The Knowledge Society
Virtual
We created TKS Virtual to remove geographic limitations for curious and driven young people. This program is 100% online and will connect people from across the world. You will have access to all our programs, materials, and technologies. As part of the TKS community, you will interact with all TKS students, alumni, and mentors.
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Program DurationTKS Virtual runs from September 2020 - June 2021. It follows the same schedule as the city programs, but the sessions are optimized for online interactions.
Session TimingEach session is 2-3 hours and happen weekly. We are planning to have sessions that can accommodate various timezones. We will finalize the timing based on the students, but as of now we are thinking:
Thursday @ 7pm EST Saturday @ 10am EST
Cohort DetailsThere are 2 cohorts in TKS Virtual. Each cohort has between 30 - 50 students. Students who are accepted will be placed into a cohort based on their personalities, interests, location, and other factors that optimize friendships and synergies.
AgeTo participate in TKS, students must be between 14 - 18 years old.
Program DetailsClick below to learn more about the program.
Application ProcessBefore being accepted into TKS, students must apply. If their application is accepted, they will be interviewed by the program director. There is no prior knowledge of technologies, coding, or science required to join TKS. We look for students with drive, curiosity, and commitment.
Be surrounded by like-minded, driven, curious, and ambitious people from around the world. Access to mentors from top-tier organizations. Have a dedicated director to give you personalized guidance to maximize your personal growth. Exposure to emerging technologies and sciences, while being guided to develop your own unique projects. Note: This will require time and effort. Do not expect success without working hard. Special guest speakers to give talks and presentations on their work in areas like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and solving important problems in the world. Access to TKS's exclusive technology platforms that we have built to connect students, alumni, and mentors. Access to unique opportunities like internships, scholarships, competitions, and speaking opportunities. Note: these opportunities must be earned and are not given to everyone in the program. Learn real-world skills like building your personal brand, networking with professionals, using problem solving frameworks, making professional slide decks, and creating high quality content to share your ideas with the world. Learn how to solve real-world problems by working with companies on problems they're currently facing. We call these "challenges". Develop foundational mindsets and mental models to help you make a meaningful impact on the world, while also developing self-awareness.
The cost for TKS Virtual is $432/month for 10 months + $250 deposit.Total: $4570 USD.
This is in USD. We accept all currencies and will convert the cost at the time of payment.
🟢 Financial AidAfter a student is accepted into the program, our financial services team will work with them to provide assistance. We are committed to helping high-potential students join the program, regardless of their financial situation. If you are worried about the cost, please still apply to TKS. If you get accepted you can work with our team to receive financial aid.
Accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships during the application process. We require proof of family income for the past 2 years, as well as an explanation of your financial situation. Since each situation is different, our team will assess each request individually. Aid will be offered based on your financial situation and the amount of financial aid we have available. In the past, we have provided up to 80% in financial aid to students who need the support.
This is the first year we are launching TKS Virtual. We want to make sure we can provide an incredible experience for every student in the program. If you do not feel like you are getting a high quality experience, you will be able to remove yourself from TKS at any time without penalties. It's as simple as having 1 conversation with your director.We ask for a $250 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot in the program (since we have limited space), and make monthly payments for each month you are in the program. You will not be required to make payments if you leave the program.
Note: If you remove yourself from TKS, you will not have the ability to join our Alumni network or have access to exclusive opportunities post-TKS.
We are not sure of the timelines yet. Please click the "I'm Interested" button to stay updated.
Application DeadlineAugust 7, 2020
Cohorts FinalizedAugust 15, 2020
Program Kick-OffSeptember 12, 2020
Final SessionJune 5, 2021
Tip: Click on the student's name to see their portfolios.
"I honestly don't know where I would be right now without The Knowledge Society. TKS has helped me reach my full potential, and I'm solving problems with emerging technologies that I never knew I was capable of solving. TKS has given me opportunities at places like Harvard, MIT, and GSV Labs that no other high schoolers get to go to."
"TKS has changed my life. They've changed the way I see the world, the way I react to it, and the way I move forward. Joining TKS may have been the best choice I ever made."
"In one word: PHENOMENAL. I've gotten to meet so many new and likeminded people from all walks of life - I can't articulate how much that means to me, growing up feeling like an outcast in school because no one liked the same things as me. I've developed different skills in ways I've never thought about developing them. Everything from presentations to just talking with other people (and those two go more hand-in-hand than I thought!). Learning about new tech makes me SO happy and grateful. I get to learn about all of this amazing tech and be able to implement in a way that's going to impact billions!"
"I've really enjoyed diving deep into topics that I've never really learned about before. The way that I perceive the world around me is changing, and my ability to confidently make decisions is improving."
"It's been great, not only did I develop a deeper understanding on a few emerging technologies, I also developed other critical skills including writing, communication, confidence."
"I absolutely love it so much. It has completely changed my life already. My perspectives have changed, as well as my goals, my future, and everything I ever hoped for I feel like I can achieve now."
You must be fluent in English. You must have access to a high-speed internet connection that supports video chat. You can test this through Zoom or Google Hangouts. You must have access to a laptop/computer that can support applications like Zoom and Slack. Ideally a laptop/computer that was purchased after 2013.
"I have loved being a part of TKS!!! Since I started, I have both grown as a person by completely changing my mindset, grown in my knowledge by being given access to new resources and inspired/motivated to learn more, and grown in socially as a part of the TKS community!!!"
- Faith Inello, TKS Boston