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Minimum Day Oct. 31 and Learner Free Day Nov. 1

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays. In addition, there is no…

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays.

In addition, there is no school for learners Wednesday, November 1.

Minimum Day Oct. 31 and Learner Free Day Nov. 1

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays. In addition, there is no…

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays.

In addition, there is no school for learners Wednesday, November 1.

Minimum Day Oct. 31 and Learner Free Day Nov. 1

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays. In addition, there is no…

Please mark your calendars for a minimum day Tuesday, October 31. On minimum days, learners are released at the same time they’re released on Fridays.

In addition, there is no school for learners Wednesday, November 1.

SCVi and iLEAD DreamUp to Space

…on the International Space Station. Check out the video below, which captures this year’s journey — from Mixstix loading to our trip to Kennedy Space Center to postflight analysis. https://vimeo.com/938368819…

Learners, facilitators, staff, and families from SCVi and four more schools in the iLEAD California network are celebrating the learning that happens when we challenge learners with this question: “If you could send an experiment to the International Space Station, what experiment would you design?” Each year, learners participate in the DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge. Their mission is to learn the fundamentals of space exploration, including microgravity, scientific experimentation, and proposal writing.

Through a partnership with DreamUp, learners are empowered to develop the skills to design, develop, and propose an experiment that could be run on the International Space Station. Check out the video below, which captures this year’s journey — from Mixstix loading to our trip to Kennedy Space Center to postflight analysis.

https://vimeo.com/938368819

IB Artists’ Work to be Featured, Program Explained

…go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.   This is an example of one…

“Release”
by Isabella Zepeda, IB Art Exhibition
12″ x 9″
Medium:  Origami Paper, Construction Paper, Indian Ink and Pen

Description: At night is a wonderful time to feel, and let go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.

 

This is an example of one IB learner’s assessment work for the IB Art Programme.  Year Two learners had to curate and present an exhibition of their work, as well as write a rationale of the pieces they chose for their exhibition.

To learn more about SCVi’s IB DP Programme, join SCVi’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Team next Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in Etta James.

“The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students.” (www.ibo.org)  IB’s DP Programme emphasizes critical thinking, social emotional learning and global citizenship, and provides our learners with a program that will prepare them for the rigors of college and university life. How does IB prepare students for for success?  Watch this brief video, and join us next Thursday, May 18, as we review the IB DP Programme at SCVi.

While 10th graders (incoming Year One DP students) might be most interested in attending, we welcome 9th and middle grade families who may want to learn more about our IB DP Program. Questions? Contact cheryl.sena@scvi-k12.org.

IB Artists’ Work to be Featured, Program Explained

…go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.   This is an example of one…

“Release”
by Isabella Zepeda, IB Art Exhibition
12″ x 9″
Medium:  Origami Paper, Construction Paper, Indian Ink and Pen

Description: At night is a wonderful time to feel, and let go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.

 

This is an example of one IB learner’s assessment work for the IB Art Programme.  Year Two learners had to curate and present an exhibition of their work, as well as write a rationale of the pieces they chose for their exhibition. If you would like to see more from this talented artist, as well as from our other seniors, their work will be on display at the Expresstival on May 19.

To learn more about SCVi’s IB DP Programme, join SCVi’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Team next Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in Etta James.

“The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students.” (www.ibo.org)  IB’s DP Programme emphasizes critical thinking, social emotional learning and global citizenship, and provides our learners with a program that will prepare them for the rigors of college and university life. How does IB prepare students for for success?  Watch this brief video, and join us next Thursday, May 18, as we review the IB DP Programme at SCVi.

While 10th graders (incoming Year One DP students) might be most interested in attending, we welcome 9th and middle grade families who may want to learn more about our IB DP Program. Questions? Contact cheryl.sena@scvi-k12.org.

