Don't settle for generic extracurriculars. Create award-winning projects instead.
Curious Cardinals matches kids aged 8-18 with inspiring university mentors from top schools to:
FEATURED IN
Build standout projects — launching apps, publishing research, or building a business that makes real impact.
Turn scattered interests into meaningful achievements that they’re proud of.
Build confidence and discover their direction with hands-on guidance.
Stand out on college applications with projects that showcase who they really are.
Trusted by 10k+ students
Traditional extracurriculars
aren't enough.
Your child is smart and driven, maybe even ahead in math. But right now, they are:
Missing guidance: You see sparks of brilliance but don’t have the time or tools to channel them.
Scattered in activities: AP classes, sports, and clubs with no single achievement to stand out.
Stuck in consumption mode: Deep into gaming, sports, or coding — but without tangible results.
Stop settling for your child not having interests. Have them work with a mentor who will have them working on a project in their free time.
The right mentor
changes everything.
College applications are more competitive than ever. Is your child creating a unique project that sets them apart?
Have them work with someone who can:
Hold them accountable to reach their ambitious goals (while managing their busy schedule)
Guide them to turn interests into impressive accomplishments (not just checking another box)
Be a role model, showing them what’s possible because they've done it themselves)
Actually spark their motivation (so you aren't nagging them to do the work)
©2025 CURIOUS CARDINALS, INC.
Four pathways to
make passion a reality.
A letter from our founder
Frequently Asked Questions
Our pricing
How it works
Learn from the best of the best.
Why parents trust us
Real projects. Real results.
I still remember staring at that blank piece of paper.
It was my freshman year, and I had just been cut from the academy soccer team. My "perfect" plan was shattered. Like many students, I had no idea what made me unique.
Sound familiar?
Maybe your child is:
▸ Getting good grades but missing that "spark"
▸ Struggling to find their "thing" that makes them stand out
▸ Doing all the right activities but lacking passion
▸ Following the standard playbook but blending in with thousands of others
Here's what nobody tells you: Real standout achievements don't come from following a template. They come from finding that sweet spot where passion meets impact.
I discovered this by accident. That blank paper became Soles4Good — a nonprofit that's now transformed lives across multiple countries. Not because I was trying to "build my resume," but because I found something that truly mattered to me.
Today, I watch the same transformation happen with our students:
▸ A gaming enthusiast who built an 8,000-download educational app
▸ A fashion lover who launched a sustainable clothing movement
▸ A coding beginner who created accessibility software for their grandmother
These aren't just impressive achievements. They're authentic stories that set students apart. That's why we built our Passion Project program at Curious Cardinals.
We pair your child with extraordinary mentors from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Yale who:
▸ Have built their own successful ventures
▸ Know how to turn interests into impact
▸ Understand what top schools really look for
▸ Can guide your child from idea to execution
Because here's the truth: Colleges don't want to see another "volunteer project" or "leadership position." They want to see what makes your child uniquely them.
Your child has that spark. They just need the right guidance to turn it into something extraordinary.
Ready to help them stand out?
Stay Curious,
Alec Katz
Co-founder & COO
Ready to sign up?
Mentor capacity is limited. Fill out our booking form below to get matched now!
Our mentors are Olympians, Rhodes scholars, class presidents, team captains, award winners, and fellowship recipients. With 650+ mentors from the world’s top schools on our roster, we will match your child with an inspiring role model who has been in their shoes and can pave a path to follow.
Roll over up to 4 hours of unused credits monthly. Cancel or pause anytime as your family’s needs change.
No commitment, 2-week evaluation period to ensure you’re happy with your mentor.
4 one-hour sessions per month with the perfect-match near-peer mentor, handpicked for you.
Progress notes available in the platform and emailed straight to your inbox after every session, plus exclusive insight into your child’s growth.
We’re confident in the value we provide, which is why we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied after 2 weeks of working with Curious Cardinals, we’ll give you a full refund — no questions asked.
100% money-back guarantee
Matthew
Houston, TX
radio, television, film
Lula
Nyaack, NY
sociology
Jonathan
West Lafayette, IN
mechanical engineering
Colette
New York, NY
theater & performance studies
Franck
Louisville, KY
computer science
Matthew D.
Matthew started his Curious Cardinals journey as an uninspired 10th grader. Over the course of 2 years, he created his own video game (Multiverse Mercenaries), learning everything from coding to character design, marketing, and music production with the help of his CC mentors. He’s now a confident freshman studying Computer Science and Game Design at U of Michigan, and in his own words, “It wouldn’t have been possible without Curious Cardinals.”
Scarlett joined CC as a busy Junior with a ton of seemingly disjointed interests, seeking a project that would combine all her passions and help her stand out from peers. Scarlett’s mentor helped her found Under the Same Sky, a global community which connects people from all around the world via shared experiences and topics (like mental health) called “constellations”.
Scarlett S.
Elise L.
