#Japan #Tokyo #Summer Program #NEST EdLAB #Pebble

Transforming Passions into Career Choices

Introduction

In a world where career choices are influenced not only by academic performance but also by personal interests, NEST EdLAB, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, introduces an innovative summer program for middle and high school students. Collaborating with Pebble, an organization dedicated to individualized career design through inquiry-based learning, this program aims to help students articulate and structure their passions effectively.

The Program Overview

Scheduled to take place during the summer of 2025, specifically from July to August, this unique online program titled "Designing Extracurricular Activities from Your Interests" is tailored to support teens in identifying and cultivating their interests into actionable extracurricular experiences.

Features of the Program

This fully individualized online education program will harness the expertise of university student mentors from around the globe, coupled with AI tools grounded in educational psychology. Here’s what participants can expect:

1. One-on-one Dialogue with Diverse Mentors:
Participants will engage in personalized sessions with mentors from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Tokyo University of the Arts. These mentors, each with their unique backgrounds and specializations, will connect with high school students on a personal level, offering support and guidance as they navigate their interests and worries.

2. AI-Driven Interest Analysis:
Utilizing a bespoke AI platform, students will undergo self-analysis to visualize their interests and identify viable options for their future. This analysis incorporates established theories like RIASEC and the Big Five personality traits. Through discussions with mentors, students will clearly define their inquiry themes and design practical extracurricular activity plans.

3. Experiential Learning Workshops:
The program includes six interactive sessions focusing on discovering interests, executing plans, and reflecting on experiences. Students will transform their passions from mere feelings into actionable skills that can contribute to society.

Program Details

• - Duration: July to August 2025 (up to 6 sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, conducted online via Zoom; September sessions can be discussed as needed).
• - Eligibility: Middle and high school students.
• - Cost: 30,000 JPY for tuition, plus 5,200 JPY for materials and system fees (tax included).
• - Capacity: Approximately 20 students (first-come, first-served basis, fully individualized).
• - Registration Deadline: August 30, 2025.

Curriculum Breakdown

Participants will progress through six structured sessions:

• - Discover Interests (Self-analysis and AI diagnostics)
• - Research and Deepen (Investigation and AI dialogue)
• - Develop a Plan (Action plan design)
• - Take Action (Actual execution of activities)
• - Reflect and Evaluate (Application of motivation theories)
• - Envisioning Future (Articulation for examinations)

Recommended for Students Who:

• - Have interests but struggle to tie them to future career paths.
• - Feel uncertain about their future direction.
• - Wish to develop their application essays or portfolios.
• - Want to broaden their horizons through dialogues with international university students.

Meet the Mentors

Notable mentors scheduled to participate (subject to availability) include:

• - Motoko Akiyama (Harvard University - Political Science/Economics)
• - Nanami Yada (Tokyo University of the Arts - Creative Music Environment)
• - Mei Shidate (Tama Art University - Graphic Design)
• - Yuki Sugita (Yale University - Computer Science and Psychology, Pebble’s founder)
• - Kota Kakiuchi (University of Tokyo - Mechanical Engineering)
• - Miho Iji (International Christian University - Arts and Science)
• - Mei Echigoya (Columbia University - Medical Literature)
• - Daichi Yamada (Keio University - Economics)
• - Kento Nakao (Yokohama City University - Medicine)
• - Yuriaki Kumura (Waseda University - Information Science and Communication)

More Information and Application

For further details and to apply for the program, please visit NEST EdLAB's official page.

Contact for Inquiries

For inquiries, please contact:

• - NEST EdLAB Representative: Ijichi
• - Phone: 03-5227-4198
• - Email: [email protected]

This program represents a unique opportunity for teens to explore their interests in a supportive environment, ultimately guiding them towards fulfilling career paths.