IB Artists’ Work to be Featured, Program Explained

…go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.   This is an example of one…

“Release”
by Isabella Zepeda, IB Art Exhibition
12″ x 9″
Medium:  Origami Paper, Construction Paper, Indian Ink and Pen

Description: At night is a wonderful time to feel, and let go when in the solace of quiet and slumber. A large oversized sweater to comfort, and the moon, whatever phase, to keep company.

 

This is an example of one IB learner’s assessment work for the IB Art Programme.  Year Two learners had to curate and present an exhibition of their work, as well as write a rationale of the pieces they chose for their exhibition. If you would like to see more from this talented artist, as well as from our other seniors, their work will be on display at the Expresstival on May 19.

To learn more about SCVi’s IB DP Programme, join SCVi’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Team next Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in Etta James.

“The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students.” (www.ibo.org)  IB’s DP Programme emphasizes critical thinking, social emotional learning and global citizenship, and provides our learners with a program that will prepare them for the rigors of college and university life. How does IB prepare students for for success?  Watch this brief video, and join us next Thursday, May 18, as we review the IB DP Programme at SCVi.

While 10th graders (incoming Year One DP students) might be most interested in attending, we welcome 9th and middle grade families who may want to learn more about our IB DP Program. Questions? Contact cheryl.sena@scvi-k12.org.

Soaring Aeronautics

…The history of flight, anatomy of birds, current experimental gliders, and meteorology are woven in to extend and enhance knowledge, giving meaning to research and writing. Please click below to…

Through a partnership with iLEAD Student Aerospace Projects, SCVi offers the Soaring Aeronautics Project!

Through this project, learners use the engineering design process to fabricate and launch their own gliders, interact with a full-scale glider, learn from glider pilots about flight controls and aerodynamics, and fly a glider. Preflight training on simulators supports the development of flight and navigation skills. The history of flight, anatomy of birds, current experimental gliders, and meteorology are woven in to extend and enhance knowledge, giving meaning to research and writing.

Please click below to view photos and videos of our Glider on Campus and First Flight events!

SCVi Glider on Campus

SCVi First Flights Gallery

Partnerships

Contact us to schedule a tour and experience the SCVi difference for yourself.

If you’re interested in enrolling, please click below:

ENROLL NOW

iLEAD Learner Outcomes

At SCVi, the founding school in the iLEAD California network of schools, we believe that education should extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our purposeful approach revolves around the iLEAD Schoolwide…

SCVi 2024 graduationAt SCVi, the founding school in the iLEAD California network of schools, we believe that education should extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our purposeful approach revolves around the iLEAD Schoolwide Learner Outcomes, a collective vision that encapsulates our aspirations for each individual’s education.

The iLEAD Schoolwide Learner Outcomes serve as our compass, guiding us in shaping each child’s educational journey.

In the course of a child’s career with SCVi, they will engage with a relevant and rigorous curriculum that will prepare them for success personally and professionally.

The following are the expected Schoolwide Learner Outcomes that our learners develop:

iLEAD by being a/an…

SCVi Earth Day 2024Lifelong Learner

I am a self-directed learner, focused on personal growth and development.

Empathetic Citizen

I seek to understand and appreciate what others are thinking, feeling, or experiencing.

Authentic Individual

I am true to myself, my personality, values, beliefs, and principles.

Design Thinker

I am a creative, imaginative individual who explores original ideas, takes risks, and develops innovative solutions that I share with others.

Contact us to schedule a tour and experience the SCVi difference for yourself.

If you’re interested in enrolling, please click below:

ENROLL NOW

Developing Leaders: SCVi’s Schoolwide Learner Outcomes

At SCVi, iLEAD’s founding school, we believe that education should extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our purposeful approach revolves around the iLEAD Schoolwide Learner Outcomes, a collective vision that encapsulates…

At SCVi, iLEAD’s founding school, we believe that education should extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our purposeful approach revolves around the iLEAD Schoolwide Learner Outcomes, a collective vision that encapsulates our aspirations for each individual’s education.

The iLEAD Schoolwide Learner Outcomes serve as our compass, guiding us in shaping each child’s educational journey.

