June 16 to July 3, 2025
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-12 pm
Location:
Center for Education Research at Stanford (CERAS)
On Campus at Stanford University
Introduction
The Unity program offers rising ninth and tenth-grade students in the Bay Area a curriculum consisting of three phases, each guiding participants to explore how they might contribute to ever-widening spheres of unity. In the initial phase, students delve into the idea that a person’s value springs chiefly from inward intellectual and moral qualities—a perspective that counters prejudice and discrimination. The second phase builds on these foundations by helping youth examine how to create and sustain unity in their day-to-day environments, such as in their family, neighborhood, and local community. They study and practice acts of service, learn to identify sources of conflict, and develop habits of reflection that strengthen their connection to others. The final phase broadens the focus from the local community to society at large. Here, participants reflect on ways to preserve unity amid external influences, understand their capacity to contribute to the welfare of broader social networks, and expand their vision of a harmonious society.
The program lasts for approximately three weeks. Each morning, students engage in interactive sessions that combine reading, discussion, arts, and skits to deepen their understanding of the material. During the rest of the day, they are encouraged to apply the insights gained and record their experiences in a journal, noting where they practiced unity- and service-related behaviors. Trained facilitators—college students or recent graduates—guide smaller group discussions to reflect and examine each lesson’s concepts more thoroughly. Periodic large group discussions bring all participants together to share observations and consolidate knowledge.
The program has been rigorously and scientifically tested in a large-scale randomized controlled trial with more than 8,000 youth. Those who studied these lessons showed measurably improved attitudes and behaviors that overcome prejudice and discrimination, along with greater cooperation, trust, and willingness to engage in meaningful activities in diverse social settings. These results highlight the core premise of the program: cultivating an informed appreciation for the inherent potential in every human being can help participants become more purposeful contributors to the well-being of their surroundings.
Invitation to Apply
Prospective participants are invited to submit an application, noting that, if admitted, they must be prepared to commit fully. The program will be held at Stanford University from June 16 to July 3, meeting Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the first two weeks and Monday through Thursday (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) in the third week. It is expected that students will be on time (they may arrive as early as 8:45 am) and stay for the duration. Moreover, to sustain a focused atmosphere, students will be asked to set aside electronic devices during class hours. Please note that, while each participant may request a brief evaluation of their engagement with the program, we are unable to provide formal college recommendation letters due to the number of students involved.
Successful applicants will be individually notified of their acceptance on a rolling basis.
About the Program Instructor
The program is facilitated by Prashant Loyalka, an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Education and a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. His research focuses on addressing inequalities in the education of children and youth, and on understanding and improving the quality of education in multiple countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Russia, and the United States. He also conducts large-scale evaluations of educational programs and policies designed to improve student outcomes. Professor Loyalka looks forward to working closely with students this summer, creating an environment where each participant can discover new insights and develop meaningful connections.