About UsWe inspire students with a sense of infinite possibilities, and empower them to shape their life and future with meaning and purposeOpen Future InstituteOFI_c9697808-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea00OFI TeamGerard SenehiFounder & President ~ Gerard is inspired by the possibilities and the potential of bringing deeper aspects of our humanity to the foreground in education. After graduating from Amherst College, he taught science and art, viewing science as a way to "teach" curiosity and art as a way to spark creativity. Inspired to expand his impact and learn more, he worked as a social worker with at-risk youth. In doing so, he recognized that the issues young people faced needed to be addressed in a more foundational and profound way. With a firm belief that education could do more to better support students with the foundations for their life and future, he completed a master's degree in education at the University of Massachusetts. ^^ Driven by a deep desire to find answers to life's big questions, Gerard embarked on a personal quest that would shape his unique approach to education. While on this path, Gerard also developed a career as an entertainer doing mystery shows that inspired audiences’ curiosity about life. He quickly reached the top of his field, earning the admiration of world leaders, celebrities, and Fortune 500 CEOs, and has been featured on television internationally, including CNN and Fox News. ^^ Continuing to pursue his vision for expanding the role of education, in 2013, Gerard founded the nonprofit Open Future Institute and The QUESTion Project with his wife, Francesca Rusciani. Their shared commitment to empowering youth has been the driving force behind the organization's success. In recognition for his achievement and contribution to youth development as an immigrant, Gerard was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor.Francesca RuscianiCo-Founder & Executive Director ~ Francesca's passion for big life questions started when she was a girl and has since developed into a lifelong journey of exploration, inquiry and commitment to social change. After completing a Master’s Degree in Eastern Philosophy and Sanskrit Studies at the University of Rome, Italy, she pursued a career in corporate program management and strategic consulting. With over 15 years of corporate experience, she held a number of managerial positions at US Robotics, UPC Broadband Telecommunications and Liberty Media Global, supervising large-scale international programs and teams. While in the corporate setting, she volunteered her skills to social and humanitarian causes. She provided strategic consulting for post-tsunami reconstruction in Sri Lanka; offered program management for social entrepreneurs’ organizations such as Ashoka in the USA and Kids Rights in the Netherlands; and volunteered as a strategic consultant for Emerging Cooking Solutions, a Swedish social business introducing affordable stoves in Africa. Now the Executive Director of The QUESTion Project, she has found her life’s work in empowering youth to pursue a life of purpose.Jonathan WangManager of School Programs and Teacher Training ~ Prior to joining OFI, Jonathan spent his career as a high school English teacher and academic administrator in public and independent, day and boarding, and start-up and long-established schools. He brings to his work as Manager of School Programs and Teacher Training his deep experience and expertise in classroom practice, student and teacher mentorship, and an understanding of the dynamics and challenges of our current educational system. He has been trained in Restorative Justice practices and has spent much of his career focusing on the social and emotional well-being of students.Chandni TrivediDirector, Strategic Partnerships and Communications ~ Chandni joined the Open Future Institute in 2020 after working in the education and finance industry for the past decade. At Open Future Institute, Chandni leads the communication and partnership strategy. She holds a Master's degree in nonprofit administration from Columbia University, an MBA from ICFAI University, Hyderabad and bachelor's degree in Engineering. ^^ Prior to her current position, Chandni served as a Director of Operations and Strategy for an international Education Company where she had been instrumental in leading several education projects both in the domestic and international space, supporting Ministries of Education across all stages of a system improvement journey, improving student outcomes at scale and pace. After 10 years in the for-profit space, Chandni knew the next phase of her life would be spent focusing on designing and executing projects that help foundations, philanthropists, NGOs, and social entrepreneurs to drive and strengthen their social initiatives. Her true passion lies in being part of an organization that leads social transformation and creates a positive change within the community which is what drew her to Open Future Institute. ^^ In her spare time, Chandni loves reading non-fiction, traveling with her family, cooking, and eating pizza with her husband.Florence FabbricottiQUESTion Academy Program Manager ~ Florence joined the Open Future Institute in 2015. In the Netherlands, she has facilitated QUESTion Classes for students, and the QUESTion Academy curriculum for teachers in several schools. Florence has a master’s degree and teacher’s degree in Ancient Greek and Latin Languages and Culture. Working with students stole her heart. In between teaching grammar and ancient history, she always found ways to discuss how humanity today, at its deepest core, is still the same as in civilizations 2000 years ago. ^^ Next to this she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and she will complete a master’s degree in 2021 for Solution Based Counseling. Her professional journey brought her in the for-profit sector where she works as a project manager for complex initiatives in a worldwide TelCo company. Within her company, she is passionate about coaching young adult colleagues, who just entered their professional careers, to guide them through the major shifts in life that come with adulthood and with the responsibility of a first job. In 2020, Florence