EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
 "Our district has been a staunch supporter for the work of EIC for over four years. We look forward to participating in EIC's big vision for universal thriving by "empowering youth and communities to thrive together". 
- Dr. Summer Stephens, Superintendent, Churchill County School District, NV Board of Ed member, NV Superintendent of Year 2022, from Endorsement Letter  
"During the past four years, I have been working alongside very smart and determined leaders as they develop the Education Innovation Collaborative. EIC is working to build a competency-based and project-based learning network of Thrive Labs. EIC recognizes the need to build stronger collaboration between our K-12 and higher education systems to support Nevada’s workforce needs. I encourage everyone to support this innovative education network as it is now on a roll - with the development of Thrive Lab Tahoe.
​EIC is a model for education innovation that Nevada desperately needs."

- Kevin C. Melcher, Board Chair, Community Foundation of northern Nevada, former member of NV Board of education, former REGENT of Nevada system of higher education. 
The structure, format, and general community support that EIC Thrive lab has planned is very much in-line with the NNV community needs and will be of high impact to the youth in this region.
...will be especially helpful to youth who are not comfortable or progressing with the regular educational system - and will find an alternative that may be helpful to succeed.
  - Carlos Cardillo, Nevada Center for Applied Research, University of Nevada, Reno Executive Director
I'd say the future of education may look like Thrive Town. The metaverse and it's infinite possibilities are ripe for a new VR educational platform tied to physical playgrounds like this. 
  - Dayan Paul, instructor of virtual reality game design & animation at TMCC (Truckee Meadows Community College), CEO of Masquerade Media. 

 COMMUNITY LEADERS & DEVELOPERS
"This is a really cool space - like a clubhouse. Huge need for a place for teens to just hang out - and do interesting projects and classes. The kids are going to love it.
Great effort and thought has been put into this endeavor. It contains many ideas of value to alternate learning formats for kids who don't fit into the traditional model."
​      - LINDA OFFERDAHL, Executive Director of IVCBA (Incline Village Crystal Bay Business & Community Association)
"These programs offered by EIC provide an environment for exploration and exposure to new ideas and an expanded world of possibilities... supporting and inspiring children at a young age to explore and develop their unique capabilities and talents for the betterment of themselves, their families and their communities.
The programs align with the goals of the Yass Prize to incorporate new ideas, technology, and approaches to learning into a new model that will support the educational, emotional, and intellectual growth of youth, and help to transform the delivery of education."
    - Nancy McCormick, Senior Vice President Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada
"The objective of the EIC Thrive Ecosystem is not merely to establish a learning platform, but to forge an adaptive, integrated environment where learning spans from tactile, face-to-face interactions to comprehensive digital immersion. Thrive represents more than a program—it's an initiative. It stands at the forefront of revolutionizing the learning experience, cultivating an innovative landscape where education and technology seamlessly intertwine. Thrive isn't just observing the future of learning, they're working to shape it.
 - Juston Berg, VP of Enterpreneurial Development, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)

STUDENTS

"It was fun designing the space and creating stuff... It is an amazing way to craft and be together in a community."
  - Lilly Kurashewich, 8th grade TLT participant, Swope MS
"Throughout the nine months I’ve been involved with the Thrive Lab, I have not only learned a lot, but come to express myself creatively and vocally in (group) discussions and projects. Examples of this include helping to create the Thrive Lab’s logo and motto in October, and beginning the process of starting my own soap business through the lab. When I first got involved with the Thrive lab, I wouldn’t speak up much in group conversations. I had opinions and ideas, though I would keep them to myself. Since then, I have come to be very vocal and active in group decisions and discussions. The Thrive lab has taught me that every opinion and side of something matters. The lab also provided the space for me to feel comfortable sharing my ideas and opinions, this is what inspired me to raise my voice...."
​ - Rowan Behrens, 7th grade participant in Thrive Lab, Tahoe Expeditionary Academy, June 2022
Excerpt from Rowan's Case Study experience of Thrive Lab in 

PARENTS

"Thrive Lab gave youth and adults a positive collaborative environment to share areas of interest in order to grow passion in the youth of our community."
Most impactful aspect: "Kids working with other community members to understand skills needed for the wide variety of careers available. Kids need to feel engaged in their education and understand the value of the skills they learn in all of the subjects they are required to take."​
  - Samantha Kurashewich, parent of 8th grade participant, financial contributor 
Thrive Lab gives students a unique learning environment that allows them to thrive.
It's a great blueprint for children's optimal learning through exploration, coaching and innovation.  
  - Kristin Derrin, parent, youth coach, & contributor to design of Self-Preneur development process.  

ADD YOUR VOICE TO Help US WIN GRANTS! 
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Thank you so much for your care and generosity to uplift learners everywhere through enlightened personal and professional development to thrive.

With deep gratitude,
    EIC team, partners, and advocates