps, workshops, counseling sessions, support groups, books, retreats, scholarship options, learning centers, and more, so we can help these children understand themselves and flourish. And at 优蜜视频, we want to provide gifted kids and their families with a community of people who deeply connect with them, so they don鈥檛 feel alone.

about 优蜜视频’s definition of “giftedness”. You can also learn more about how to understand, spot and address听

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5 Reasons I[d]EA Day is Not to Miss! /blog-5-reasons-idea-day-is-not-to-miss/ /blog-5-reasons-idea-day-is-not-to-miss/#respond Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:58:21 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-5-reasons-idea-day-is-not-to-miss/ By Mavis Bortey-fio, 优蜜视频 Development Manager

If you are reading this, that probably means this is not the first time hearing about our exciting fall fundraiser, . If, however, you and your family are still on the fence about attending, we present to you a list of five reasons you should absolutely not miss out on this new 优蜜视频 event!

  1. Prizes, prizes, PRIZES!

You already know you鈥檙e a VIP. Purchase opportunity drawing tickets and get treated like a VIP, too! At $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets, enter to win VIP access to some of the coolest attractions Los Angeles has to offer!

Engage your creativity at Color Me Mine Studios in Pasadena. Enjoy a night of fellowship and fun for four as you create to your heart鈥檚 content! All participants get to take their creative creations home.

Looking to hit the town? Skip the lines at The Broad, a beautifully designed contemporary art museum in DTLA showcasing some of the biggest names in contemporary art. From Basquiat to Kusama, The Broad holds so many treasures within its 鈥渧ein and vault.鈥

Live entertainment more your thing? Enjoy access for two at select concerts during the 2019-2020 season at the 鈥渉ome of the Los Angeles Philharmonic:鈥 the Walt Disney Concert Hall! Enjoy music from all over the world in one of LA鈥檚 architectural wonders.

If none of these packages spark your fancy, there are plenty more packages from which to choose!

  1. Be Crowned Master of all things STEAM

Ok, so perhaps you won鈥檛 be a master after attending I[d]EA Day, but, with our collection of vendors, workshop leaders and exhibitors, you and your family will be well on your way! We have an amazing program poised to inspire attendees young and old to innovate and create.  Don鈥檛 miss out 鈥 your ticket grants you access to some of the most interesting and truly out-of-the-box minds!

Have a burgeoning builder at home? Bring them to a workshop with , where participants will learn to manipulate found items into living, moving sculptures. Parents beware 鈥 attending this workshop may lead to an influx of cardboard creatures around the house!

Have you ever tried talking to your dog? If you have not but you would like to try, attend a workshop led , a research firm ridding the world of landmines through interspecies conversation.

Reduce, reuse, recycle 鈥 repeat! Visit the table to imagine your way to new creations using old goods. If you like getting your hands dirty and stretching your imagination, this table is the place for you!

There are plenty more opportunities for kids AND parents to Innovate, Explore, Design and Activate at I[d]EA Day.

  1. Fun, Food and Drink

Did someone say tacos?

All ticket holders get a free taco from , a local business bringing family recipes, culture and color to life in plant-based tacos! Additional food items will be available for purchase.

Special thanks to community sponsors and for providing event beverages!

  1. Get in the 优蜜视频 Know

If you have been looking for a way to plugged in or you are an 优蜜视频 regular with new questions, I[d]EA Day is a great place to start! 优蜜视频 staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about all that we offer.  From our programs for uniquely gifted youth, to support for parents and ways to volunteer, there will be plenty of opportunities to get in the know and get connected to the 优蜜视频 community.

Speaking of community, I[d]EA Day will be a great way to connect with members of the local gifted community. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet other parents, children and community supporters who are passionate about providing uniquely gifted children the resources they need to reach toward their fullest potential. Parents will even have the opportunity to sit down with and parent of a gifted child, Jennifer Burke, to talk parenting the gifted. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your network of support and enrichment. After all, 优蜜视频 gatherings are nothing without YOU.

  1. Give the Gift of Education

Did you know? 85 cents of every dollar donated to 优蜜视频 goes directly to providing programs and services for gifted youth.

All proceeds raised from I[d]EA Day go right back into the community we serve, ensuring all children, gifted included, are given the tools they need to work toward actualizing their intellectual and personal potential. And if you cannot attend I[d]EA Day, give the gift of education to gifted youth by or today!

We hope to see you on October 6th for a day of food, innovation and family fun!

 

 

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Fall Opportunities for Gifted Youth /blog-fall-opportunities-for-gifted-youth/ /blog-fall-opportunities-for-gifted-youth/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:44:55 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-fall-opportunities-for-gifted-youth/ By Rachel Hanks, 优蜜视频 Administrative Assistant  

It鈥檚 hard to believe it鈥檚 already July! With the summer flying by, it鈥檚 never too early to start thinking about fall activities. Whether your child is looking to expand their resume, find a hobby or make new friends, the extracurricular activities listed below can serve as great opportunities for all.