started combining her project management skills with her teacher and trainer competencies, as a Teacher Training Program Manager with the Open Future Institute.Marieke van WoerkomSenior Teacher Trainer ~ Marieke van Woerkom joined Open Future Institute as an educational consultant and teacher trainer in 2020. As a trainer, facilitator, and coach she works in schools across New York City and beyond to build more inclusive learning and teaching environments. She also contributes to the development of the QUESTion Academy -- our teacher training, professional development and coaching programs. ^^ Marieke has worked in the fields of social emotional learning; inter-cultural exchange; conflict resolution; restorative practices; social justice; racial equity; trauma informed-care; healing centered engagement; and human rights for over 25 years. When working with schools, and in classrooms, her focus is on creating more equitable spaces where all students (and staff) feel they belong. Marieke holds a double Masters in Cultural Anthropology and International Relations from the University of Amsterdam, with a focus on social psychology and a specialization in group identity and intergroup relations.Joshua MesnikSenior Teacher Trainer ~ Joshua began his journey with The QUESTion Project while in college at Florida State University by helping to create the first experimental “QUESTion Lab.” As the program evolved, he worked with the Open Future Institute team to co-write and facilitate The QUESTion Class in the South Bronx. He now serves as a Teacher Trainer based out of Los Angeles. ^^ Joshua is the founder of Boomer Tech Help, a technology education, and support service. As an actor, director, and writer, Joshua has a passion for creating stories that enliven, inspire, and connect us to our shared humanity.Steve BallChief Financial Officer ~ Steve joined Open Future Institute after spending over 20 years working in for-profit companies. Steve brings his business and management experience to the organization to help it grow in a sustainable way. In addition, he also works in the role of teacher trainer, working alongside NYC Department of Education teachers in Bronx high schools. Steve is in his fourth year as volunteer tutor at the Goddard Star Learning center in Manhattan, and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s science degrees from University College, London.OFI Pro Bono ContributorsIsobel KingAmbassador, The QUESTion Project ~ Isobel joined Open Future Institute after spending several months as a volunteer who recognized the importance of supporting young people with an outlet to explore life’s biggest questions. She has several years of experience working for small companies and start-ups with a focus in communications and branding. As part of the OFI team, she has played a critical role in bringing the QUESTion Project to over 1,500 students, creating new course content, overseeing all aspects of the classroom curriculum, and designing a training program for teachers and guidance counselors. She studied philosophy and cultural anthropology at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.Mohamed RamyAmbassador, The QUESTion Project ~ Mohamed interned with the Open Future Institute in 2015, and has since volunteered his time as an Ambassador of The QUESTion Project. He is curious about the evolution of culture, and holds fast to his belief that acknowledging differences can lead to understanding. He is currently a pre-med student at Amherst College.OFI Advisory BoardDean Ornish, M.D.Founder & President, Preventive Medicine Research Institute ~ Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Ornish received his M.D. from the Baylor College of Medicine, was a clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He earned a B.A. in Humanities summa cum laude from the University of Texas in Austin, where he gave the baccalaureate address. ^^ For over 35 years, Dr. Ornish has directed clinical research demonstrating, for the first time, that comprehensive lifestyle changes may begin to reverse even severe coronary heart disease, without drugs or surgery. Recently, Medicare agreed to provide coverage for this program, the first time that Medicare has covered a program of comprehensive lifestyle changes. He directed the first randomized controlled trial demonstrating that comprehensive lifestyle changes may stop or reverse the progression of early-stage prostate cancer. His current research showed that comprehensive lifestyle changes affect gene expression, "turning on" disease-preventing genes and "turning off" genes that promote cancer and heart disease, as well as increasing telomerase, an enzyme that lengthens telomeres, the ends of our chromosomes which control aging (in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009). ^^ He is the author of six books, all national bestsellers, including: Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease; Eat More, Weigh Less; Love & Survival; and his most recent book, The Spectrum.Gary HattemDirector of Philanthropy, Deutsche Bank ~ Gary Hattem, Managing Director, heads the Community Development Finance Group and is responsible for overseeing Corporate Responsibility for the Americas. Mr. Hattem established the Community Development Finance Group when he joined Deutsche Bank in 1990 and is recognized as an innovative leader in the field of private sector investment in distressed communities. Over the past two decades, as global head of social finance for Deutsche Bank, he has overseen more than $2.5 billion in financing for projects and enterprises which benefit low-income communities in the Americas and throughout the developing world. ^^ In addition to his banking role, Mr. Hattem is the President of the Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation managing a philanthropic grants program in the fields of education, arts and the environment, as well as community development. ^^ Mr. Hattem holds many leadership positions in philanthropy, and community reinvestment. Most notably, he is Chairman of the Global Commercial Microfinance Consortium II, Chairman of the Carbon Initiative for Community Impact, Director of the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation, a Trustee of Pratt Institute and was appointed by President Clinton to serve as a member of the Haiti Presidential Advisory Council on Economic Growth and Investment. ^^ Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Gary Hattem was the first Executive Director of the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, a non-governmental organization. