Stevenson students create national educational program

Adlai E. Stevenson High School students Rohita Kotyada and Nandu Pentapati have launched an initiative to provide young children across the nation with the opportunity to advance their communication, presentation and research skills through an eight-week summer program.

Founded in May 2020, their initiative, "Project Edify," aims to provide children exposure to various educational opportunities and experiences at a young age.

Project Edify offers mentorship and programs to students, allowing them to build vital skills such as organization, leadership, teamwork and more.

Though it started as a local project, their first program, "Learn & Share," took off to reach students from their local community, as well as California, Texas and other states. The program allowed students to pick topics they were passionate about but wanted to investigate further. Through group and individual online mentorship from Kotyada and Pentapati, the children were able to create presentations that were then showcased to people across the nation.

In the eight-week program, students learned about the different steps involved in the research process ranging from developing a research outline, asking essential questions, checking source credibility, and proofreading their research.

After researching, they were taught how to compile their knowledge into effective and concise presentations. Finally, they were instructed on how to independently deliver these presentations.

All of the instructions and materials provided to the students were developed through Pentapati and Kotyada's hard work.

Several parents were highly impressed by the progress their children have made through the program.

One student's parents said that "Project Edify (has given a) new experience for the kids to learn things through research with proper guidance, and also about presentations. It encourages kids to improve their knowledge and communication skills!"

Another said, "Rohita and Nandu are friendly, kind, knowledgeable, and great fun to talk with. They are extremely patient with all the kids. From planning courses to arranging the calls, meetings, coordinating and accommodating every kid is very impressive. They are no less than any professionals who conduct the courses."

After conducting the "Learn & Share" program, Pentapati and Kotyada have been inspired to expand Project Edify by providing students with more programs. They are strong advocates for educational equality and hope to utilize Project Edify as a platform to bridge the education gap in the future.

To learn more or join a future program, visit www.projectedify.wordpress.com and follow their Instagram @projectedify.