  • Arts:  recommends gifted children partake in musical or artistic activities for a few different reasons. Artistic and creative pursuits can build problem-solving skills, provide a safe environment for socializing and relieve stress.

 

  • Sports: Exercise is known to have a multitude of physical and emotional benefits. For a gifted child, physical activity can provide a break from rigorous academics and aid in social development. However, it鈥檚 important when choosing a sport to consider the physical, emotional and social challenges that might apply to your child. To read more about some of these challenges and how to choose a sport for your gifted child, check out this .

 

  • Service activities: Volunteer and service opportunities are a fantastic way to teach your child how to give back to the community. Additionally, according to , clubs and colleges often look for volunteer experience when reviewing a student鈥檚 application for admission.

 

  • 优蜜视频 Academy: provides exceptionally creative learning opportunities that encourage in-depth exploration of topics outside of the typical school curriculum. Classes cover a wide variety of STEM, arts and humanities topics, often taught through an interdisciplinary lens.

 

  • Yunasa: Geared toward the unique needs of gifted children, while offering all the enjoyment of a traditional summer sleep-away camp, provides a combination of traditional camp activities and special workshops designed specifically to help gifted children learn more about themselves as they develop greater awareness and self-acceptance. While this isn鈥檛 a fall activity, it鈥檚 never too early to start thinking about registering your child for Yunasa 2020. Be sure to not miss the opening of Yunasa 2020 application by .

 

  • Academic competitions: Academic competitions like spelling bees and quiz bowls can serve as an opportunity for your child to expand their knowledge in a subject of interest. also suggests that competitive activities can prepare children for the inevitable wins and losses that occur throughout life while also helping them develop self-esteem and tenacity.

 

  • I[d]EA Day: 优蜜视频 is hosting an exciting new event this Fall in Pasadena! is built to inspire our next generation of innovators. Over light bites and drinks, become a part of the 优蜜视频 network while gaining exclusive access to local STEAM professionals and experts in gifted education.  about I[d]EA day! 

 

For more extracurricular activity suggestions, check out the on our website!

 

 

 

 

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Yunasa West: A Week of Self-Discovery and Fun /blog-yunasa-west-2019/ /blog-yunasa-west-2019/#respond Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:10:32 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-yunasa-west-2019/ By Qiao Li, Yunasa Coordinator

this year was yet another fun-filled week that鈥檚 packed with self-discovery and growth at YMCA Camp Shady Brook! Campers ventured out to try something new, made lasting friendships and attended many impactful workshops that are designed to nurture balance within.

Some people say it takes a village to raise a child. At Yunasa, it takes a tribe to build this camp. For many, it鈥檚 their first sleep-away camp and the longest time apart they have ever spent from their parents. This year, we had 23 new campers! Being mindful of this, our returning campers and counselors actively reached out to new campers and included them in group activities. Some campers are more introverted and reflective than others, but would ensure that they too have a space to share and be heard throughout the week.

From the youngest camper at ag 10 to our most senior elder at 85, Yunasa is a space filled with intergenerational connection and nurturing. Our workshops are designed to nurture balance in all five aspects of self 鈥 intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical.

In campers practice guided imagery meditation exercises. The goal is to integrate the conscious self with the unconscious. In the process, campers open a wide flow of energy from their intuition, inspiration and creative energy to the logical self. In the workshop called kindness, campers learn about the biological and physical benefit of practicing kindness and did several meditations in the session. In building and walking the labyrinth, campers constructed a single path in a serene setting. As they walked the labyrinth, they followed a single path that at times appeared to be a 鈥渨rong turn,鈥 but each turn actually leads them to a new beginning and ultimately the 鈥渆ye鈥 of the path. It symbolizes a spiritual journey and the tools needed for transformation. In art-based workshops, campers practiced focus, relaxation, trusting their intuition, self-acceptance and expression through activities such as Intuitive Mandala and Soul Collage.

Yunasa also offers outdoor activities in a traditional camp setting. Campers expand their comfort zones in a safe environment as they try ziplining, rappelling, and rock climbing. They learn about teamwork and build trust on the giant鈥檚 ladder and low ropes. They practiced focus with archery and tomahawk throwing. There are also waterfront activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding.

We hope all of our campers and volunteers have been able to get some rest this week. We cannot wait to see you all again in 2020. Until then 鈥 may your year be filled with joy, growth and loving kindness!