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization pioneered the revitalization of the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York. ^^ Mr. Hattem holds a Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute and a B.S. Degree from Purchase College. In 2009 he was selected as an American Council on Germany McCloy Environmental Fellow.Kathleen MurphyFounder, Murphy Media Partners ~ Murphy's career has taken her all over the world. Kathleen Murphy brings 16 years of on-camera and Executive Producing experience for national networks to her work with authors, athletes, executives, entrepreneurs and CEO’s. She has interviewed and hosted for ESPN, USA Network, ABC Television, Oxygen Network, Lifetime Television, The Football Network, MSG, Discovery Network, The Weather Channel, WBIS and others, as well as piloted several network shows and radio. ^^ As Managing Editor of British American Publishing with Simon & Schuster, she discovered and published bestselling author Harlan Coben, published hardcover editions of George Plimpton’s The Paris Review authors, and published a National Book Award Nominee and Penn Faulkner Nominee – one of the best 5 works of fiction of the year. ^^ Most recently SVP, Director of Marketing at Revolution, LLC and Director of Business Development for Loeb Enterprises, Ms. Murphy is the Founder of Murphy Media Partners. ^^ She traveled daily with the Tour de France race through the French countryside creating and reporting daily features and conducting cyclist interviews; lived in the canopy of the rain forest of Costa Rica; explored witchcraft and politics in Cuba; fly-fished the rivers of Montana and lived on a boat in Alaska king salmon waters, adopting a dog sledding team. Her co-hosting with Regis Philbin garnered her the New York Post’s vote to replace Kathie Lee Gifford. ^^ Kathleen Murphy is an Amherst College graduate and has a graduate degree from Harvard University, Radcliffe College. She is a two-time New York City Marathon finisher and has read to the blind as a volunteer for twelve years.Peter GeorgescuChairman Emeritus, Young & Rubicam, Author of The Constant Choice ~ Peter Georgescu is Chairman Emeritus of Young & Rubicam Inc., a network of preeminent commercial communications companies dedicated to helping clients build their businesses through the power of brands. He served as the company’s Chairman and CEO from 1994 until January 2000. ^^ Mr. Georgescu immigrated to the United States from Romania in 1954. He was educated at Exeter Academy, received his B.A. with cum laude honors from Princeton and an MBA from the Stanford Business School. ^^ The University of Alabama and Cornell College in Iowa have awarded Mr. Georgescu honorary doctorate degrees. Mr. Georgescu is also the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. ^^ Mr. Georgescu continues to serve as a board member of a publicly registered company, Geeknet. Previously, he has served on the Boards of Levis Strauss, Toys R Us, EMI Recorded Music, International Flavors & Fragrances and Briggs & Stratton. He is currently Vice Chairman of New York Presbyterian Hospital, a Trustee of the Paul & Daisy Soros New American Fellowship Program and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. ^^ In 2006 Mr. Georgescu published his first book “The Source of Success” — asserting that personal values and creativity are the leading drivers of business success in the 21st Century. His second book, "The Constant Choice -- an Everyday Journey from Evil Toward Good" was published in January 2013.Ashok MahbubaniPresident and CEO of Multitronics VMI and founder of the EKTA foundation ~ Ashok Mahbubani is President and CEO of Multitronics VMI, as well as the founder of the EKTA foundation which focuses on Education, Water & Sanitation and Information & Communication Technology. The unifying objective of the Foundation’s commitments and investments in these areas is enhancing human dignity, and building human capital, through knowledge & learning, with the long-term goal of communal & personal development. ^^ In their path to the present, Ekta developed a bond with Haiti, where it has made measurable impact working with stellar partners – the Haitian Education & Leadership Program (HELP), Inveneo and Water.org – to change ground realities for the better. The EKTA Foundation has also made a significant commitment to women’s health in the United States as a benefactor contributor to the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in California. The birth of EKTA in the US is a dimension of the American dream linked, at many levels, to the birth of its founders in India. One of the many ideas that comes from a fusion of Eastern philosophy with Western thought is that of a destiny shaped through actions that fulfill our highest calling and feed our spirit. This is the purposeful unity -- the EKTA -- that we seek, as we continue our never-ending quest for beneficial change in the world.Amrita MahbubaniCorporate CFO of Multitronics VMI and co-founder of the EKTA foundation ~ Amrita Mahbubani is the Corporate CFO of Multitronics VMI, as well as the co-founder of the EKTA foundation which focuses on Education, Water & Sanitation and Information & Communication Technology. The unifying objective of the Foundation's commitments and investments in these areas is enhancing human dignity, and building human capital, through knowledge & learning, with the long-term goal of communal & personal development. ^^ In their path to the present, Ekta developed a bond with Haiti, where it has made measurable impact working with stellar partners -- the Haitian Education & Leadership Program (HELP), Inveneo and Water.org -- to change ground realities for the better. The EKTA Foundation has also made a significant commitment to women’s health in the United States as a benefactor contributor to the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in