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Nova Scholar Education

Empower students with specialized learning and real-world projects, led by the world’s best mentors.

Traditional education lacks depth and real-world application, leaving students without the specialized knowledge and mentorship needed to excel. Nova Scholar connects students with world-class mentors, bridging the gap between theory and practice while meeting them in any subject, goal, or background. This ensures all students can reach their full potential and showcase their talents.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated March 2025
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Nova Scholar provides students with specialized learning and real-world project experience through expert mentorship. Funded through tuition fees, it has awarded $70,000 in scholarships, ensuring access regardless of financial background. By investing in students, Nova Scholar empowers future leaders, equipping them with the skills and guidance to make a lasting impact.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Nova Scholar’s founders, Stanford graduate students researching underserved San Francisco schools, saw how passionate students lacked access to specialized learning and expert mentorship. They created Nova Scholar to provide rigorous academics, hands-on projects, and one-on-one mentorship, empowering students to develop expertise, solve real-world problems, and showcase their talents globally.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Nova Scholar Education helps 6th-12th grade students gain expertise, real-world experience, and mentorship from leading experts. Inspired by elite academic and professional mentorship models, it offers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning approach beyond traditional curricula.

The program has three key components:
1. Independent Research – Students explore STEM, humanities, law, and entrepreneurship, guided by researchers from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and Princeton. One-on-one mentorship ensures deep learning and personalized support.
2. Real-World Projects – Hands-on research, case studies, and industry collaborations bridge theory and practice. Students develop mobile apps, modeled after Stanford courses, to learn innovation and problem-solving.
3. In-Depth Learning – Essential skills likeAI fundamentals, public speaking, and leadership taught in small groups—critical areas often missing from traditional curricula.

How has it been spreading?

Nova Scholar Education began as a small nonprofit in 2022 within the San Francisco School District to connect students with top mentors.

Driven by strong demand for specialized learning, it has rapidly grown, reaching over 500 students worldwide. The program now features a diverse network of experts in STEM, humanities, law, and entrepreneurship, with students securing research positions, fellowships, and scholarships. The introduction of a virtual model has further expanded global access.

Nova Scholar’s mission is to empower as many students as possible, helping them unlock their potential and equipping them to make a lasting impact on the world.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

For students interested in joining Nova Scholar, visit our website at www.novascholar.education. The application process includes a short written component and an interview with one of our directors. Generous tuition support is available.
For more information about our program and curriculum, our team is happy to assist. Reach out to us at info@novascholar.education, and we can put you in touch!

Implementation steps

Participate in a Nova Scholar Program
Join the program and gain hands-on experience through workshops, mentorship, and project-based learning. Develop critical and design thinking skills while identifying a real-world problem to solve. Work individually or in teams to explore innovative solutions. Engage in structured activities that guide you through research methodologies, prototyping, and the iterative design process to refine your ideas.
Develop and Showcase Your Work
Transform your idea into a tangible outcome, such as a patent application, research publication, or mobile app. Conduct experiments, build prototypes, and seek feedback from experts and peers. Present your work at conferences, demo days, or through publication channels. Showcase the impact of your innovation while gaining exposure to industry leaders and researchers who can help further develop your project.
Continue the Learning Journey
Apply the skills you’ve gained to advance your research, pursue higher education, or launch new projects. Seek opportunities for funding, fellowships, or accelerator programs to scale your innovation. Stay engaged in lifelong learning through research collaborations, industry partnerships, or entrepreneurial ventures. Use critical and design thinking to solve complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to your field.

Spread of the innovation

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