HPAIR · YEARS 7–9
Lead with purpose. Speak with confidence.
An immersive program where students practice leadership, public speaking, debate and collaboration while developing a Passion Project they can continue beyond the week.
DATES
1–5 February 2027
LOCATION
Kings’ School Al Barsha
ELIGIBILITY
Years 7–9
DURATION
5-day intensive program
WHAT STUDENTS CREATE
A personal Passion Project with a practical implementation direction
A stronger toolkit for leadership and teamwork
Public speaking, debate and presentation experience
First-hand perspectives on college, careers and purposeful networking
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
DAY 1
PURPOSE AND TEAMWORK
Analyze leadership through real examples
Identify world issues strategically
Compete in a collaborative case challenge
Identify strengths and possible Passion Project directions
LEAVES WITH
A team leadership experience and initial Passion Project idea
DAY 2
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Study the foundations of strong public speaking
Research and prepare an assigned speech topic
Take part in speech and debate
Develop the project’s focus, strategy and goals
A delivered speech and researched project direction
DAY 3
CONFERENCE SKILLS
Learn parliamentary procedure and debate etiquette
Write and deliver opening speeches
Join moderated debate sessions
Meet student mentors for individual project guidance
A mini-conference contribution and mentor-reviewed strategy
DAY 4
IMPLEMENTATION
Draft resolutions and solve problems collaboratively
Develop the Passion Project brand and communication channels
Explore budgets, surveys and resource planning
Refine the project through mentor feedback
A practical implementation and communication plan
DAY 5
FUTURE READINESS
Apply leadership and speaking skills to college and career contexts
Practice interviews and networking
Join a Harvard College question-and-answer session
Plan outreach and the next steps for the Passion Project
A presentation-ready Passion Project and continuation plan
BEYOND THE CORE SCHEDULE
Across all five days, students move from their interests and strengths to a focused initiative that may become a startup, nonprofit project, publication, website, product or school-based campaign.
Discover a meaningful issue or opportunity
Research the audience and context
Develop strategy, goals and identity
Plan resources and communication
Begin outreach and implementation
MENTORSHIP
Harvard student mentors share leadership experience, support Passion Project development and offer age-appropriate perspectives on school, college and future pathways at a 1:20 mentor ratio.
PROGRAM DETAILS
USD 650 per student
Certificate of Participation from HPAIR