Cross The Skylimits

Mission: to unlock the true potential of international students and pave their path toward the world's most prestigious universities. Thus, "Cross the Skylimits" was born, a beacon of hope and guidance for those yearning to transcend limitations and embrace boundless opportunities.

Our organization's purpose is crystal clear: to empower and support international students in their pursuit of higher education. We understand the immense hurdles and challenges they face—hurdles that no one seemed willing to address. And so, armed with determination and an unwavering belief in the power of education, we set out to change the narrative.

Our objectives are simple yet transformative. We strive to provide comprehensive knowledge, unwavering guidance, and invaluable opportunities to every student who dreams of attending the likes of MIT, Harvard, or Stanford. We recognize that financial constraints should never hinder ambition, so we're on a mission to make studying abroad more accessible and affordable for all.

How do we serve our remarkable target population? We go beyond the conventional approach through our innovative program, the Ivy Accelerator. It's not just about SAT or English proficiency test preparations; it's about nurturing innovation, creativity, and camaraderie. We foster a sense of belonging, creating a tight-knit community that supports and uplifts one another.

In our daily live classes, we ignite the flames of knowledge and curiosity, ensuring that every student is equipped with the tools they need to conquer standardized tests. But it doesn't end there. Our weekly Ideas discussion sessions are a testament to our commitment to innovative thinking. We encourage students to share their science projects, startup ideas, or research proposals. Together, we form teams, propelling these ideas forward and transforming dreams into reality.

The Sunday roadmap classes are a hallmark of our dedication to holistic growth. We design personalized tasks tailored to each student's profile, serving as catalysts for their college applications. Moreover, our activities like the hot seat stimulate collective brainstorming, where students analyze and provide insights on one another's profiles, fostering a culture of collaboration and critical thinking.

Our program transcends the boundaries of college preparation. We recognize the importance of extracurricular activities, essay writing, and AP exams. Through interactive sessions, we empower students to uncover their passions, explore their talents, and showcase their unique abilities to admission committees.

We are Conducting the following activities 

Daily SAT Live Classes

Weekly Ideas Discussion

Providing proper roadmap

Every Sunday assign tasks for the next week

Conducting "The College Connection Quiz"

Creating their online portfolio website

Essay writing, Extracurricular building, time management activities

We also have other activities in our community, So please check our community

At "Cross the Skylimits," we are on a mission to revolutionize the way international students pursue their dreams. We believe that every student, regardless of their background, has the right to reach for the stars and watch their aspirations come to life. With the MIT Solve Challenge, we hope to amplify our impact and create an even brighter future for the thousands of ambitious minds who call our community home.

As the founder and team lead of "Cross the Skylimits," my role is integral to the organization's success, serving as an SAT class instructor, counselor, event organizer, and overall leader. My guidance and expertise empower international students, while my organizational skills ensure seamless operations. My vision and dedication inspire the team to work towards a common goal, creating transformative experiences for students. My multifaceted role drives the mission of "Cross the Skylimits," making dreams of attending top universities a reality for aspiring students worldwide.

Our Team Lead, Shubhankar, is an incredibly dedicated and hardworking member of our team. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our organization and its initiatives. For example, Shubhankar not only conducts live SAT classes but also invests additional time in creating personalized study materials tailored to each student's needs. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts make him an invaluable asset to the LEAP Project.

Aditya and Om, our creative team members, bring a unique perspective to the table. Aditiya's eye for design and aesthetics enables him to create visually stunning graphics and captivating content that resonate with our target audience. On the other hand, Om's innovative thinking and out-of-the-box ideas consistently breathe life into our technical solutions, making them both functional and visually appealing. Their creative prowess is sure to contribute significantly to the success of the LEAP Project.

Mahwish, one of our seasoned counselors, possesses exceptional empathy and communication skills. She has a remarkable ability to understand and address the specific challenges faced by international students. Her personalized guidance and support have helped numerous students navigate the college application process successfully. With her expertise, Mahwish will undoubtedly play a crucial role in providing valuable insights and recommendations during the LEAP Project.

