STEM Programs in Reston, VA

Summer Camp Intro to Model UN (Rising Grades 6-8 ONLY) ! Based on popular demand, we are THRILLED to introduce our NEWEST summer camp evening class! We have developed a 12-class hour, in-person evening camp that simplifies the principles of debate for our newest junior diplomats and also makes it as FUN as possible! In our classes, we will cover: Public Speaking Research Diplomacy Debate Parliamentary Procedures All students will participate in various games/activities to allow them to understand and develop their diplomacy skills. As usual, ALL classes (with more than 8 students) are taught by two instructors (public speaking professionals who are also comedians/performers) to ensure that all students receive plenty of individualized attention and feedback. Further, for all exercises, our limited size classes are broken in half to make sure that each student is improving in a smaller group setting. Short take-home assignments may be given. Students are expected to complete them in order to gain the most from this class! Day 1 Introduction to Model UN and Research Day 2 Understanding Debate and Committees Day 3 Negotiation Skills Day 4 Resolution Writing and Voting Day 5 Voting and Practice Simulation Day 6 Full Simulation (Parents are invited!) Start your Fall ready with new knowledge and experience that no other event teaches. By participating in Model United Nations, students learn: What are the biggest challenges facing the world today How to be more self-confident, especially with public speaking How to interact with other people who come from different backgrounds and perspectives How to work as a team to achieve shared goals How to take action to solve problems, on a local, national, and global scale ** This is very limited size group led by Model UN and Debate expert and PhD Candidate, Aaron Trujillo. He has coached multiple Model UN sessions as well as debate winners internationally!

Ultimate 3-Week AM Public Speaking & Creativity Bundle (Rising 5th-8th Graders) Boost confidence, creativity, and communication skills in a fun, supportive environment! This engaging bundle helps students express themselves, think on their feet, and strengthen their public speaking abilities—while having an absolute blast! Plenty of individualized feedback ensures every student improves in a way that works best for them. Daily AM Schedule: 9:30 – 10:00 AM – Early Drop-Off (Optional, extra fee applies) 10:00 – 11:30 AM – Morning Session Part 1 11:30 – 11:50 AM – Snack & Socialization Activity 11:50 – 1:00 PM – Practice, Activity, & Individualized Feedback Week 1 (July 21-25): Public Speaking & Writing Bootcamp! - Learn different forms of public speaking: ✔ Impromptu Speaking – Thinking quickly and structuring responses on the spot. ✔ Persuasive Speaking – Convincing an audience with strong, well-structured arguments. ✔ Storytelling & Narrative Speaking – Using vivid language and structure to engage listeners. - Writing & Structuring Different Types of Speeches – Craft compelling narratives, persuasive arguments, and well-organized presentations. - Build confidence in delivery, voice modulation, and stage presence through hands-on practice. - Plenty of individualized feedback to refine writing and speaking skills. Week 2 (July 28-August 1): The Great Debate – Fundamentals of Debate - Learn the foundations of argumentation, logical reasoning, and public speaking in debate. - Explore different debate formats, judging criteria, and argument structures. - Gain hands-on experience through mock debates on engaging topics. - Open to both beginners and experienced debaters looking to sharpen their skills. - Led by Aaron Trujillo, PhD Candidate at GMU and Expert Debate Coach. Plenty of individualized feedback to improve clarity, structure, and strategic thinking. Week 3 (July 28-August 1): STEAM Tank – Public Speaking & Entrepreneurship - Inspired by Shark Tank, campers create, brand, and present their own business or product idea. - Develop public speaking and persuasive communication skills to confidently showcase ideas. - Learn branding, storytelling, and the basics of entrepreneurship in a fun, creative setting. - No competition—just an exciting showcase where students present to real professionals and get positive feedback! - One-on-one coaching helps each student refine their pitch and delivery. Why Choose the AM Session Bundle? ✔️ Three weeks of engaging, hands-on learning in public speaking, creativity, and persuasion. ✔️ Plenty of individualized feedback to help each child improve in their own way. ✔️ Taught by expert instructors, including Sumedha Bahri – Patent Attorney, Professor, Speaker & Stand-Up Comic! ✔️ Small class sizes for tons of participation and personal attention. ✔️ Super fun programs designed to make public speaking exciting, creative, and confidence-boosting! 🔥 Limited Spots Available – Secure Your Child’s Place Today! 🔥

