Programs & Service
What we Offer
Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a small Japanese word with a BIG meaning. It is about finding one’s Purpose. The Ikigai Leadership Academy will help students find what they are passionate about in life-and with expert teacher guidance, will develop Voice and Agency leading to a potential COLLEGE MAJOR and CAREER CALLING.
Recent studies point out that 60 percent of America’s high school students are stressed, bored and tired. Almost 40 percent of high school students have significant mental health challenges.
In an EIGHT DAY (Mon-Thursday) intensive, engaging, and FUN learning experience, students will explore their IKIGAI and develop a short TED TALK and working draft of a UC ENTRANCE ESSAY. The Ted Talk format (called soapbox speech) is a three to five-minute speech sharing a personal story and describing what’s important to the student leading to a career calling or major, which forms the foundation of a college entrance essay.
Why a speech? A soapbox speech is beneficial for a young adolescent because it offers a concise and engaging way to learn new ideas and perspectives, while also fostering healthy mental well-being by surfacing a young person’s purpose. The format encourages clear communication and critical thinking, helping young minds quickly grasp complex concepts. Soapbox speeches often address diverse, inspiring topics that spark curiosity, helping adolescents connect with larger, meaningful issues, which can instill a sense of purpose. Additionally, many TED Talks highlight the importance of belonging and community, showing adolescents that they are not alone in their experiences. This sense of connection can support mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and promoting resilience. The storytelling and visual elements make the experience memorable and empowering, boosting confidence, enhancing public speaking skills, and motivating young individuals to find their own voice in the world leading to a college major and career pathway.
Students will make new friends through interactive activities designed to enhance their social skills and emotional intelligence. These are vital skills for college and career success.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found that students entering the university with a sense of purpose grounded in skills including: communication, critical thinking, creativity (innovation), collaboration, and compassion (for self and others) do significantly better with grades and on-time graduation than others.
The Ikigai Leadership Academy will help a student find what they love, discover what they’re good at, learn what the world needs, and also find a career or major they want to pursue.
Personal Inquiry Questions (PIQ) for entrance into UC (University of California)
The University of California (UC) application offers eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) for applicants to choose from. You must respond to four out of the eight, each with a maximum word limit of 350 words. Here are the eight PIQs:
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1. Leadership Experience:
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
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2. Creative Side:
Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
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3. Greatest Talent or Skill:
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
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4. Educational Opportunity or Barrier:
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
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5. Challenge You’ve Overcome:
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
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6. Academic Subject That Inspires You:
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
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7. What You’ve Done to Make Your Community Better:
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
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8. What Makes You Stand Out:
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
These questions allow you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspective. Be thoughtful in selecting the four that best reflect your journey.
Personalized AI Tutor and Career Advisor for college entrance assistance and financial aid opportunities.
Additionally, students will be introduced to a powerful AI tutor, Skrappy the dog through our nonprofit partner, eKadence. Skrappy is very “kid friendly” and can provide feedback for students in helping them edit their entrance essays as well as answering difficult questions about financial aid, college entrance deadlines, and first year expectations. At no additional cost, Skrappy will be on call to parents and students for ONE YEAR.
Skrappy ONE YEAR Academic Support
- 24/7 Availability: Provides assistance at any time, ensuring students can get help whenever they need it.
- Homework Help: Offers step-by-step solutions and explanations for complex problems across various subjects.
- Essay Writing Assistance: Helps with brainstorming, structuring, and editing essays to improve writing quality.
In a volatile and unpredictable world, students need to develop grounding in what they want to do, why they want to do it, and skills to navigate getting there. Join the Ikigai Leadership Academy and let’s make it happen!