In the course of a child’s career with SCVi, they will engage with a relevant and rigorous curriculum that will prepare them for success personally and professionally.

The following are the expected Schoolwide Learner Outcomes that our learners develop:

iLEAD by being a/an…

  • Lifelong Learner: I am a self-directed learner, focused on personal growth and development.
  • Empathetic Citizen: I seek to understand and appreciate what others are thinking, feeling, or experiencing.
  • Authentic Individual: I am true to myself, my personality, values, beliefs, and principles.
  • Design Thinker: I am a creative, imaginative individual who explores original ideas, takes risks, and develops innovative solutions that I share with others.

Our Schoolwide Learner Outcomes guide us in shaping each child’s journey. We are proud of every one of our students as they grow into Lifelong Learners, Empathetic Citizens, Authentic Individuals, and Design Thinkers at SCVi.

Social-Emotional Learning in ALL We Do

…is committed to making social and emotional connections every day, it’s easy for us to tell if a student seems to be having a hard time. Our community school is…

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is key to successfully navigating life and here at Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School, a tuition-free TK-12th grade public school in Castaic, California, it’s at the heart of all we do. Our small and engaged school prepares students for their next steps in life — both academically and socially. We nurture the whole child by blending academic rigor with meaningful engagement, creative inquiry, and social-emotional learning principles.

What is Social-Emotional Learning? 

Research has shown that positive social behavior is one of the greatest predictors of academic success. The better our connections are with each other, the more we will thrive in other areas of our life. Social and Emotional Learning is essentially building positive social character through: 

  • acquiring skills to manage emotions (self-management)
  • nurturing positive relationships (relationship skills)
  • making informed choices (responsible decision-making, self-direction)
  • feeling and exhibiting empathy (self & social awareness)

Rather than just hope that students pick up positive social behavior as they grow, SCVi integrates SEL directly into the curriculum. We have developed SEL and academic rigor rubrics that add a well-balanced approach to academics and reflective practice for facilitators, learners, parents, and administrators. 

Our project-based learning focus easily complements social-emotional learning. We are collaborative and learn how to work well with others, using a problem-solving approach. We make sure our learners are exposed to a variety of ways to learn and ways to thrive, including an arts program that is also integrated into our daily curriculum. Our engaged public school helps develop learners’ emotional IQ in a way that inspires creativity and engagement in their coursework. We practice core SEL skills like: 

-Curiosity

-Social intelligence

-Grit

-Optimism

-Gratitude

-Purpose

-Growth Mindset

-Self-Control

-Zest

What does SEL look like at SCVi?

We support and care for ALL our learners at SCVi. We know each of our TK-12th graders by name and make sure to greet them every morning as they arrive. We also take the time to meet learners where they are academically and socially and help them learn and grow into their full potential. We offer a safe space for our learners to grow, take appropriate risks, and gain confidence in themselves. Our engaged school has a very intentional approach to 21st-century education.

Three Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) students sit with an adult at a classroom table in a discussion. They have binders with paper on the table and are using pencils. One student is raising his hand.

For our TK-12th grade students — who are in a period of rapid social growth and change — SCVi uses the Leader in Me’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People education series to support student development. The 7 Habits promote engagement, belonging, and well-being. 

Additionally, we host Advisory (Morning Meeting for grades TK-5) where learners and facilitators have an intentional time to focus on making connections, learning conflict resolution and exploring problem-solving ideas.

Because our small school is committed to making social and emotional connections every day, it’s easy for us to tell if a student seems to be having a hard time. Our community school is designed with open classrooms for any and all to drop by and our entire staff is one big cheerleading team for our students. We are here to help in good times and challenging moments. 

If a conflict arises, our devoted staff support students with coaching and guidance aimed at a win-win solution using the Love and Logic discipline approach. Learning conflict resolution skills and ways to manage peer pressure can significantly reduce social stress. We care about you!

All of our TK-12th graders receive personalized learning at SCVi. Our Learner-Led Conferences (LLCs) include a Report of Progress that contains a narrative about your child’s development, both academically and socially. Learners can chart their growth because it is included in their learning dialogue. 