Summer Camp Intro to Model UN (Rising Grades 9-12 ONLY) ! Based on popular demand, we are THRILLED to introduce our NEWEST summer camp evening class for High Schoolers! We have developed a 12-class hour, in-person evening camp that simplifies the principles of debate for newer high school diplomats and also makes it as FUN as possible! In our classes, we will cover: Public Speaking Research Diplomacy Debate Parliamentary Procedures All students will participate in various games/activities to allow them to understand and develop their diplomacy skills. As usual, ALL classes (with more than 8 students) are taught by two instructors to ensure that all students receive plenty of individualized attention and feedback. Short take-home assignments may be given. Students are expected to complete them in order to gain the most from this class! Day 1 Introduction to Model UN and Research Day 2 Understanding Debate and Committees Day 3 Negotiation Skills Day 4 Resolution Writing and Voting Day 5 Voting and Practice Simulation Day 6 Full Simulation (Parents are invited!) Start your Fall ready with new knowledge and experience that no other event teaches. By participating in Model United Nations, students learn: What are the biggest challenges facing the world today How to be more self-confident, especially with public speaking How to interact with other people who come from different backgrounds and perspectives How to work as a team to achieve shared goals How to take action to solve problems, on a local, national, and global scale ** This is very limited size group led by Model UN and Debate expert and PhD Candidate, Aaron Trujillo. He has coached multiple Model UN sessions as well as debate winners internationally!

Impromptu Speaking & College Interview Boot Camp For High School Students Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Looking to nail that college interview, build unshakable confidence, and speak like a pro—all while having a blast? This high-energy weekend boot camp is designed for high school students who want to think on their feet, speak with clarity, and shine in any situation—whether it’s an interview, a class discussion, or just day-to-day conversations. Through interactive games, group challenges, and fun, fast-paced activities, students will learn how to craft strong, spontaneous responses and speak with presence, purpose, and personality. Saturday: Speak Up, Think Fast We’ll kick things off with: Fun games and warm-ups to break the ice and get comfortable Strategies to overcome speech anxiety and find your voice Quick-thinking structures for answering any kind of question—academic, social, or professional Tips to make any impromptu speech engaging and impactful Lots of chances to practice in a supportive, lively environment Sunday: Spotlight on You Now we bring it all together and apply those skills where they matter most: College interviews, job interviews, and academic Q&A prep How to talk about your accomplishments and goals authentically and confidently Real-time practice with feedback to help you sharpen your answers Focus on content, structure, and delivery—with your unique personality front and center This boot camp is perfect for students who want to build real-world speaking skills while having tons of fun. Whether you're prepping for an interview or just want to walk into any room with more confidence, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready for anything. Confidence. Clarity. Charisma. And a whole lot of fun. Let’s unlock it all—one impromptu moment at a time!