California. The birth of EKTA in the US is a dimension of the American dream linked, at many levels, to the birth of its founders in India. One of the many ideas that comes from a fusion of Eastern philosophy with Western thought is that of a destiny shaped through actions that fulfill our highest calling and feed our spirit. This is the purposeful unity -- the EKTA -- that we seek, as we continue our never-ending quest for beneficial change in the world.Xiaoan Li, Ph.D.Senior Program Officer at the Fetzer Institute ~ Xiaoan Li, Ph.D. in higher education and organizational change, is a senior program officer at the Fetzer Institute, a private operating foundation in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since 2011, Xiaoan has actively participated in the exploration of building the spiritual foundation for a loving world, being responsible for the development of many project initiatives and the management of the full life cycle of the project process within the areas of social and emotional learning, spiritual literacy and education, spiritual formation and the role of communities, spiritual development of children and youth, workplace spirituality, leadership development, and so forth. ^^ Prior to his working at the Fetzer Institute, Xiaoan has assumed numerous teaching and leadership positions in educational institutions in both China and the United States. As a Teaching Fellow, he has taught several courses, including Diversity in U.S. Higher Education, Chinese Language and Culture, and International Education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for four years. He also worked once as an Associate Faculty at Indiana University. While in China, Xiaoan served as faculty and director of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program at the China University of Geosciences Beijing (CUGB) from 1998-2001. He also once served as assistant president of the Meijia Education Group, a private and elite educational company in Beijing. From 2001 to 2005, Xiaoan was president and Chief-Teaching-Officer (CTO) at the Beijing Global Times Language Training School.OFI Board of DirectorsGerard SenehiFounder & President ~ Gerard is inspired by the possibilities and the potential of bringing deeper aspects of our humanity to the foreground in education. After graduating from Amherst College, he taught science and art, viewing science as a way to "teach" curiosity and art as a way to spark creativity. Inspired to expand his impact and learn more, he worked as a social worker with at-risk youth. In doing so, he recognized that the issues young people faced needed to be addressed in a more foundational and profound way. With a firm belief that education could do more to better support students with the foundations for their life and future, he completed a master's degree in education at the University of Massachusetts. ^^ Driven by a deep desire to find answers to life's big questions, Gerard embarked on a personal quest that would shape his unique approach to education. While on this path, Gerard also developed a career as an entertainer doing mystery shows that inspired audiences’ curiosity about life. He quickly reached the top of his field, earning the admiration of world leaders, celebrities, and Fortune 500 CEOs, and has been featured on television internationally, including CNN and Fox News. ^^ Continuing to pursue his vision for expanding the role of education, in 2013, Gerard founded the nonprofit Open Future Institute and The QUESTion Project with his wife, Francesca Rusciani. Their shared commitment to empowering youth has been the driving force behind the organization’s success. In recognition for his achievement and contribution to youth development as an immigrant, Gerard was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor.Francesca RuscianiCo-Founder & Executive Director ~ Francesca's passion for big life questions started when she was a girl and has since developed into a lifelong journey of exploration, inquiry and commitment to social change. After completing a Master's Degree in Eastern Philosophy and Sanskrit Studies at the University of Rome, Italy, she pursued a career in corporate program management and strategic consulting. With over 15 years of corporate experience, she held a number of managerial positions at US Robotics, UPC Broadband Telecommunications and Liberty Media Global, supervising large-scale international programs and teams. While in the corporate setting, she volunteered her skills to social and humanitarian causes. She provided strategic consulting for post-tsunami reconstruction in Sri Lanka; offered program management for social entrepreneurs’ organizations such as Ashoka in the USA and Kids Rights in the Netherlands; and volunteered as a strategic consultant for Emerging Cooking Solutions, a Swedish social business introducing affordable stoves in Africa. Now the Executive Director of The QUESTion Project, she has found her life’s work in empowering youth to pursue a life of purposeJonathan LeverJonathan is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Fetzer Institute, a philanthropic foundation and ideas institution committed to helping build the spiritual foundation for a loving world. Jonathan’s personal story is grounded in "meliorism" -- the philosophical notion that the world can be made better by human action -- a school of thought he came to learn about in his twenties but the seed of which was planted at an early age in reaction to the world's indifference to the Holocaust. With this orientation, he studied religion at the College of William & Mary and devoted his professional career to working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations where he found the greatest opportunity to exercise his moral imagination. For more than fifteen years, he was a senior executive of YMCA of the USA where he led national innovation efforts in the areas of healthy living and youth development. