In a world where real intellectual inquiry is often overshadowed by test prep and résumé-building, Matthew Jaskol, Founder of Pioneer Academics, is redefining how high school students engage with research and learning. In this exclusive conversation with Collegedunia, Jaskol shares the inspiring story behind Pioneer’s inception, the rigorous standards that have earned it global credibility, and how its new initiative—the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI)—is preparing students in India and around the world to tackle complex, real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Questions:
Ques 1: Pioneer Academics has become the leading authority of providing research opportunities for high school students. What inspired its creation, and how has the journey evolved?
Back in 2011, when few believed it was possible for high school students to pursue research, we had a simple but urgent question: Could we create an experience that truly prepared these students for the kind of thinking, learning, and research expected at top universities? Early conversations with college professors revealed a troubling gap—traditional advanced coursework like advanced placements often felt more like test prep than real intellectual engagement. We imagined something deeper and more impactful: an opportunity for deserving students, regardless of their academic background, to engage in genuine undergraduate-level research.
At the heart of Pioneer’s creation was the belief that students who will meaningfully impact society need personalized, guided educational experiences that encourage them to explore, question, and develop original ideas. Traditional secondary education often overlooks real-world, inquiry-driven research, and we set out to change that. Pioneer Academics was designed to go beyond résumé-building, offering a structured, credible academic experience that promotes genuine intellectual inquiry and nurtures independent thinkers and changemakers.
Since its founding, Pioneer Academics has focused entirely on pedagogy and learning quality. In addition to Pioneer Academics’ strict internal oversight, Oberlin College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill serve as academic collaborators providing external oversight. Our obsession with integrity and quality since 2012 has been the cornerstone of Pioneer’s reputation.
We are the only fully accredited online research program for high school students, offering four college credits for completed research. With a global community of students from over 91 countries and more than 8,000 alumni, Pioneer has redefined what it means to prepare young scholars for a complex, interconnected world—grounded in academic integrity, critical thinking, and transformative learning.
Ques 2: The Pioneer Research Institute is recognized for its high academic standards. How does Pioneer’s rigorous research mentorship model help students stand out in competitive university applications?
What the top US college and university admissions are looking for all comes down to two criteria: applicants’ intellectual drive, and level of experience they have undergone. This is why top college admissions tend to trust schools with strong track records and only a handful of programs that are free of reputational blemishment. The Pioneer Research Institute has been recognized highly because of our high standards and guarantee of rigor.
Pioneer's research mentorship model immerses high school students in a genuine academic environment that is equivalent to an advanced level of undergraduate study. Under the guidance of professors from esteemed universities, students undertake original research studies that develop their analytical and critical thinking skills while helping them discover authentic intellectual interests.
What truly makes Pioneer students stand out in competitive university applications is the Pioneer reputation. The Pioneer Research Institute established and holds the highest standards for the students and for our professor mentors too.
Pioneer Research Institute is the only program that holds “professor blind” admission policy. This policy is highly appreciated by colleges because this policy ensures we attract students with true intellectual drive -- what colleges are looking for. So it is easy for Pioneer students to prove their authenticity.
In all, this authenticity, established through a selective admissions process, dedicated secondary academic oversight and collaboration with institutions like Oberlin College, resonates strongly with university admissions committees who seek applicants demonstrating true intellectual curiosity. The accredited nature of the program provides tangible evidence of students' true intellectual drive, college readiness, as they earn college credits recognized by universities.
Ques 3: What led to the launch of the Global Problem Solving Institute, and how does it complement Pioneer’s mission?
The world is changing rapidly, with the rise of AI, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and ongoing challenges like climate change and access to clean water. These pressing issues require a new class of change-makers—individuals who can adapt, collaborate, and think beyond traditional subjects or disciplines. While conventional learning is important, it has gaps that need to be addressed. We need programs that complement traditional education by encouraging curiosity, fostering teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills essential for future success.
To address the above gap we launched the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI). This initiative bridges the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern world. Through GPSI, students are exposed to complex, unsolved global challenges that don’t have simple, linear solutions. These interdisciplinary issues require students to think beyond their fields of study, collaborate across perspectives and develop innovative hyper-local solutions. GPSI equips students with not just academic skills but the intellectual agility needed to navigate an unpredictable future. In doing so, GPSI helps us move closer to our vision of nurturing the change-makers of tomorrow.
Education can’t wait to evolve; we need to drive that evolution now, ensuring students are ready for the complexities of the world ahead. GPSI embodies this vision by providing a virtual lab environment where students work alongside peers and university professors, employing systems-thinking and design-thinking methodologies to develop solutions to pressing issues.
Ques 4: GPSI focuses on interdisciplinary learning. Why is this approach crucial for today’s students, and how does GPSI implement it?
GPSI focuses on interdisciplinary learning because today’s real-world challenges are not confined to single fields—they demand collaboration across disciplines and an understanding of diverse perspectives. The problems we face today are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions that draw from science, economics, ethics, policy, and more. That’s why GPSI is designed to empower students to synthesize knowledge across disciplines and develop novel solutions.
