PathIvy Hosts Passion Project Bootcamp, Spotlighting Student Founders Across STEM Fields

Redmond, WA – July 20, 2025 — This past weekend, PathIvy, an AI-driven college counseling platform, hosted its highly anticipated Passion Project Bootcamp, drawing students from across the country eager to jumpstart meaningful initiatives before the school year begins.

The event featured three inspiring high school entrepreneurs, each of whom has already launched their own startup in distinct fields:

  • Computer Science – A student-built platform is reshaping how peers learn to code.
  • Healthcare – A teen-led biotech nonprofit is improving health access in underserved communities.
  • Engineering – A student-developed device is addressing infrastructure gaps with low-cost hardware.

The bootcamp provided attendees with a hands-on introduction to launching passion projects with real-world impact. Core sessions included:

  • How to start a company as a high school student
  • How to build and manage a team
  • Turning personal interests into scalable solutions
  • Identifying real-world problems worth solving
  • Balancing academics with entrepreneurship

Led by PathIvy counselors Dorothy Dai (USC) and RaeVaughn (MIT), the event emphasized the importance of mission-driven work and guided students through brainstorming, planning, and leadership exercises.

“Passion is the spark — but structure turns it into fire,” said Dorothy Dai during the kickoff session. “We want students to leave knowing that they can build something meaningful right now.”

The bootcamp was one of PathIvy’s most heavily attended workshops to date, reflecting growing demand from students seeking to differentiate themselves not just through test scores, but through authentic, purpose-driven work.

"Passion projects are a fantastic way to highlight your intellectual curiosity and its evolution over time," said RaeVaughn Gardner-Williams, "which helps you distinguish your values, character, and personality in the college admissions process."

As college admissions become more holistic and project-based learning gains traction, programs like PathIvy’s are helping a new generation of students make their mark early — and on their own terms.

For more information about upcoming PathIvy bootcamps and counseling services, visit www.pathivy.com.