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the YMCA’s innovation ventures were featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Stanford Social Innovation Review and the U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services awarded the YMCA its highest honor for health innovation. Prior to the YMCA, he was CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida; an attorney advising nonprofits and foundations on tax and governance matters; a research associate at Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy and the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University; and a program associate for religion at the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Jonathan has a law degree from Northeastern University and a master’s degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Jonathan and his wife, Laura, have been married for 26 years. They have three children -- a seventh-grade social studies teacher in Appalachia, a junior at the University of Rochester majoring in studio art, and a senior in high school. Joel JewittJoel is Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Strategic Operations at LiveRamp Inc, a publicly traded corporation in San Francisco, CA. Joel has co-founded companies that have launched thousands of successful careers for young people hoping to grow and contribute to the future. ^^ Joel began his involvement in education as IBM liaison for Junior Achievement in Manhattan in the early 80's. In 2008 Joel worked on a team that transformed the Stanford Graduate School of Business curriculum to include a new experiential learning track for all first year students. The program was highly successful, and now includes the annual Executive Challenge, where hundreds of alumni interact with the first year class in a richly rewarding mutual experience. Joel has continued to contribute to Stanford leadership development as a guest lecturer. ^^ Joel holds a Bachelor's degree in physics from Amherst College and a Master's degree in business from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.Evan SheinbergEvan is a Portfolio Manager for Point 72 Asset Management, a hedge fund with headquarters in Stamford, CT, and New York City. He has been a leader and senior member of the macro group at Point 72 and SAC Capital since joining the fund in 2003. Prior to that, Evan served as Managing Director for Lehman Brothers, where he was responsible for overseeing the firm’s government bond business within the fixed income trading division. He also started and managed a proprietary cross asset trading business while at Lehman. ^^ Evan has always been interested in philanthropic ventures that revolve around helping students reach their potential, and providing opportunities for children to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom. Currently, he is on the Board of Trustees of St. David's School in New York City, and is Chairman of the Investment Committee for the school. He has been actively involved with several organizations that provide after school athletic programs for public school students in NY and nationally: CityLax, where he was honored into their Hall of Fame in 2018, and Up2Us Sports. ^^ Evan received a BA in Political Science from Amherst College and an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business. He lives in New York City with his wife Abby, and has three boys, two of whom recently graduated from Dartmouth and Marist College, and one who is a sophomore at Amherst.Radha RuparellRadha Ruparell has worked with CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, social entrepreneurs, and other grassroots leaders around the world on leadership development and personal transformation. She currently heads the Global Leadership Accelerator at Teach For All, a global network of organizations in more than 60 countries committed to developing collective leadership to ensure all children fulfill their potential. Radha’s work is focused on growing a new set of leadership capacities among tens of thousands of leaders who are reimagining education around the world. ^^ Prior to Teach For All, Radha worked with McKinsey & Company, advising CEOs and senior executives on growth strategy, organizational transformation, and innovation. She led various social sector initiatives in global health, including public-private partnerships that expanded access to essential medicines for millions of children across Asia and Africa. She also co-founded Y2Y (Youth to Youth), the largest community of young professionals providing fresh ideas to the World Bank. ^^ Radha holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. She is the author of Brave Now and co-editor of the book What Leadership Do We Need Now? Radha's work on leadership development has been featured in publications such as Forbes, CEO World, OECD Forum, & Greater Good Science Center. She speaks frequently on topics of inner transformation, systems change, collective leadership, healing and wellbeing.OFI Youth Advisory CouncilThe Youth Advisory Council is a council of young alumni who support the QUESTion Project in its mission to catalyze a new subject field in education. Council members contribute by improving important, varied aspects of the program and advocate for its importance in media, at conferences, with philanthropists, business, and school leaders. ^^ The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of members who originally joined us to co-create the QUESTion Project when they were in high school. They helped us define the core pillars, design the curriculum, improve the lesson plans, and share this work with key stakeholders. Today, motivated by their continued care for this work, these former students have become our youth partners who help shape the future of the QUESTion Project and QUESTion Class as we expand to more students around the world.Celine RamirezSince taking the QUESTion Class I have learned to live life with more purpose. In each setting of my life I see where I can apply each thing I've learned from the class. Thinking about the bigger picture has been the most helpful because it’s helped me realize every day we must set a purpose or goal to make the day really count. I believe that the QUESTion Class should be a subject field in education, because just as the four core subjects impact our future, so does the QUESTion Class. We get to find ourselves at a young age so we can be prepared for "the real world".Charlos DoThe QUESTion Class made me me realize the questions I needed to have put in place for