Learning Unlimited Chosen as MassChallenge Finalist

Deval Patrick Speaks at MassChallenge

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick speaks at the MassChallenge finalist ceremony.

Learning Unlimited was one of 19 social impact organizations chosen to receive office space and mentoring from business leaders through the MassChallenge competition.

MassChallenge, which is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Microsoft, Xerox, and other organizations, intends to support and sustain startup organizations and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and around the world. The organization was cited by President Obama as a model for additional economic growth and job creation.

"Being chosen as a MassChallenge finalist is an honor for Learning Unlimited," said CEO Daniel Zaharopol. "Not only will LU continue to benefit from connections within the business community, but also it is a testament to LU’s continued success and its future health."

UCLA Freshman Runs First Splash for Los Angeles Area Students

The UCLA Splash Team

From left to right: Splash at UCLA leaders Jessica Yen, Yousif Kettoola, and Michael Stange.

Last April, Jessica Yen, a senior at San Mateo High School, attended Stanford Splash on the recommendation of a friend. A year later, Yen was on her way to starting a Splash at her new college, UCLA.

Yen used LU to help her build a team of college student leaders and as a resource for grant writing, and kept in touch with an LU mentor in the months leading up to Splash.

Splash at UCLA drew in students from over 15 schools in the Los Angeles area. Class topics ranged from "How to Become an Animator" to "The Art of Argument."

Though Yen is familiar with Splash from her high school days, the program still surprises her. "I didn't expect to see so many students engaged in discussions," she said.

Maryland Splash Leader Wins College Award

University of Maryland, Baltimore County junior Mindy Or was chosen out of 25 nominees for the Emerging Leader Award, based in part on her contributions to UMBC Splash.

"It's an honor to be recognized for all the hard work. Many thanks to my mentors and friends made at other Splash programs for their support and encouragement along the way. I hope that we continue to strengthen and grow in the years ahead," Or said.

Support afterschool funding with your stories!

If you or your child has attended a program at one of the twelve campuses where LU supports programs, consider submitting your story to the Afterschool Alliance Storybook to advocate for increased afterschool education funding.

What We're Reading

This study suggests students learn less in lecture than they do in interactive learning environments.

"I have no problem with praising effort. It’s praising intelligence by itself that’s the problem. ... Schools get this exactly wrong. Kids are taught the opposite. They’re told they’re smart. They think this means they should understand everything right away. But they won’t. And at some point they stop doing math," said Josh Zucker, author of these puzzles.

A University of Pennsylvania psychologist finds that students do better on IQ tests when there are financial incentives to perform well.

How can an education in design help students solve global problems?

Former Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch claims that charter school success stories are inflated.

Upcoming Programs

June 29-August 11 — Junction at MIT, Cambridge, MA. A five-week summer program offering college-level classes, four nights per week. Students must complete applications; first deadline has passed but several classes have spots available. $600, generous financial aid available.

July 10-August 21 — HSSP at MIT, Cambridge, MA. Weekly courses on Sundays. $30, fee waivers available.

October 29-30 — Splash at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. $40, fee waivers available.

November 19-20 — Splash at MIT, Cambridge, MA. $30 (expected cost), fee waivers available.

Support LU

Learning Unlimited is committed to helping programs like Splash grow and thrive around the nation. We currently support over 900 college student volunteers and 6,000 pre-college students through mentoring, software, and a knowledge base of dedicated volunteers to our programs, but we need help from you as well.

Make a commitment to supporting LU through a donation.