"The Great Debate!" 1-Week Debate Camp for Rising 5th-8th Graders! We are beyond excited to launch our 5-day Debate Camp, led by Aaron Trujillo, PhD Candidate at GMU and an Expert Debate Coach! With years of experience coaching students from elementary school to the Master's level, Aaron has helped multiple teams win championships—and now he’s bringing his expertise to Highest Speak to help your child develop confidence, critical thinking, and speaking skills! ✨ No prior debate experience required! Whether your child is brand new to debate and looking to get a taste of it or an experienced debater looking to sharpen their skills, this camp is for everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into debate and have fun, learn new skills, and build confidence in a high-energy environment. What makes this camp so special? This 1-week camp is filled with hands-on lessons, fun activities, and friendly competition, ensuring your child develops as a confident, articulate speaker. It’s a great starting point for beginners and perfect practice for experienced debaters. Here’s what we’ll cover each day: Day 1: What is Debate? Introduction to debate and its importance Exploring different debate styles Fun activities to build a strong foundation Day 2: Structuring a Strong Argument How to build a solid argument step-by-step Crafting claims, evidence, and reasoning Group activities to practice structuring arguments Day 3: Crafting a Compelling Speech Tips and tricks for writing a persuasive speech Learning how to capture attention and hold an audience’s interest Practice delivering speeches with confidence Day 4: Mastering Rebuttals and Questions Responding to others’ arguments with strong rebuttals Practicing asking and answering questions like a pro Group debates with real-time feedback Day 5: Final Practice & Mini Debate Tournament Putting everything into action with a mini debate tournament Individualized feedback to help each student improve Fun and friendly competition to showcase what they’ve learned Why Debate is Important for Middle Schoolers: Debate builds confidence, teaches critical thinking, and helps your child become a persuasive speaker—skills they’ll use in school, social settings, and beyond! Plus, learning how to argue respectfully and thoughtfully is an important life skill. This camp is perfect for both beginners who want to give debate a try and experienced debaters looking to practice in a supportive, energetic environment. Small Class Sizes = BIG Impact! To ensure personalized coaching and feedback, class sizes are limited. Your child will receive individual attention from Aaron and other coaches to help them improve every day. Fun & High-Energy Atmosphere: Led by Aaron Trujillo, PhD Candidate at GMU and an Expert Debate Coach, our camp is all about having fun while learning! With his expertise and infectious energy, your child will feel excited and motivated every day. Important Dates: 🗓️ 5 days, 3 hours each day 📍 Location: Reston, VA Spots are filling up FAST—don’t miss this chance to help your child become a confident, skilled debater in a fun, supportive environment! Secure their spot today!

High School Public Speaking Weekend Bootcamp Join us for a fun, high-energy weekend bootcamp designed to help high school students become confident, clear, and engaging speakers! Whether you're prepping for class presentations, student leadership, or college interviews, this bootcamp will give you the tools to speak up and stand out. Over two interactive sessions, students will learn the fundamentals of public speaking, including how to structure their thoughts, write compelling content, and deliver with confidence. We’ll explore a variety of speaking formats—persuasive, storytelling, debate, and impromptu—while keeping the atmosphere encouraging and collaborative. With a balance of writing and speaking exercises, students will improve their communication on the page and on the stage. The weekend includes plenty of individualized instructor coaching and peer feedback, so each student walks away with tangible growth and renewed confidence. This bootcamp is not only about skills—it’s about connection. Students will build friendships, practice social confidence, and have a blast while they learn. Bootcamp Agenda Day 1 – Foundations & Expression Welcome & Icebreakers - Fun speaking warm-ups to build comfort and group connection - Set personal speaking goals for the weekend The Building Blocks of Public Speaking - Learn to use voice, body language, and pacing with confidence - What makes a speaker memorable? Structure & Clarity - Organize thoughts clearly and effectively - Practice mini speech outlines - Share and receive peer feedback Break (20 minutes) Impromptu Speaking Practice - Think on your feet with fun prompts and games - Build confidence with instructor and peer feedback - Daily Wrap-Up & Reflection - Reflect on what you’ve learned Preview Day 2 Day 2 – Crafting & Performing Warm-Up & Speaking Game - Energizing group activity to get everyone talking and collaborating Writing for Impact - Craft powerful openings, closings, and use of storytelling - Learn persuasive techniques to strengthen your message Speech Craft - Choose a format (persuasive, storytelling, or debate-style) - Draft your own short speech with individual support Break (20 minutes) Coaching & Practice Rounds - Practice speeches in small groups - Receive targeted instructor coaching and peer feedback - Strengthen both writing and performance Closing Reflection & Optional Mini Showcase -Share final takeaways Optional: Present your final speech in a mini showcase Celebrate growth and build lasting confidence