 

the entire Yunasa West photo album on 滨贰础鈥檚 Facebook page. To learn more about Yunasa

 

 

 

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10 Reasons to Attend Summer Academy /blog-10-reasons-to-attend-summer-academy/ /blog-10-reasons-to-attend-summer-academy/#respond Tue, 28 May 2019 23:29:32 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-10-reasons-to-attend-summer-academy/ It鈥檚 hard to believe June is right around the corner (where did the year go?) and we are so excited to kick off the first of three Academy sessions this summer! Whether you are new to Academy or still deciding, check out this list of reasons why you should sign up today:

  1. Where else can you find amazing classes such as Hacker Calculus, Zoo Design, Geochemistry and Create and Rule Your Own Country? Our schedule is packed with inspiring, creative and one-of-a-kind offerings for bright students that you won鈥檛 find anywhere else. Click for the full list.
  2. We also have three curricula! This summer, we鈥檒l be offering Black Death, It鈥檚 Electrifying: Fueling the Future and The Penguin Predicament. These curricula are NAGC award-winning and her past offerings are always popular. They utilize problem-based learning (PBL) approach and allow students to take on roles, help solve problems and navigate real-world situations.
  3. Our are top-notch! Not only do they provide outstanding enrichment, guided inquiry, and incredible content, but they also bring with them impressive backgrounds and experience: JPL, CalTech, USC, The Natural History Museum, The Huntington Library, UCLA, MIT and much more.
  4. At Academy students love to learn! This isn鈥檛 summer school 鈥 it鈥檚 summer enrichment, packed with peers that value learning for all the challenge, new perspectives and flat-out fun it provides. Interested in meeting like-minded peers? Join us this summer!
  5. Rockets, explosions and dissections 鈥 oh, my! Academy classes are hands-on and designed to promote building, construction, tinkering, art, experiments, role-playing and debate. As the saying goes, we鈥檙e not afraid to get our hands dirty 鈥 and neither should you!听
  6. More than just classes: we offer free community events throughout the summer, such as student-led workshops, movie nights and an open house 鈥 and who knows what else might pop up? Our Learning Center is the perfect place not only for classes, but for meeting new peers and parents through fun and engaging events and activities that allow for socialization, games, free play and conversation.
  7. New science lab! Have you heard? The Learning Center now has a science wet lab, complete with science equipment and technology, sinks, workstations and lab tables and stools. We鈥檒l be utilizing this space for the first time this summer and couldn鈥檛 be more excited to engage in scientific inquiry in an authentic environment.听听
  8. Two words: 3D printer! Our Hacker Calculus course, running for the first time this summer, will include use of the printer and building visual models of calculus concepts and equations.There are still spots available in sessions II and III!
  9. Here, There Be Dragons! Our Dungeons and Dragons course is running in sessions I and III and spots are still available. Historically one of our most popular courses, this class engages students in fantasy, decision making, leadership, social skills and strategy. Don鈥檛 miss out on your chance to embark on the many exciting journeys of this class!
  10. Flexible schedule: We offer four classes per session for each of three age groups 鈥 and the choice is up to you! From just one class to a full-day option, you can customize your schedule to best meet your interests and learning needs. The Academy Team would be happy to answer any questions and discuss the different course options with you, so please don鈥檛 hesitate to give us a call: (626) 403-8900.

We look forward to seeing you at Academy this summer!

The Summer Academy application deadline is May 29. to learn more and to submit your application today.听

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Reflections on EXPLORE /blog-reflections-on-explore/ /blog-reflections-on-explore/#respond Tue, 31 Jul 2018 14:15:52 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-reflections-on-explore/ byMark Blekherman, EXPLORE Extern

When I stepped into 滨贰础鈥檚 Barder House on June 18, I did not know what to expect. While I had researched the mission and programs of 优蜜视频, I was not sure what exactly the term 鈥渘on-profit management鈥 encompassed, nor was I familiar with the inner workings of non-profits, despite my experience volunteering with non-profits in the past. But having matriculated through gifted programs before, I was deeply moved by 滨贰础鈥檚 advocacy for gifted education and focus on the 鈥.鈥 With my interest in entrepreneurship and economics, I wanted to learn about the origin and development of 优蜜视频, and understand what makes a non-profit a non-profit.

I came upon after my friend told me about his experience as a Caroline D. Bradley Scholar. After researching 优蜜视频 and the mentors and sites at EXPLORE, I was drawn to the program鈥檚 career-oriented philosophy. I had taken courses at local colleges during previous summers, so I yearned for a more hands-on experience.