myself to understand the next steps. It gives kids a safe space to discuss what they really want to do after school. It is a place where they can really think about the bigger picture in their lives so they can be fearless to make choices, find their purpose, and be interconnected.Hector CruzThrough the QUESTion Project I learned to understand and work with others a lot better. It helped me learn how to take criticism constructively and how to use that in order to improve myself and improve others. The 5 pillars of the QUESTion Project are still all important pillars that I follow throughout my everyday life. Everything in life flows through these pillars whether or not I’m aware of them. They've helped me become more successful and more social than I have ever been and will continue to help me improve going forward. I feel like the usual curriculum that kids learn in school doesn't touch enough on the human side of life outside and after school. The QUESTion Project helps people get more in touch with deeper emotions and deeper thinking.Karla PerezThe QUESTion project's pillars have followed me all throughout the beginnings of my adulthood and has enhanced my decision making skills and emotional intelligence skills which have been crucial to my success. The pillars have helped me with my communication skills, and academic and career pursuits. I see the need for the QUESTion Class to be a core subject in education as it is necessary for students to have an open learning environment where they can discuss topics such as purpose, decisions, and choice which can aid them academically, professionally, and spiritually.Katery CastelanThe QUESTion project has impacted my life after school because now, more than ever, I am facing reality. The reality of what it’s like being an adult and I’m just getting started. The QUESTion project provided me with a foundation that doesn’t allow me to sink, an armor in which I could confront the harsh reality I now face. A foundation where instead of complaining and giving up or settling, I am forced to reflect and ask myself questions that otherwise would've made me uncomfortable to begin with. Purpose isn't something I've found. Purpose is something I've learned to create overtime with the choices I make. The 5 pillars are my Philosophical guidance. They always have been. They will continue to be. The QUESTion project is important for a student to ask questions that require reflection of oneself in order to have a deeper understand of who we are. It should be a core subject in education because The QUESTion class teaches students something essential that the educational system does not. Unfortunately, our educational system focuses on academic strengths and careers but does not teach us, as constantly evolving, ever growing and forever changing human beings, how to look within ourselves in order to truly find the meaning of success and where our true purpose and passions lies.Justin MedinaMy ability to think rationally and freely about adult life has come from my understanding of the 5 pillars of the QUESTion Project. It has allowed me to maneuver through various ups and down and still be able to get my college degree, be able to finish my apprenticeship and be around a great group of friends. In particular, the pillars of choice, purpose, and the bigger picture have helped me to decide what will want to do with my life. I understand that life is bigger than just us and we set examples for people whether we realize it or not. These pillars have taught me that life is about learning from your mistakes and growing from them. I would like the QUESTion Project be a core subject in education as we live in the social media generation and we are influenced to be judged and compare ourselves to others. We don’t ever teach how to be mentally at ease in the western education. I believe they key to success is a happy mind. If you enjoy your life nothing about it will necessarily stress you out. You will be able adapt overcome and endure anything life throws at you.Levi LambThe QUESTion Project has taught me to be level headed in my decision making and see that there is more to life than only focusing on something with monetary value. The pillar of Purpose has particularly impacted me. Prior to making decisions on what I want do in my life, I always think of that pillar. It helps to keep me focused on what's important to me and keeps me to remember why I’m doing what it is I do. I think the QUESTion Project should be a core subject in education as it gives an outside element to school that a lot of people don't get to experience growing up. Aside from hard facts being thrown in your face, it's ok to think for yourself and speak to people about things that aren't only facts.Marielis MunozThe major impact that the QUESTion Project has made in my life has been the ability to recognize and be more aware of what the world has to offer. It has made me more of an open minded person to where I can talk to someone in a conversation and accept their opinions and values and not be biased. In particular, Fearlessness has helped me in my current life because it teaches me that where I am in a situation of making a big choice not to be overwhelmed by it and take charge and not be afraid of the outcomes because being too comfortable hides you from making good memorable decisions.Michael TorresThe QUESTion Project has taught me that all humans are in the same boat when it comes to answering the biggest questions that no one may be able to answer. The pillar of Fearlessness in particular taught me that it's okay to have fear. In fact, strong people act and don't let fear hold them back. I believe the QUESTion Project should be a core subject in education because it humanizes scholars and reminds them that learning about themselves is as important as writing and doing math.Natalia InoaIn high school there is an illusion of simplicity, only worry about grades, go to the best college etc. However they forget to mention the difficulties of learning how to find a community, how to take risks, and learning about yourself in order to make choices that are genuine to one self. These gaps in learning become more apparent after high school when students are not prepared to face the