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Exploratory Journey
Based on your selection we recommend:

Exploratory Journey

Find a mentor for a journey
Schedule
Flexible based on student’s needs
length
4-6 sessions at 60 minutes per session
Location
Virtual, join from anywhere!
Tuition
Students enrolled with the following partners may be able to register for free by applying for a scholarship.
You’ll be able to request a scholarship application during registration.
Association to Benefit Children logoCollege Match LogoPrep for Prep logoStepping Stone Foundation LogoPeninsula Bridge logoYoung Eisner Scholars logo
Scholarships available for community partners
Class size
Private 1:1
Students work with mentors to explore topics they’re interested in
Mentors work with our education team to develop engaging lesson plans
Mentors adjust the curriculum to the student’s interests as they evolve
Students can culminate their lessons with a project or continue exploring indefinitely
Finding what you're passionate about requires exposure to many things followed by the opportunity to dive deep into the subject that most excites you.
The exploratory journey is a compilation of those experiences, curated to you individually.  It's a journey and no passion is found in a vacuum. Explore a topic of interest with the guidance of a mentor by building skills, gaining proficiency in the subject, and fostering a love of learning.
how exploratory journeys work
NOOR AFSHAR •
1
Students are matched with mentors who share their interests and have unique expertise in the subject matter.
Once matched, mentors and students will identify areas of interest and map a game plan, starting with identifying which subjects the student would like to explore.
2
Start with introduction sessions!
Based on the student’s broad interests, mentors will curate a series of introductory lessons that explore various aspects of the subject.

For example, if the student is broadly interested in environmental science, introductory sessions could span topics like climate change, sustainability, and weather patterns.
3
Move to deep dives. 
If a student identifies a narrower subject within the topic that they want to know more about, mentors will curate a more specific lesson plan to take a “deeper dive” into that subject.

For example, if a student is doing an exploratory journey into environmental science, does an introductory lesson on sustainability, and loves it, they can decide to take a deep dive into sustainability, learning more about things like fast fashion, ethical consumption, and sustainable design!
4
Finish with a focused project!
In each session, mentors will check in on progress, troubleshoot and discuss if any changes are needed.

Occasionally, mentors will facilitate mini-lessons to teach new skills a student may need to continue their project.
Not sure an Exploratory Journey is what you’re looking for? Feel free to explore our other programs:

Passion Project

For students who know what they’re passionate about and want to bring a real-world project from idea to execution with the guidance of a mentor.

Students work with a college mentor who specializes in their passion subject to develop a project idea. Their mentor is specifically selected to provide expertise, support, and accountability as your student brings their project to life.

Timeline and deliverables are catered to your student’s needs and goals.

Select

Exploratory Journey

For students who are still exploring what they’re interested in and want a mentor to facilitate that exploration, curating a journey through subjects that may be of interest.

A mentor guides your student as they explore their subject of interest, immersing them in everything they’d need to know to pursue a project!

Find a mentor

Academic Mentorship

For students who want additional help with their current school curriculum.

College mentors are selected for their expertise in the subject matter and shared interests with your student. We’ve helped thousands of students catch up and turn their least favorite subjects into areas of confidence.

Select

Getting Ahead

For students looking to go beyond the school curriculum and take a deep dive into a particular academic subject.

College mentors are selected for their expertise in the subject matter and shared interests with your student, helping students not only master the subjects but also foster a love of learning.

Select
Getting started is easier than you think! you’re already on step 2!
Step 1: Select a scenario that best applies to your student
Step 2: Learn more about exploratory journeys
Step3: Sign up and tell us about your student
Step 4: Get matched with a college mentor
Step 5: Have your first session!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What age range is this offering best suited for?

Mentors will adjust the course material to meet different age levels. We have different levels for this course for ages 9-11, 12-15, and 16-18.

Does my child need to have experience with this topic?

No! The course is designed and curated by mentors to be accessible to all levels of experience–including no experience at all.

Can I customize this course further?

Of course! Mentors will work with students to customize the course to their exact interests and ideas.

How adaptable is the course? Can my child take something similar to this that is not this exact syllabus?

Absolutely! Our mentors always adapt courses to best suit the goals and interests of their students. The syllabus is simply a jumping-off point!

Can students take this course together in a group or is it 1:1?

This is intended to be a private 1:1 guided exploration. However, if you have a friend or group of friends that you would like to take this with, please reach out to us and we will make it work!

How much of a role will the mentor play in the course?

The mentor will be a thought partner and guide for the student. The mentor will create slides to teach the student background knowledge and share videos, articles, podcasts, and other resources to introduce the student to new concepts. Like all student-driven Curious Cardinals courses, mentors will curate the course content to a student’s specific passions. The course will be honed to address each student’s unique interests and ideas.

Do I get to choose which mentor leads the course or is it set?

After giving us your preferences, students will be presented with a mentor we recommend as the best fit based on shared interests. If you do not like the mentor we recommend, students can “fire” their mentor and be introduced to a new one!

Can this course be extended? 

Yes! After the initial four lessons, mentors will guide students to dive deeper into a more niche topic area that they discovered through the current course.