Ultimate 3-Week Public Speaking & Creativity Summer Program for Rising 5th-8th Graders! Join us at our brand-new CENTER in Reston, VA, for an unforgettable summer filled with confidence-building, creativity, laughter and communication! Over three weeks, students will dive into public speaking, creative writing, debate, entrepreneurship, improv, and more! Whether your child wants to strengthen their voice, unleash their imagination, or sharpen their persuasion skills, this program has something for everyone! Week 1 (July 21-25): Public Speaking & Creative Writing AM Session: Ultimate Public Speaking Program • Master the art of confident public speaking through engaging lessons and interactive activities with plenty of practice and individualized feedback. • Learn persuasive speech, storytelling, and impromptu speaking skills. • Gain essential communication techniques for school, social settings, and future careers. PM Session: Write & Rock! Creative Writing Coolness • Explore character development, world-building, and storytelling techniques. • Build confidence in writing and presenting original works. • Engage in interactive exercises that blend writing with public speaking skills. Week 2 (July 28-August 1): Advanced Public Speaking & Debate AM Session: Public Speaking Mastery – Debate & Persuasive Speaking • Develop structured arguments and think critically in engaging debates. • Learn persuasive techniques and refine delivery through real-time feedback. • Strengthen confidence in class discussions, leadership roles, and social settings. PM Session: Expression Explosion! Readers Theater, Monologues & Improv • Develop confidence and creativity through theater-based activities. • Perform in Readers Theater, monologues, and improv games. • Strengthen speaking and quick-thinking skills in a supportive environment. Week 3 (August 4-8): STEAM Innovation & Theatrical Expression AM Session: STEAM Tank – Innovate, Speak & Pitch Like a Pro! • Inspired by Shark Tank, campers will create, brand, and pitch a business or product idea. • Learn persuasive speaking, marketing, and intellectual property basics. • Participate in a high-energy pitch showcase judged by real professionals! PM Session: Comedy Camp! Stand-Up & Stand Out! Get ready to write, perform, and bring the laughs in this fun and interactive comedy camp for rising 5th-8th graders! Stand-up comedy is one of the most challenging—but also most FUN—forms of public speaking, and this camp will help young comedians build the skills they need to craft clever (and age-appropriate) jokes, develop their own comedic style, deliver punchlines, and stand up on the comedic stage with confidence! Over 10 hours of hands-on learning, campers will: 🎤 Discover the art of writing humor – from wordplay to storytelling to perfecting comedic timing. 😂 Create their own jokes & stand-up routines – developing material that fits their unique style and personality. 👀 Receive peer and instructor feedback – refining their work through fun, supportive critique. 🎭 Perform their original stand-up sets – putting their skills to the test in a final comedy showcase! Daily Schedule for All Camps: 9:30 – 10:00 AM – Early Drop-Off (Extra Fee – Please Add to Your Registration) 10:00 – 11:30 AM – Morning Session Part 1 11:30 – 11:50 AM – Snack & Socialization/Activity Time 11:50 AM – 1:00 PM – Practice/Activity/Feedback Time 1:00 – 1:45 PM – Lunch & Quiet Activity (Drop-Off for PM Students) 1:45 – 2:00 PM – Warm-Up & Icebreakers 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Lessons, Practice, & Feedback 4:00 – 4:30 PM – Wind Down & Parent Pick-Up Why Choose This Program? ✔️ Designed for middle schoolers to develop real-world confidence and communication skills. ✔️ Taught by expert instructors, including Sumedha Bahri, Patent Attorney, Professor, Speaker & Stand-Up Comic! ✔️ Hands-on, engaging activities with daily practice and personalized feedback. ✔️ Small class sizes for individual attention and maximum participation. ✔️ A fun, supportive environment where students learn while having a blast! Don’t miss out—spots fill up fast! Secure your child’s place in the Ultimate 3-Week Public Speaking & Creativity Summer Program today!