difficulties of life. Filling these gaps in preparing students are as important as class work, however it is extremely difficult for educators and teachers to do so. Teachers simply cannot handle the emotional aspects of young people because they don’t have the tools and space for it. This is where the QUESTion Class in schools comes in to fill the gaps. A truly holistic approach to education will create better, more well-adjusted young people. The QUESTion project impacted my life the most after high school, it helped me navigate the unknown and complexities of the real world of college and the job market. I have used the 5 pillars in many aspects of my life, but I would say one that has been very important to me was fearlessness. I have struggled a lot with feelings of insecurity and having a lack of confident in myself that have left me fearful to taking risks and speaking up for myself. It has taken me many years to get over my lack of confidence and it took self-awareness and reflection to get to the place I am now. I am move confident in myself and I have made bold moves in my life, some that were silly, but I would not have taken my actions back because it was what I needed to do in order to get out of my comfort zone. Shampa TasneenThe QUESTion Project has motivated me to continue college even though I had to go through some obstacles. My favorite pillar is fearlessness as it has helped me not to be scared of anything. I would like to see the QUESTion Project a core subject in education because students don’t really put their time on thinking about these type of questions besides their studies.Stephanie GarciaI think the question class presses the pause button a bit. Life can be stressful, and I think the class could be a safe space where students get to share their feelings and breathe. I think our discussion on interconnectedness has opened up a larger conversation in my life. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who's experiencing certain problems or that you're the only one thinking about these larger questions, but when we can discuss these things with others, we soon find that we're all linked. And, while we all don't have the same path in life, we do have some shared life experiences that connect us to each other. I think that the question class can definitely create a space where students can discuss existential questions that they may be wondering or stressing about. Students could possibly form a bond with the other students in the class and create a community in which they get to discuss topics that have been gnawing at them.Tahj TarratsIt gave me a more positive outlook on life and gave me a fair sense of direction. The pillar of choice taught me that throughout any point in my life, I always have a choice to make regardless of whether or not it will be beneficial or negative to me, it's up to me to figure out what is the right choice to make in the long run. Purpose has shown me that every individual has a significant role that they play in society and that every person has meaning even if they are oblivious to that truth. It's up to you to find and reveal that purpose to yourself. Fearlessness has shown that I need to face my life head on and step into the unknown of what’s to come in the future. You can’t be afraid of your life and some of the choices you are inevitably going to have to make. Interconnectedness has taught me that everyone has one life in this world. We all share many similar values and obstacles in society. It taught me that if you ever feel alone in this world and lost your path in life, just think of the other people in the world who are probably feeling the same as you. We are all trying to find our purpose in life which is what makes us human. Finally the Bigger Picture in life I would say has shown me that I need to think outside the box and think big to many more possibilities in my life of what I want to do. You have to just go at life with no restrictions on yourself and just let the unknown portions of what’s to come in your life become known to you. I think the QUESTion Project should be a core subject in education because it will allow young individuals to start questioning their lives and it can help set them on a path to self-discovery and figuring out what it is they wish to do in life upon completion of high-school. I also believe that the QUESTion Class can give people an outlet and break from their primary studies such as math, English, science, and history and allow them to think about more personal values in life.Tyreik SkeltonPurpose has driven me to start seeing myself how I used to. To be Heard. Speaking up and saying my truth because some may need to hear it for their own growth, not just my own. Everyone usually has responsibilities that are intended to help us and those around. We were destined to do those things. I think that the QUESTion Project should be a core subject in education. We finally get a chance to think for ourselves, to use our minds instead of someone else’s. Not saying it isn't helpful to decode someone else's thinking to get to a common theme but using your life experiences and thoughts to contribute to a class is a good feeling. People connect with each other more and on a deeper level. We get to see real people I feel.Meaningful, purposeful lives_c9697e20-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea00To empower students to shape their life and future with meaning and purpose_c96982b2-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea00MeaningPurposeChoiceFearlessnessInterconnectednessPerspectiveSpaces & ConnectionsCreate spaces where students can explore the things that matter most and connect their individual inspiration to others and society as a whole_c9698370-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea00Peer GroupsYoung PeopleStudentsTeachersAdministrationsParentsEducatorsWe continue to engage in an ongoing co-creative process with students, educators and schools to find the best way to integrate big life questions into education.SchoolsWe create safe spaces where students can explore the things that matter most, and connect their individual inspiration to others and society as a whole. We do this in peer groups and classroom settings where young people