Give your child a supportive academic environment where emotional well-being counts: connect with our SCVi family and enroll today!

About SCVi:

Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. We use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Join our innovative school today!

Arts Education Month: The Role of Arts Education at SCVi

…poise them for success. Engaging with the Community Beyond academics, SCVi encourages learners to share their talents with the community. From presentations of learning to service projects, your learner will…

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s education, and that’s why it’s crucial to understand the power of arts education, especially at schools like SCVi. We believe in a holistic approach to learning, where arts education isn’t just an add-on but an integral part of every subject. This means your learner gets the benefits of creativity and expression across all their studies.

Arts-Integrated Learning

At SCVi, your learner won’t just paint for an art class or sing for a music class; they’ll use artistic methods to understand other subjects like math, science, history, and literature. For instance, they might create sculptures to grasp math concepts or act out historical events to better understand them. This approach helps make learning more engaging and memorable.

Hands-On Projects

One thing you’ll notice at SCVi is the emphasis on hands-on projects. These aren’t just about getting things done; they’re about using creativity and collaboration to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s making presentations, writing music, or choreographing dances, your learner will learn how to express themselves creatively while mastering important skills for their future.

Fostering Creativity

At SCVi, we believe creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s a crucial skill for success in any field. By nurturing your learner’s artistic talents and encouraging them to think creatively, we’re helping them develop the resilience and innovation they’ll need in today’s rapidly changing world. Whether they dream of becoming artists, scientists, or entrepreneurs, creativity will poise them for success.

Engaging with the Community

Beyond academics, SCVi encourages learners to share their talents with the community. From presentations of learning to service projects, your learner will have opportunities to make a positive impact using their creativity. This not only builds confidence but also demonstrates to them the importance of giving back and making a difference.

In short, arts education at SCVi isn’t just about painting pretty pictures; it’s about unlocking your learner’s full potential. By integrating arts into every aspect of our learners’ education, we’re preparing them to succeed academically, creatively, and socially. 

Happy Arts Education Month!

Kona Ice Is Coming to Meet the Facilitator Night: August 12

Kona Ice is coming to SCVi on Monday, August 12. Chill out and enjoy a sweet treat with your friends starting at 4:30 PM, and then join us for Meet…

Kona Ice is coming to SCVi on Monday, August 12. Chill out and enjoy a sweet treat with your friends starting at 4:30 PM, and then join us for Meet Your Facilitator Night at 5:00 PM.

Kona MYFN

Scholastic Book Fair Coming to SCVi: Nov. 27-Dec. 1

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SCVi after Fall Break! Join us November 27 through December 1 at the book fair in the Village! We are looking for family…

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SCVi after Fall Break! Join us November 27 through December 1 at the book fair in the Village! We are looking for family volunteers to help out. Please check the iSUPPORT Linktree to sign up!

‘A Spark In Nothing’ Teen filmmaker’s new movie to play on large outdoor screen at special drive-up event

“A local teen filmmaker’s new movie, ‘A Spark In Nothing,’ will premiere locally on a large outdoor screen July 9 at Redwood Acres, 3750 Harris St. in Eureka.” Click here…

“A local teen filmmaker’s new movie, ‘A Spark In Nothing,’ will premiere locally on a large outdoor screen July 9 at Redwood Acres, 3750 Harris St. in Eureka.”

Click here for the article at Times Standard!

SCVi Senior Spends Summer Advancing Language Studies Through U.S. State Department

…virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.” After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and…

Across the United States, millions of high schoolers take foreign language courses each and every year. Indeed, it’s an expectation for most post-secondary opportunities, as well as many high school diplomas. However, very few work hard to continue their language studies over the summer voluntarily. That’s usually the case unless your iLEAD SCVi Senior Raven Hurlbert.

Hurlbert – who has been studying both Mandarin and Japanese for several years – was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Virtual Summer Intensive Scholarship to study Chinese (Mandarin) language for six weeks this past summer. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that promotes critical language learning among American youth.