Elise began with Curious Cardinals as a shy 8th grader. With her mentor’s help, Elise discovered her passion for feminism and developed her Passion Project, Maud the Blog, telling the stories of inspiring women in fashion. Starting her first year at Cornell soon, Elise is now a determined, self-assured leader and feminist fashion icon in the making.
Ava
Dallas, TX
international relations
Divya
New York, NY
comparative literature
What will your child’s Curious Cardinals success story look like?
With a Curious Cardinals mentor by their side, here’s no limit to what your child can accomplish.
Picture your student here.
Find your perfect match
See real progress
We pair your child with a mentor from a top school who shares their interests and understands their busy schedule. Whether your child loves soccer, Taylor Swift, fashion, or video games, we handpick a mentor they can see themselves in and be inspired by. We personalize a learning plan for each student based on their superpowers and needs.
From "I have no idea" to "I know what I want," mentors guide students in discovering and developing their unique interests. Your child's journey begins with exploration and evolves into a concrete plan for turning their passions into a deliverable.
Students transform their interests into concrete achievements that make a real impact. Over 6-12 months, they progress from initial concept to polished final project—whether that's breakthrough research, an award-winning digital platform, or a global nonprofit— opening doors to recognition, awards, internships and leadership roles.
Every mentorship adheres to a consistent structure, a clear roadmap, and proven teaching principles. You will receive weekly session notes and data-driven insights as well as quarterly progress reports.
Choose your path
Build an impactful project
Mentors who get it
Built for busy schedules
Results you can see
Not just tutors teaching subjects, but accomplished students from top universities who remember exactly what your child is going through—from AP stress to college applications. They guide your child in building something meaningful while managing their busy schedule.
One hour per week, virtual sessions that fit your family's schedule, and the freedom to focus on what matters most to your child - whether that's diving deep into a passion project or combining it with academic support.
Clear milestones, weekly updates, and tangible achievements you can track. No more wondering if time and money are being well spent. Most students complete their first significant project within 3-6 months.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Why parents trust us
Mentors who get it
Built for busy schedules
Results you can see
Not just tutors teaching subjects, but accomplished students from top universities who remember exactly what your child is going through—from AP stress to college applications. They guide your child in building something meaningful while managing their busy schedule.
One hour per week, virtual sessions that fit your family's schedule, and the freedom to focus on what matters most to your child - whether that's diving deep into a passion project or combining it with academic support.
Clear milestones, weekly updates, and tangible achievements you can track. No more wondering if time and money are being well spent. Most students complete their first significant project within 3-6 months.
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Our average family rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.8 / 5
98%
💛💛💛💛💛
Student satisfaction score
MADE WITH 💛 IN CALIFORNIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Don't settle for generic extracurriculars. Create award-winning projects instead.
Trusted by 10k+ students
Curious Cardinals matches kids aged 8-18 with inspiring university mentors from top schools to:
Build standout projects that make real impact
Turn scattered interests into achievements
Build confidence and discover their direction
Stand out on college applications
AS FEATURED IN
Four pathways to
make passion a reality.
Create tangible projects that showcase skills, creativity, and passion for future academic or extracurricular pursuits.
_____
Creative writing, programming, robotics, game development, sports analytics, film, photography, graphic design
Portfolio Development
Academic Research
Immerse in academic research to hone analytical and scientific thinking skills while contributing to a chosen field.
_____
Biology, chemistry, physics, math, art, history, engineering, computer science, machine learning + AI
Content Creation
Harness digital media as a tool for self-expression and amplifying their unique voice for a specific audience.
_____
Fashion + cosmetics, sports journalism, music, finance + investing, technology, marketing, brand development
Launching an Organization
Create and manage an organization addressing a need in a community or field of interest.
_____
Business + entrepreneurship, social impact, sustainability, leadership, public speaking, health + medicine
Academic Research
Immerse in academic research to hone analytical and scientific thinking skills while contributing to a chosen field.
_____
Biology, chemistry, physics, math, art, history, engineering, computer science, machine learning + AI
Content Creation
Harness digital media as a tool for self-expression and amplifying their unique voice for a specific audience.
_____
Fashion + cosmetics, sports journalism, music, finance + investing, technology, marketing, brand development
Launching an Organization
Create and manage an organization addressing a need in a community or field of interest.
_____
Business + entrepreneurship, social impact, sustainability, leadership, public speaking, health + medicine
Portfolio Development
Create tangible projects that showcase skills, creativity, and passion for future academic or extracurricular pursuits.
_____
Creative writing, programming, robotics, game development, sports analytics, film, photography, graphic design
Why parents trust us
Our average family rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.8 / 5
98%
💛💛💛💛💛
Student satisfaction score
Mentors who get it
Built for busy schedules
Results you can see
Not just tutors teaching subjects, but accomplished students from top universities who remember exactly what your child is going through—from AP stress to college applications. They guide your child in building something meaningful while managing their busy schedule.
One hour per week, virtual sessions that fit your family's schedule, and the freedom to focus on what matters most to your child - whether that's diving deep into a passion project or combining it with academic support.