At GPSI, interdisciplinary learning is not just a concept—it’s implemented through hands-on, immersive experiences. Students are placed in diverse teams to tackle real-world problems, with expert mentors guiding them to approach challenges from multiple angles. This collaborative process helps them hone the essential skills of leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking—skills that traditional high schools often overlook.
By working together to solve complex issues, GPSI students don’t just prepare for academic or professional success; they become global problem-solvers equipped to make a real impact on the world.
Ques 5: How does GPSI help Indian students collaborate with international peers and develop real-world solutions?
GPSI offers Indian high school students a unique platform to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research alongside peers, across the globe. Students from diverse corners of the world are placed into teams, helping students gain a deep insight into how a single global problem manifests in different locations. The global collaboration provides students an opportunity to connect in real time with peers in other parts of the world who are addressing the same issue from a completely different angle . This cross-pollination of ideas sparks innovation and reinforces the reality that global problems rarely have one-size-fits-all solutions. By linking global insights with local action, students develop cross-cultural perspectives and drive real change in their communities. This 'glocal' approach cultivates a deep understanding of local issues within a global context, empowering students to create meaningful impact.
Ques 6: How do you see India as a market?
India is a key market for Pioneer Academics, given its strong academic culture and the increasing demand for research-driven learning. Our programs provide exposure to rigorous, college-level research experiences, allowing students to delve deeply into subjects of interest under the mentorship of esteemed university professors. GPSI equips students with critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills essential for long-term success. Through programs like GPSI, Indian students strengthen their academic profiles while building the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Ques 7: What is the process for students to enroll in GPSI? Are there any specific eligibility criteria for Indian students?
Students can enroll in GPSI during the spring, summer, or fall terms through a structured application process designed to identify motivated and capable high school students worldwide, including those from India. The application process includes:
A. Online Application: Prospective students must complete an online application form, providing personal information, academic records and details about extracurricular activities.
B. Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement or essay that outlines their interest in the program, motivation for applying and how they believe GPSI will contribute to their academic and personal growth.
C. Recommendations: Submission of recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities, character and suitability for the program.
D. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to further assess their fit for the program and discuss their interests and goals.
Eligibility criteria for GPSI are consistent globally, focusing on:
- Academic Performance: Strong academic record demonstrating high achievement and intellectual curiosity.
- Grade Level: Open to high school students, typically those in grades 9-12.
- English Proficiency: Since the program is conducted in English, proficiency in the language is essential to actively participate in discussions and coursework.
Indian students meeting these criteria are encouraged to apply. The program seeks individuals who are passionate about addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts. Detailed information about application deadlines and procedures can be found on the Pioneer Academics admissions page.
Ques 8: Can you share an example of a GPSI student project that has made a tangible impact?
For the Disabling Disease Problem: A GPSI team from the US probed into the possibility of using oxidative stress to reduce risk factors and ultimately prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The following solutions were comprehensively evaluated by this US team in their GPSI studies:
- CRISPR editing on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. (addresses the genetic factor of Alzheimer’s as well as overall risk by removing the APOE e4 variant and replacing it with e2.)
- Drugs that decrease lipid peroxidation (By inhibiting lipid peroxidation, a primary source of free radicals, they effectively help to lower oxidative stress.)
- Injecting reducing agents as antioxidants. (Examples of reducing agents include glutathione, a naturally occurring peptide, and melatonin, a hormone that can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a potent reducing agent in the brain, which is important in the context of Alzheimer’s. Reducing agents neutralize free radicals, the main source of oxidative stress, and supplement antioxidants in a sense.
For teams in the GPSI’s Resources at Risk, a team studied what can be done to restore and maintain the Beressa River as a safe, reliable water source for daily use and livestock. Though young as teens, the team mapped out a scope of solutions that draws government agencies, industries and local residents together forming a comprehensive plan in addition to investigate the innovative technologies to address the technical aspects of the global problem:
- Community-Centric Integrated Water Resource Management Awareness Program (a public driven program that empowers local communities to actively participate in managing the Beresa River, establishing community-based associations, engaging high-school students and other youth in clean-up efforts, and designating an annual awareness day)
- Construction of Small-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plants (building decentralized wastewater treatment plants, including biological and UV treatment technologies, in key urban and rural areas along the Beresa River)
- Bioremediation Using Indigenous Microorganisms (identifying and cultivating indigenous microorganisms with the ability to degrade specific pollutants in the Beresa River).
Ques 9: What are your future plans for Pioneer Academics and GPSI, especially in expanding opportunities for Indian students?
We are dedicated to continually enhancing and expanding our programs to provide transformative educational experiences to students worldwide, with a particular focus on increasing accessibility for Indian students. A primary focus for us this year is strengthening partnerships with schools and educational organizations across India to raise awareness about Pioneer Academics and GPSI, ensuring that talented students are informed about these opportunities. Our aim is to provide more students the chance to engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborate with international peers and develop the skills needed to become global problem-solvers.
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