The 2021 Virtual Summer Intensive program was an online alternative for NSLI-Y immersion programs that could not take place overseas due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides robust language and cultural learning opportunities by virtually connecting the participants with overseas teachers, international peers, cultural organizations and communities where the target language is spoken. Scholarship recipients study diverse options such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Koren, Persian, Russian or Turkish.

Although the program was virtual this year, Hurlbert said it was still an amazing experience. For three hours each day for the six weeks, she said she really enjoyed the interaction with her small cohort of others around the country all studying Chinese.

“I was the only student from the West Coast,” said Hurlbert. “I made several new friends and really enjoyed the group projects.”

Hurlbert said she plans to stay in contact with several from her cohort, as well as apply for the program again this year. Her intention is to apply for both the summer program and a year-long study abroad program also sponsored by the U.S. State Department. 

“My hope is to travel and be able to live somewhere overseas,” said Hurlbert. “Those opportunities provide even better interaction and really improve language skills.”

In addition to advancing her language skills this past summer, Hurlbert said she also increased skills in other areas.  Hurlbert said she participated in culturally-based courses facilitated by a Chinese national who taught the group how the language has impacted their culture. She said the group project about culture was really impactful. 

“My group chose to study and present the intersections between Taoism and Chinese Medicine – specifically about Acupuncture,” said Hurlbert. “We found Chinese medicine very interesting and learned how it’s all connected.” 

Those that have worked with Hurlbert are impressed with her enthusiasm for this type of work. 

Rebecca Bernman of NSLI-Y said she was selected from 2500 applicants from across the United States and who are reviewed by trained evaluators who assess the applicants’ motivation for language learning, sense of character and demonstrated cultural awareness.

“Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important factors,” said Berman. 

SCVi staff concur with Berman’s assessment of Hurlbert’s skills and motivation. SCVi Academic/College/IB Counselor Kris Nilsen said that she has been impressed with Hurlbert’s interest and perseverance in going after these types of opportunities. 

“She has a definite passion for languages,” said Nilsen. “I think she will continue with her language studies and eventually study abroad.”

SCVi Innovations Guide and Upper School Advisory Council Member Jessica Harrison concurred with Nilsen. She said that Hurlbert has always been passionate and dedicated to study of languages and diverse cultures. 

A large part of the reason why she is in Innovations is so that we could make sure she was able to pursue her languages,” said Harrison. “It’s been a joy to be part of her journey and I can’t wait to see what she does next!”

Hurlbert said she has really enjoyed her time at SCVI and thanks mentors such as Harrison. She said she is continuing her Mandarin studies this year at College of the Canyons while she focuses on her next steps after high school. She is interested in her continued language studies, but has strong interests in the sciences as well. 

“I’m looking at studying in Australia and would love to study abroad in Japan or China at some point as well,” she said. 

Hurlbert said she would definitely recommend this program to her fellow SCVi and ILEAD learners. 

“It’s demanding, but worthwhile,” she said. “Despite it being virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.”

After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and the NSLI-Y Alumni Association and participate in alumni activities focused on networking, professional development, continued language and cultural learning, and community service. Many NSLI-Y alumni go on to pursue education and careers vital to U.S. national security and credit the program experience with helping them improve their academic, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills.  You can see information about alumni achievements here, as well as key findings from a 2018 Alumni Impact Report here.

You can find out more information about these programs at NSLI For Youth. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State provides study abroad opportunities for over 1,000 American high school students and approximately 3,000 international high school students each year. Visit High School Study Abroad to learn more.

SCVi Senior Spends Summer Advancing Language Studies Through U.S. State Department

…virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.” After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and…

Across the United States, millions of high schoolers take foreign language courses each and every year. Indeed, it’s an expectation for most post-secondary opportunities, as well as many high school diplomas. However, very few work hard to continue their language studies over the summer voluntarily. That’s usually the case unless your iLEAD SCVi Senior Raven Hurlbert.