Clear milestones, weekly updates, and tangible achievements you can track. No more wondering if time and money are being well spent. Most students complete their first significant project within 3-6 months.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Learn from the best of the best.
Our mentors are Olympians, Rhodes scholars, class presidents, team captains, award winners, and fellowship recipients. With 650+ mentors from the world’s top schools on our roster, we will match your child with an inspiring role model who has been in their shoes and can pave a path to follow.
Matthew
Houston, TX
radio, television, film
Lula
Nyaack, NY
sociology
Jonathan
West Lafayette, IN
mechanical engineering
Colette
New York, NY
theater & performance studies
Franck
Louisville, KY
computer science
Ava
Dallas, TX
international relations
Divya
New York, NY
comparative literature
How it works
Find your perfect match
See real progress
We pair your child with a mentor from a top school who shares their interests and understands their busy schedule. Whether your child loves soccer, Taylor Swift, fashion, or video games, we handpick a mentor they can see themselves in and be inspired by. We personalize a learning plan for each student based on their superpowers and needs.
From "I have no idea" to "I know what I want," mentors guide students in discovering and developing their unique interests. Your child's journey begins with exploration and evolves into a concrete plan for turning their passions into a deliverable.
Students transform their interests into concrete achievements that make a real impact. Over 6-12 months, they progress from initial concept to polished final project—whether that's breakthrough research, an award-winning digital platform, or a global nonprofit— opening doors to recognition, awards, internships and leadership roles.
Every mentorship adheres to a consistent structure, a clear roadmap, and proven teaching principles. You will receive weekly session notes and data-driven insights as well as quarterly progress reports.
Choose your path
Build an impactful project
Our pricing
Roll over up to 4 hours of unused credits monthly. Cancel or pause anytime as your family’s needs change.
No commitment, 2-week evaluation period to ensure you’re happy with your mentor.
4 one-hour sessions per month with the perfect-match near-peer mentor, handpicked for you.
Progress notes available in the platform and emailed straight to your inbox after every session, plus exclusive insight into your child’s growth.
subscription
billed monthly
$380
(4) one-hour sessions
We’re confident in the value we provide, which is why we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied after 2 weeks of working with Curious Cardinals, we’ll give you a full refund — no questions asked.
100% money-back guarantee
A letter from our founder
I still remember staring at that blank piece of paper.
It was my freshman year, and I had just been cut from the academy soccer team. My "perfect" plan was shattered. Like many students, I had no idea what made me unique.
Sound familiar?
Maybe your child is:
▸ Getting good grades but missing that "spark"
▸ Struggling to find their "thing" that makes them stand out
▸ Doing all the right activities but lacking passion
▸ Following the standard playbook but blending in with thousands of others
Here's what nobody tells you: Real standout achievements don't come from following a template. They come from finding that sweet spot where passion meets impact.
I discovered this by accident. That blank paper became Soles4Good — a nonprofit that's now transformed lives across multiple countries. Not because I was trying to "build my resume," but because I found something that truly mattered to me.
Today, I watch the same transformation happen with our students:
▸ A gaming enthusiast who built an 8,000-download educational app
▸ A fashion lover who launched a sustainable clothing movement
▸ A coding beginner who created accessibility software for their grandmother
These aren't just impressive achievements. They're authentic stories that set students apart. That's why we built our Passion Project program at Curious Cardinals.
We pair your child with extraordinary mentors from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Yale who:
▸ Have built their own successful ventures
▸ Know how to turn interests into impact
▸ Understand what top schools really look for
▸ Can guide your child from idea to execution
Because here's the truth: Colleges don't want to see another "volunteer project" or "leadership position." They want to see what makes your child uniquely them.
Your child has that spark. They just need the right guidance to turn it into something extraordinary.
Ready to help them stand out?
Stay Curious,
Alec Katz
Co-founder & COO
Frequently Asked Questions
Real projects. Real results.
Matthew D.
Matthew started his Curious Cardinals journey as an uninspired 10th grader. Over the course of 2 years, he created his own video game (Multiverse Mercenaries), learning everything from coding to character design, marketing, and music production with the help of his CC mentors. He’s now a confident freshman studying Computer Science and Game Design at U of Michigan, and in his own words, “It wouldn’t have been possible without Curious Cardinals.”
Scarlett joined CC as a busy Junior with a ton of seemingly disjointed interests, seeking a project that would combine all her passions and help her stand out from peers. Scarlett’s mentor helped her found Under the Same Sky, a global community which connects people from all around the world via shared experiences and topics (like mental health) called “constellations”.
Scarlett S.
Elise L.
Elise began with Curious Cardinals as a shy 8th grader. With her mentor’s help, Elise discovered her passion for feminism and developed her Passion Project, Maud the Blog, telling the stories of inspiring women in fashion. Starting her first year at Cornell soon, Elise is now a determined, self-assured leader and feminist fashion icon in the making.
What will your child’s Curious Cardinals success story look like?
With a Curious Cardinals mentor by their side, here’s no limit to what your child can accomplish.
