This generation of students is eager to make their mark on the world. As educators, we have an opportunity and responsibility to harness this enthusiasm through intellectual inquiry and meaningful collaboration.
Join the conversation as we invite reflections and insights from industry leaders, faculty members, admissions and counseling professionals, and other trusted voices from across the educational landscape.
Tony Wagner, a globally recognized education expert, is a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute. He spent over 20 years at Harvard, including roles at the Harvard Innovation Lab and the Change Leadership Group. He’s authored seven books, taught, and worked on two educational documentaries.
Dr. Tony Wagner
Senior Research Fellow
The Learning Policy Institute
Why should students engage in co-curricular activities—intellectual and academic work beyond the classroom? Our panel will explore the critical role of co-curriculars in student development, their value to colleges and society, and their historical roots. Learn how understanding this can help you effectively plan your educational journey and enhance your opportunities.
Megan Cannella
Director of Outreach
Davidson Institute
Sandy Sook
Odyssey of the Mind
Engage with various highly-respected academic programs in our e-exhibit hall
Introduce yourself to representatives from colleges and universities on the list, and perhaps add some new ones! An exciting array of institutions will be in attendance, including:
How can an interdisciplinary approach uniquely equip students to identify and solve complex problems that matter to them and to the world? With authentic examples from Pioneer Academics’ latest educational initiative as a case study, learn how interdisciplinarity challenges students to develop more sophisticated understanding of problems and to combine multiple skills, methods, and mindsets to generate creative, collaborative, and impactful solution approaches.
Brian Cooper
Director of Academic Research & Development
Pioneer Academics
David Gatchell, Ph.D.
Clinical Professor and Director of the Manufacturing and Design Engineering (MaDE) Program
Northwestern University
As more high school students pursue research publications for college admissions, Is it a real trend you should follow? Our panel explores key questions: How can students identify genuine opportunities and make informed decisions related to pursuing research?
Melissa Rodriguez
Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Megan Cannella
Director of Outreach
Davidson Institute
Gregory Dresden
Professor of Mathematics
Washington and Lee University
When is failure actually a good thing? How showing resilience or perseverance in the face of challenging experiences can lead to success in the college search, in college and beyond.
Matthew Jaskol
Founder and Program Director
Pioneer Academics
Aaron Zdawczyk
Senior Associate Director & Director of Recruitment Strategy and Initiatives
Northwestern University
Rebecca Vonesh
CTD (Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University)
How might you take your pursuits to the next level? Did you know that genuine interests don’t follow a specific formula? Join us for a candid conversation with Mike Steidel, Dean of Admission - Emeritus, Carnegie Mellon University, to discover the nature of co-curricular activities and how colleges value them.
Mike Steidel
Dean of Admission - Emeritus
Carnegie Mellon University
Adam Song
Pioneer Alumnus
Imperial College London
Ryan Dwyer
Pioneer Alumnus
Cornell University
Leaderboard Announcement, Q&As and Closing Remarks
Currently there is no single forum for educators, parents, and students to engage with distinguished academic programs. Recognizing this lack of connection, Pioneer leverages our reputation and invites the most rigorous, values-based programs together for the 3rd Annual Pioneer Academics Co-Curricular Summit, allowing you and your students to engage directly with these organizations.