Hurlbert – who has been studying both Mandarin and Japanese for several years – was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Virtual Summer Intensive Scholarship to study Chinese (Mandarin) language for six weeks this past summer. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that promotes critical language learning among American youth.

The 2021 Virtual Summer Intensive program was an online alternative for NSLI-Y immersion programs that could not take place overseas due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides robust language and cultural learning opportunities by virtually connecting the participants with overseas teachers, international peers, cultural organizations and communities where the target language is spoken. Scholarship recipients study diverse options such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Koren, Persian, Russian or Turkish.

Although the program was virtual this year, Hurlbert said it was still an amazing experience. For three hours each day for the six weeks, she said she really enjoyed the interaction with her small cohort of others around the country all studying Chinese.

“I was the only student from the West Coast,” said Hurlbert. “I made several new friends and really enjoyed the group projects.”

Hurlbert said she plans to stay in contact with several from her cohort, as well as apply for the program again this year. Her intention is to apply for both the summer program and a year-long study abroad program also sponsored by the U.S. State Department. 

“My hope is to travel and be able to live somewhere overseas,” said Hurlbert. “Those opportunities provide even better interaction and really improve language skills.”

In addition to advancing her language skills this past summer, Hurlbert said she also increased skills in other areas.  Hurlbert said she participated in culturally-based courses facilitated by a Chinese national who taught the group how the language has impacted their culture. She said the group project about culture was really impactful. 

“My group chose to study and present the intersections between Taoism and Chinese Medicine – specifically about Acupuncture,” said Hurlbert. “We found Chinese medicine very interesting and learned how it’s all connected.” 

Those that have worked with Hurlbert are impressed with her enthusiasm for this type of work. 

Rebecca Bernman of NSLI-Y said she was selected from 2500 applicants from across the United States and who are reviewed by trained evaluators who assess the applicants’ motivation for language learning, sense of character and demonstrated cultural awareness.

“Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important factors,” said Berman. 

SCVi staff concur with Berman’s assessment of Hurlbert’s skills and motivation. SCVi Academic/College/IB Counselor Kris Nilsen said that she has been impressed with Hurlbert’s interest and perseverance in going after these types of opportunities. 

“She has a definite passion for languages,” said Nilsen. “I think she will continue with her language studies and eventually study abroad.”

SCVi Innovations Guide and Upper School Advisory Council Member Jessica Harrison concurred with Nilsen. She said that Hurlbert has always been passionate and dedicated to study of languages and diverse cultures. 

A large part of the reason why she is in Innovations is so that we could make sure she was able to pursue her languages,” said Harrison. “It’s been a joy to be part of her journey and I can’t wait to see what she does next!”

Hurlbert said she has really enjoyed her time at SCVI and thanks mentors such as Harrison. She said she is continuing her Mandarin studies this year at College of the Canyons while she focuses on her next steps after high school. She is interested in her continued language studies, but has strong interests in the sciences as well. 

“I’m looking at studying in Australia and would love to study abroad in Japan or China at some point as well,” she said. 

Hurlbert said she would definitely recommend this program to her fellow SCVi and ILEAD learners. 

“It’s demanding, but worthwhile,” she said. “Despite it being virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.”

After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and the NSLI-Y Alumni Association and participate in alumni activities focused on networking, professional development, continued language and cultural learning, and community service. Many NSLI-Y alumni go on to pursue education and careers vital to U.S. national security and credit the program experience with helping them improve their academic, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills.  You can see information about alumni achievements here, as well as key findings from a 2018 Alumni Impact Report here.

You can find out more information about these programs at NSLI For Youth. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State provides study abroad opportunities for over 1,000 American high school students and approximately 3,000 international high school students each year. Visit High School Study Abroad to learn more.

SCVi Senior Spends Summer Advancing Language Studies Through U.S. State Department

…virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.” After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and…

Across the United States, millions of high schoolers take foreign language courses each and every year. Indeed, it’s an expectation for most post-secondary opportunities, as well as many high school diplomas. However, very few work hard to continue their language studies over the summer voluntarily. That’s usually the case unless your iLEAD SCVi Senior Raven Hurlbert.

