The Earnest Project is a fast paced, 6 week guided experience that helps high school and college students design and complete a self-driven academic or creative project with 1 on 1 mentorship and personalized support.
Whether you're applying to college or applying what you've learned in college, we’ll help you build something that showcases your curiosity, skills, and story.
Build a standout college application
Strengthen essays and extracurriculars
Develop identity as a scholar and creator
Apply classroom theory in real world context
Build your portfolio or capstone project
Document work to request college credit or internships
Week 1: See Yourself
Start with self-discovery. Complete a profile survey, meet your mentor, and identify your strengths, interests, and project zone—whether in science, tech, arts, humanities, or society.
Week 2: Plan it Out
Define your topic, format, and timeline. Set clear milestones and create a roadmap to guide your progress.
Week 3-4: Act On It
Build your project through research, writing, coding, design, or analysis. Check in weekly with your mentor for feedback and support.
Week 5: Reflect & Refine
Polish your work and reflect on what you’ve learned. Finalize your project and prepare documentation for college/career use.
Week 6: Kick It Off
Present your project in an optional showcase. Receive final feedback and support for essays, resumes, or academic credit.
What you can Build
Projects range from research papers, podcasts, and films to web apps, portfolios, or social impact campaigns. If you can imagine it, you can build it.
Ready to get started?
It shows Initiative
You take charge of your own learning by designing and launching a real project from the ground up.
It tells your story
You shape a narrative around who you are, what you care about, and the impact you want to make.
It builds your confidence
You gain self-belief by following through on your ideas and seeing them come to life.
It's real
This isn’t a simulation or school assignment—it’s a real-world experience that matters beyond the classroom.
It expands your network
You connect with mentors and like-minded peers who support your growth and challenge your thinking.
It's proof of learning
You walk away with a tangible outcome—something you can showcase to colleges, internships, or employers.
"NeuroSketch" – Mapping emotional states through digital design
"Climate Counter" – A carbon footprint dashboard for schools
"Echoes of War" – A historical fiction story based on oral interviews
"Social Signals" – An app prototype for neurodiverse learners
"The Mind + Music Podcast" – A student-led interview series
"AI Therapist" – A chatbot built with CBT-style prompts for teens