Mark Harris

Athena Education Group

Athena Education Group is a small but growing team based in Manhattan with a passion for designing and developing education solutions for an increasingly international world. Founded in 2013 in a dormitory at Yale, Athena has since served over 300 students across a number of programs. We are currently pursuing two tentpole projects: W Academy and NYO-China. W ACADEMY W Academy is an English language summer program for secondary school Chinese students whose families will soon immigrate to the United States. The program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to facilitate language competency and college readiness. In their four weeks living on the campus of Wagner University near New York City among a welcoming American staff, students also develop valuable independent life skills to prepare them for their continued education abroad. Finally, during weekend excursions, students have an opportunity to intimately experience and interact with American culture so as to put their developing communication skills to practical use. NYO-CHINA The National Youth Orchestra of China (NYO-China) provides China's finest young musicians access to superior training and performance opportunities, empowering them to serve as ambassadors for their country and their generation on a global stage. Members will have the opportunity to train under some of the finest classical musicians from around the world and then showcase their talents as an orchestra during a historic concert tour. Aspiring members apply through a competitive and egalitarian online audition process. To ensure that no excellent musician is ever be turned away for lack of funds, the entire program – including housing, tuition, and travel – is free of charge.