About
Children's Innovation Center Research Programs and College Counseling offers college-level research programs, capstone projects, and comprehensive college counseling services. Students can take part in the Interdisciplinary Research Program at a university level, choose an Independent Research Track or a Capstone Project Track, and join the Research Ambassadors program focused on leadership and communication. The program also provides 1:1 College Counseling, college planning, admissions and application support, and free admissions information from previously recorded college admissions seminars, and students in the Research Ambassadors program can earn community service credits.
The program is part of the Children’s Innovation Center, which is described as the Center for Sustainable Innovation & Transformative Education. Its mission is to empower children from all backgrounds to become innovative leaders by providing access to transformative education in STEM fields and college counseling, while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility and care for the planet. The mission also includes inspiring and equipping the next generation of change-makers and problem-solvers to shape a better future for all, with a vision of children from all backgrounds having access to tools, resources, and opportunities to reach their potential as innovative leaders, problem-solvers, and responsible citizens.
Shanti Balaraman is the co-founder of the Children’s Innovation Center, a researcher, innovator, education advocate, and counselor with a wealth of experience in the technology industry. She formerly served as the President of the Stanford University Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and Sigma Xi is described as a prestigious scientific research honor society. She also served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations' Global Transformative Education Forum, where she worked alongside international leaders to advance innovative approaches to education. Her work has included promoting scientific research and equipping postgraduate and undergraduate students with opportunities and essential skills to address complex interdisciplinary real-world challenges, and she is described as dedicated to serving the community and empowering the next generation of change-makers.
Last updated June 19, 2026.
The program is part of the Children’s Innovation Center, which is described as the Center for Sustainable Innovation & Transformative Education. Its mission is to empower children from all backgrounds to become innovative leaders by providing access to transformative education in STEM fields and college counseling, while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility and care for the planet. The mission also includes inspiring and equipping the next generation of change-makers and problem-solvers to shape a better future for all, with a vision of children from all backgrounds having access to tools, resources, and opportunities to reach their potential as innovative leaders, problem-solvers, and responsible citizens.
Shanti Balaraman is the co-founder of the Children’s Innovation Center, a researcher, innovator, education advocate, and counselor with a wealth of experience in the technology industry. She formerly served as the President of the Stanford University Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and Sigma Xi is described as a prestigious scientific research honor society. She also served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations' Global Transformative Education Forum, where she worked alongside international leaders to advance innovative approaches to education. Her work has included promoting scientific research and equipping postgraduate and undergraduate students with opportunities and essential skills to address complex interdisciplinary real-world challenges, and she is described as dedicated to serving the community and empowering the next generation of change-makers.
Last updated June 19, 2026.
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