From dyslexic dropouts to doctoral degrees at 17
💡 THOUGHTs
The Power of Saying ‘Yes’ (Plus Cupcakes) 🧁
Daniella Park went from dyslexic dropout to top chef by embracing opportunity. Her secret? “Say yes to everything. Most times it works. Sometimes it kills you. But it always gives you lessons.” Watch her full story
How to Start a Business (With No Ideas) 💡
You don’t need a groundbreaking idea, just start! Be a problem detective, find your passion-skill sweet spot, and network like your business depends on it (because it does). Remember: Every expert was once a beginner. What challenge will you tackle this week?
Obsessive Interest: A Superpower in Disguise 🦸♀️
Worried about your kid’s single-subject obsession? Don’t be! These deep dives teach them how to learn. Whether it’s diamonds, fishing, or quantum physics, the ability to focus intensely becomes a real-world superpower. Feed that curiosity and watch them soar.
📊 TRENDs
Teen walks at graduation after completing doctoral degree at 17
From Dorothy Jean Tillman II earning a doctorate at 17 to our own Early College Program, the path to higher education is starting earlier than ever. Who says you can’t write a thesis before you can legally vote?
Hands-on STEM: Where Science Meets Sprinkles 🧪🧁
The hottest trend in STEM education? Making it deliciously hands-on. Enter Baketivity, turning kitchens into edible laboratories. Because nothing says “chemical reactions” quite like a perfectly risen soufflé. Try it with code OPENED10 for 10% off
Student Entrepreneurs: The Next Big Thing 💼
Meet Aiden Prout, OpenEd alum and garden box genius. His 3D-modeled creation uses 93.5% less water and earned $150,000 in its first year. Not bad for a 17-year-old, eh? Check out WeedFreeGarden.com
⚒️ TOOLs
Reading Apps Showdown: Reddit vs. OpenEd Families 📚
From Reading Eggs to Teach Your Monster to Read, we’ve got the scoop on the best apps for young bookworms. Bonus: One might give your kid a temporary British accent. Cheerio! Read the full list.
The Ultimate Self-Marketing Guide for Students 📣
We made a guide to crafting a personal pitch deck that would make Don Draper jealous. Because in today’s world, even 12-year-olds need a LinkedIn profile (Kidding!) Access the full guide here or forward it to a teen you care about.
The Tennis Ball Sandcastle Challenge: STEM at the Beach 🏖️
Who says learning can’t happen in flip-flops? This Google Docs creator-inspired game turns sand into an engineering playground. Warning: May result in future roller coaster designers. Get the full scoop.
(meme) OF THE DAY
That’s all for this week, folks! Have a great weekend and stay pawsitive!
– Charlie (the OpenEd newsletter guy)