can learn from each other and see their autonomy and individuality in the context of an interconnected whole. We connect the younger and older generations -- students and teachers, administrations and parents -- through the shared human interest in these important life questions. We believe that creating this kind of space supports young people to be who they are. They naturally develop the qualities of openness, care and more expansive thinking that tomorrow’s leaders will need.Questions & PurposesEmpower students to create their future by asking big questions and defining their purposes_c96984ce-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea00The QUESTion ProjectThe QUESTion Project supports public high school students to build the foundations for their lives, their future and a healthy society, through a semester long daily class, called the QUESTion Class. We train teachers to teach our evidence-based curriculum which allows learners to bring out the depth of who they are and collectively explore and grow in important areas of their lives. The QUESTion Class creates a space where students can explore and develop their own identity, strengthen their sense of agency, and build confidence to pursue a life of purpose. Through a coherent, structured process, young people are inspiring each other to take responsibility for their future -- and how they might contribute to their world.Student ContributorsThe QUESTion class curriculum has been created with important input and contribution from the following high school and university students. We are deeply indebted to their dedication and generosity which significantly improved the impact of the class and paves the way to influence the future of education.Angelina AriasBrandon MorenoBritney KikiCarmen ColemanCeline RamirezCharlos DoChemika FullerDaniel JimmenezDeniesha BeasonDennis GilmerEmmanual AsanteHector CruzHeidi RosarioJose LagunaJose RamirezJoshua RobersonJustin MedinaJustus WilliamsKarla PerezKatherine NavarroKatery CastelanKayaira SherrodKelvin OrtizKirk DillonLeandro AlvarezLevi LambMalachi TyrellMarlene NunezMichael TorresMichelle GarciaNatalia InoaOwen SmithPaloma VargasRabia AhmedRamiya FieldsRandy MoralesRoberto EscalanteShampa TasneenTahera UddinTaj TarratsTyriek SkeltonYadhira FloresYasmil PicardoBen FiedlerConnor MyersCourtney RossDakota WayneDillon HazelJoe HernandezLumi YoumMohamed RamyPunam GopalRachael MesnikRainee HerreraRick ShamanskiRyan ZimmermanShannon JaycoxVivian MacWillem HuijzerYannick Della SchiavaZachary KayeStudents are creating their future by asking big questions, expanding their minds and defining their purpose -- together. ^^ Our Methodology All of our programs are based on a 5-pillar structure that facilitates a journey into fundamental human questions. These pillars are Choice, Purpose, Fearlessness, Interconnectedness and A Bigger Picture. We’ve gone through an extensive process to shape them in collaboration with students and educators around the globe, and feel they capture some of the most important parts of being human. When students engage with these 5 pillars, they gain the strength and confidence to take their lives and future into their own hands, and channel their idealism into action.ChoicesDevelop appreciation for the potential inherent in the capacity to choose_c96985aa-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea001Students develop a deep appreciation for the potential inherent in their capacity to choose. Never before have young people have been exposed to so many options. Many can feel overwhelmed by the choices they have and the responsibility to define their own lives. Exploring choice in their own experience opens a sense of possibilities, and gives them the confidence to deal with the challenges that confront them. It empowers and inspires them with a positive responsibility to forge their own lives and future.PurposesChallenge students reflect on their sense of purpose and identify the things they find most important_c96986b8-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea002Students reflect on their sense of purpose in life. There are many ways to live a life of purpose. By identifying the things they find most important, they connect inspiration with action and develop confidence in making life decisions based on their own sense of direction. They are challenged to think about how they can connect what inspires them to what contributes to society.FearlessnessEnable students to gain strength in pursuing and staying true to their deepest convictions_c96987b2-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea003Students gain strength in pursuing and staying true to their deepest convictions. When students have an opportunity to speak openly with their peers about the decisions, actions, and social pressure that overwhelm or intimidate them the most, they discover that fear is not as unique and isolating an experience as they had thought. The power of those fears diminishes and the impossible becomes possible.InterconnectednessEnable students to put their personal biases aside to work together for a greater purpose_c9698a96-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea004By exploring the fact that we are autonomous individuals as well as part of a larger whole, students develop an understanding and appreciation for the different perspectives of others. They are able to put their personal biases aside to work together for a greater purpose. Students see through fixed ideas and develop deeper empathy, compassion and care for others and the common good.PerspectivesEnable students to expand their perspectives and bring more complex and creative thinking to their roles as world citizens_c9698ba4-5bfa-11ef-a5e1-bcacfa82ea005A Bigger Picture ~ Students develop the ability to see their lives, the future and the challenges they face, from a big picture. They become aware of the bigger context they are a part of, and realize the significance of their lives in a larger framework. They learn to expand their perspective beyond their immediate circumstances and bring more complex and creative thinking to their roles as world citizens.2013-12-312024-08-16https://openfutureinstitute.org/about-us/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net