Hurlbert – who has been studying both Mandarin and Japanese for several years – was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Virtual Summer Intensive Scholarship to study Chinese (Mandarin) language for six weeks this past summer. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that promotes critical language learning among American youth.

The 2021 Virtual Summer Intensive program was an online alternative for NSLI-Y immersion programs that could not take place overseas due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides robust language and cultural learning opportunities by virtually connecting the participants with overseas teachers, international peers, cultural organizations and communities where the target language is spoken. Scholarship recipients study diverse options such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Koren, Persian, Russian or Turkish.

Although the program was virtual this year, Hurlbert said it was still an amazing experience. For three hours each day for the six weeks, she said she really enjoyed the interaction with her small cohort of others around the country all studying Chinese.

“I was the only student from the West Coast,” said Hurlbert. “I made several new friends and really enjoyed the group projects.”

Hurlbert said she plans to stay in contact with several from her cohort, as well as apply for the program again this year. Her intention is to apply for both the summer program and a year-long study abroad program also sponsored by the U.S. State Department. 

“My hope is to travel and be able to live somewhere overseas,” said Hurlbert. “Those opportunities provide even better interaction and really improve language skills.”

In addition to advancing her language skills this past summer, Hurlbert said she also increased skills in other areas.  Hurlbert said she participated in culturally-based courses facilitated by a Chinese national who taught the group how the language has impacted their culture. She said the group project about culture was really impactful. 

“My group chose to study and present the intersections between Taoism and Chinese Medicine – specifically about Acupuncture,” said Hurlbert. “We found Chinese medicine very interesting and learned how it’s all connected.” 

Those that have worked with Hurlbert are impressed with her enthusiasm for this type of work. 

Rebecca Bernman of NSLI-Y said she was selected from 2500 applicants from across the United States and who are reviewed by trained evaluators who assess the applicants’ motivation for language learning, sense of character and demonstrated cultural awareness.

“Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important factors,” said Berman. 

SCVi staff concur with Berman’s assessment of Hurlbert’s skills and motivation. SCVi Academic/College/IB Counselor Kris Nilsen said that she has been impressed with Hurlbert’s interest and perseverance in going after these types of opportunities. 

“She has a definite passion for languages,” said Nilsen. “I think she will continue with her language studies and eventually study abroad.”

SCVi Innovations Guide and Upper School Advisory Council Member Jessica Harrison concurred with Nilsen. She said that Hurlbert has always been passionate and dedicated to study of languages and diverse cultures. 

A large part of the reason why she is in Innovations is so that we could make sure she was able to pursue her languages,” said Harrison. “It’s been a joy to be part of her journey and I can’t wait to see what she does next!”

Hurlbert said she has really enjoyed her time at SCVI and thanks mentors such as Harrison. She said she is continuing her Mandarin studies this year at College of the Canyons while she focuses on her next steps after high school. She is interested in her continued language studies, but has strong interests in the sciences as well. 

“I’m looking at studying in Australia and would love to study abroad in Japan or China at some point as well,” she said. 

Hurlbert said she would definitely recommend this program to her fellow SCVi and ILEAD learners. 

“It’s demanding, but worthwhile,” she said. “Despite it being virtual only, I really enjoyed the experience and learned many new ways to practice my language skills.”

After program completion, NSLI-Y participants are eligible to join International Exchange Alumni and the NSLI-Y Alumni Association and participate in alumni activities focused on networking, professional development, continued language and cultural learning, and community service. Many NSLI-Y alumni go on to pursue education and careers vital to U.S. national security and credit the program experience with helping them improve their academic, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills.  You can see information about alumni achievements here, as well as key findings from a 2018 Alumni Impact Report here.

You can find out more information about these programs at NSLI For Youth. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State provides study abroad opportunities for over 1,000 American high school students and approximately 3,000 international high school students each year. Visit High School Study Abroad to learn more.