Here are three themes that defined my externship and made my EXPLORE experience unforgettable:

  1. Community: Throughout my externship, I felt like a true member of 滨贰础鈥檚 staff. Six weeks may not seem like a long time, but my mentor Abby and her colleagues welcomed me as an integral part of their team. From our July 4 potluck to our light hearted conversations during meetings, I appreciated the sense of unity and camaraderie within 优蜜视频. I was also fortunate to connect with 滨贰础鈥檚 close-knit community of gifted students, parents and educators at the annual Summer Spotlight event.听And I cannot forget Not to mention the Friday workshops鈥攅very Friday morning EXPLORE externs came together to connect with each other and learn about career and college readiness. It is truly a small world that I got to meet fellow boarding school peers with whom I shared mutual friends. During our educational workshops and lunch breaks in Little Tokyo, we shared stories about our schools and became friends over udon soup and ice-cold lemonade.
  2. Hands-on: In addition to learning about the fundamentals of marketing, development, and programming, I enjoyed applying my skills to worthwhile projects. By analyzing the history of donations to 优蜜视频, for example, I not only honed my statistics know-how, but also gained and shared valuable insight on areas of strength and weakness in our development strategy.听For my Google Analytics project, I delved into Google鈥檚 helpful tool for tracking a website鈥檚 traffic. Besides mining through the labyrinth of stored data, I harnessed my findings to formulate recommendations for possible future improvements. I discovered that 优蜜视频 has untapped potential to attract more Spanish speakers and implemented this recommendation by translating a few of our program flyers to Spanish.
  3. Revealing: My externship shed light on the skill sets necessary for various careers. While working on my Donor Analytics project with Abby, I discovered the importance of statistics in data-driven fundraising, where past trends inform future strategies. It was also exciting to use my Spanish to translate flyers; I came to realize the significance of the language in marketing and communications-based careers. While my interests and goals may change over the years, at least I now have a grounded impression of what careers in the non-profit sector entail.

Rather than hammering concepts in a lecture hall, I fell deep into the weeds of informative projects and learned about marketing and management in an engaging way. No course or tutorial in non-profit management could have given me the same level and depth of knowledge.

Mark Blekherman is an EXPLORE extern at 优蜜视频 this summer. He is a rising senior at Phillips Exeter Academy.

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Four Things I Learned During My Summer at 优蜜视频 /blog-four-things-learned-summer-iea/ /blog-four-things-learned-summer-iea/#respond Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:14:44 +0000 https://ieadev.wpengine.com/blog-four-things-learned-summer-iea/ by Heather Honig, 优蜜视频 Intern

This summer, I came home from college hoping to gain experience working for a non-profit organization. While I still have some time before I have to choose a career path, I have always been passionate about giving back to my community. Over the years I have volunteered at tons of different organizations, but this time around I wanted to learn more about what goes on behind-the-scenes of organizations like 优蜜视频. I was nervous starting my internship because felt like I didn鈥檛 know anything about gifted education. But in the past three months I have learned so much about giftedness and how non-profits work, so I thought I would share a few of the things I am taking away from my time at 优蜜视频.

  1. Running a program takes a lot of work

优蜜视频 has four main programs, but the one I spent most of my time assisting with was . This program places high school students in externships around the Greater Los Angeles area, working alongside mentors in their field of interest. I worked closely with the program coordinator getting all the materials ready for orientations, life skills workshops, culminations, and more. There are so many moving parts that all need to be in working order so programs like EXPLORE can take place, and I definitely got a taste of that from seeing and helping 滨贰础鈥檚 coordinators execute their summer programs.

  1. Giftedness looks different in every child鈥

Prior to coming to 优蜜视频, I didn鈥檛 know much about giftedness, but assumed that all it meant was that the child was really smart. I was quickly proven otherwise after spending some time at summer session. Every few days I would get to drive over to the McKinley School, where I would help out during 础肠补诲别尘测鈥檚 lunch break. The kids would eat and play, and I would get to see how they interacted with each other. I found this especially interesting as an Education & Child Study major. I saw how the kids at Academy were more than just really smart. They each had their own passions, interests, and quirks that really came through in the short time I spent with them.

  1. 鈥o the way we support gifted kids will vary from child to child

One of my ongoing projects this summer was to update and expand 滨贰础鈥檚 . The GRC compiles resources that could be of use to gifted students, including articles, summer programs, scholarships, and more. Spending time researching resources for gifted kids showed me that there is no one way to enrich the life of a gifted child. One student may feel most engaged when participating in a high-level math course, while another may thrive when spending time with other gifted students in a more social setting. I really had no idea how many different options there were for gifted children before I delved into this project.

  1. A simple task goes a long way

Being an intern, no matter where you鈥檙e working, usually means having to do lots of grunt work. It was frustrating at times to be doing what felt like simple, monotonous tasks. However, these little tasks all add up and enable 优蜜视频 to do all the amazing work that they do. I was able to attend EXPLORE鈥檚 culmination at , where I got to meet the students whose files I had been organizing all summer. Meeting the students and seeing their final projects made it all come to life and showed me where my work had been going.

I鈥檓 so glad that I had this experience and that I got to contribute to 滨贰础鈥檚 programs this summer. I know that wherever I end up next I will bring everything I learned at 优蜜视频 with me!

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