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:

Find a mentor

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)

Find a mentor
Find a mentor

©2025 CURIOUS CARDINALS, INC.

Four pathways to

make passion a reality.

Find a mentor

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

Get started
Find a mentor
What if my child doesn’t know what they’re passionate about?What mentorship tracks do you offer?How does Curious Cardinals work?How are mentors selected?What kind of outcomes can I expect?How do I schedule a session?Do you offer in-person sessions?How much do sessions cost?How do you match mentors with students?What is the expected weekly time commitment?How is this different from tutoring or other programs?How long is a session?What if my child has no free time for this?

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.

subscription

billed monthly

$380

(4) one-hour sessions

Get started


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.

How long does it take to see results?What if my child doesn’t connect with their mentor?Is this program only for STEM-focused students?

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.

Get started

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

Find a mentor

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Find a mentor

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.

Find a mentor

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.

Find a mentor

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

What if my child doesn’t know what they’re passionate about?What mentorship tracks do you offer?How does Curious Cardinals work?How are mentors selected?What kind of outcomes can I expect?How do I schedule a session?Do you offer in-person sessions?How much do sessions cost?How do you match mentors with students?What is the expected weekly time commitment?How is this different from tutoring or other programs?How long is a session?What if my child has no free time for this?How long does it take to see results?What if my child doesn’t connect with their mentor?Is this program only for STEM-focused students?

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.

Picture your student here.