Ultimate 3-Week Creative Writing + Readers’ Theatre and Improv + Comedy Writing and Performance (PM Program) PM Session Daily Schedule: 1:00 – 1:45 PM – Lunch & Quiet Activity (Drop-Off for PM Students) 1:45 – 2:00 PM – Warm-Up & Icebreakers 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Lessons, Practice, & Feedback 4:00 – 4:30 PM – Wind Down & Parent Pick-Up Week 1 (July 21-25): Write & Rock! Creative Writing Coolness • Explore character development, world-building, and storytelling techniques. • Build confidence in writing and presenting original works. • Engage in interactive exercises that blend writing with public speaking skills. Week 2 (July 28-August 1): Expression Explosion! Readers Theater, Monologues & Improv • Develop confidence and creativity through theater-based activities. • Perform in Readers Theater, monologues, and improv games. • Strengthen speaking and fun, quick-thinking skills in a supportive environment. Week 3 (August 4-8): Comedy Camp! Stand-Up & Stand Out! Get ready to write, perform, and bring the laughs in this fun and interactive comedy camp for rising 5th-8th graders! Stand-up comedy is one of the most challenging—but also most FUN—forms of public speaking, and this camp will help young comedians build the skills they need to craft clever (and age-appropriate) jokes, develop their own comedic style, deliver punchlines, and stand up on the comedic stage with confidence! Over 10 hours of hands-on learning, campers will: 🎤 Discover the art of writing humor – from wordplay to storytelling to perfecting comedic timing. 😂 Create their own jokes & stand-up routines – developing material that fits their unique style and personality. 👀 Receive peer and instructor feedback – refining their work through fun, supportive critique. 🎭 Perform their original stand-up sets – putting their skills to the test in a final comedy showcase! Why Choose This Program? ✔️ Designed for middle schoolers to develop real-world confidence and communication skills through incredible fun and creative courses! ✔️ Taught by expert instructors, including Sumedha Bahri, Patent Attorney, Professor, Speaker & Stand-Up Comic! ✔️ Hands-on, engaging activities with daily practice and personalized feedback. ✔️ Small class sizes for individual attention and maximum participation. ✔️ A fun, supportive environment where students learn while having a blast! Don’t miss out—spots fill up fast! Secure your child’s place in the Ultimate 3-Week PM Ultimate Writer and Performer Pack!

STEAM Tank: Innovate, Speak & Pitch Like a Pro! 💡 For Rising 5th-8th Graders | 5-Day Camp | 3 Hours Per Day Inspired by Shark Tank, this high-energy, hands-on camp blends STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with public speaking and entrepreneurship! Whether you’re a beginner exploring innovation for the first time or an aspiring entrepreneur ready to bring your ideas to life, this camp will challenge you to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and pitch your ideas with confidence! What You’ll Learn & Do: ✅ Use STEAM to Solve Real-World Problems – Apply science, tech, engineering, art, and math to design creative solutions. ✅ Develop a Business or Product Idea – Brainstorm, prototype, and refine an innovative product or service. ✅ Master Public Speaking & Persuasion – Use voice, body language, and storytelling to deliver a powerful pitch. ✅ Learn Marketing & Branding – Create logos, ads, and persuasive messaging to attract customers. ✅ Create Visual & Digital Presentations – Use posters, models, and digital tools to showcase your brand. ✅ Learn Key Laws on How to Protect Your Business through Intellectual Property! – Understand trademarks, copyrights, and patents to safeguard your ideas. ✅ Pitch to Real Judges! – Present your final project in front of a panel of experienced judges on the last day. Public Speaking + STEAM = The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Skillset! 💬 Learn to: ✔️ Think like an engineer by designing creative solutions for everyday challenges. ✔️ Use technology & math to plan, budget, and improve your business idea. ✔️ Develop artistic & storytelling skills to make your brand memorable. ✔️ Confidently present and defend your ideas with strong public speaking skills. ✔️ Protect your business by understanding basic intellectual property laws. Daily Schedule Breakdown 🔹 Part 1 (First 90 Minutes) STEAM Warm-Up Challenge – Quick hands-on discussions or games to spark creativity & problem-solving. Lesson of the Day – Explore topics like entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, intellectual property, and persuasive speaking. Case Study & Real-World Examples – Analyze successful STEAM-based businesses and inventions. 🍎 20-Minute Snack & Social Break 🔹 Part 2 (Last 90 Minutes) Hands-On STEAM Challenge! – Work solo or in teams to prototype a solution to a real-world problem. Creative Time – Develop branding materials, create visual prototypes, and practice pitching. Mini-Presentations & Feedback – Get real-time coaching to refine your pitch and product. 🎉 Final Shark Tank Pitch Day! – Compete in a high-energy pitch competition where you present to a panel of judges! Led by Instructor: Sumedha Bahri 👩‍🏫 Patent Attorney | Engineer | Expert Speaker | Founder of Highest Speak With a background in law, engineering, and public speaking, Sumedha brings real-world expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, and persuasive communication. She will mentor campers in developing strong business ideas, building confidence, and mastering the art of the pitch! No matter your experience level, you’ll leave inspired, more confident, and ready to take on the world with your creative ideas! 🚀🦈