Erick and Hanu, our part-time counselors, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Erick's attention to detail and thorough understanding of the college admissions process makes him a reliable resource for students seeking guidance. Hanu's strong research and analytical skills enable him to identify new opportunities and strategies for student success. Together, they contribute diverse perspectives that enrich the LEAP Project's outcomes.

Husnain, Priyanka, and Rohit, our graphic designers and content creators, possess exceptional creativity and a keen understanding of branding. They have consistently delivered captivating visuals and engaging content that capture the essence of our organization's mission. Their ability to translate complex concepts into visually appealing materials will undoubtedly enhance the impact of the LEAP Project.

Collectively, our team members possess a unique blend of qualities, skills, and dedication that make us well-positioned to support the LEAP Project effectively. Our genuine passion for empowering international students, combined with our individual strengths and collaborative spirit, will drive us to exceed expectations and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Empower global dreamers with Ivy Accelerator: an innovative program fostering creativity, connecting like-minded students, and propelling them towards top universities.

Problem: International students face significant challenges and lack the necessary support in their pursuit of top universities. They encounter a range of obstacles, including a lack of awareness about important aspects such as the CSS profile, standardized test preparation, building standout profiles, navigating country-specific application processes, managing expenses abroad, and creating effective roadmaps. Without proper guidance and resources, these students often feel overwhelmed, confused, and ill-equipped to navigate the complex college application journey. They are left to navigate the process on their own, leading to missed opportunities, limited access to resources, and a higher risk of making critical mistakes that could hinder their chances of admission to their desired institutions. The absence of comprehensive support and personalized assistance further compounds the difficulties faced by international students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford expensive consulting services. This lack of accessible and targeted support perpetuates inequalities and limits the potential of talented students who deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams of attending top universities.

Solution: Ivy Accelerator is the transformative solution that addresses the challenges faced by international students in their college application journey. Our comprehensive program provides the necessary support and resources to empower students to overcome hurdles and achieve their dreams of attending top universities. Through Ivy Accelerator, students receive personalized guidance and assistance, covering all crucial aspects of the application process. We offer comprehensive live classes, sessions, and mentorship to bridge the information gap and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Our program not only focuses on standardized test preparation but also covers essential areas such as building standout profiles, essay writing, extracurricular activities, and navigating country-specific application requirements. Ivy Accelerator fosters a supportive community where students can connect, collaborate, and find inspiration. We offer scholarships and resources to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any student's aspirations. By providing accessible, personalized, and comprehensive support, Ivy Accelerator is revolutionizing the college application landscape and empowering international students to realize their full potential.

We serve students from all populations, embracing the belief in the power of humanity and equal opportunities for all aspiring individuals worldwide. Our mission is to support and guide any student on this planet who has the ambition to pursue their education at top universities, regardless of their background, country, or region. We firmly believe in inclusive and equitable access to education, empowering students from diverse communities to achieve their academic dreams.

At Cross the Skylimits (CTS), we prioritize research and continuous improvement to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution, Ivy Accelerator. While we are a relatively young organization, we have conducted various types of research to establish an evidence base for our program. Here is an overview of the research/studies we have undertaken:

1. Foundational Research:
   - Literature Reviews: We have conducted comprehensive literature reviews to understand the challenges faced by international students in the college application process. These reviews have helped us identify gaps in existing support systems and tailor our program to address these gaps effectively.

2. Formative Research:
   - User Interviews: We have conducted in-depth interviews with students who have participated in Ivy Accelerator. These interviews have provided valuable insights into their experiences, needs, and the impact of our program on their college application journey. The feedback received has helped us refine and enhance our program offerings.

3. Summative Research:
   - Correlational Studies: We have conducted correlational studies to assess the relationship between participation in Ivy Accelerator and various outcomes such as improved test scores, strengthened extracurricular profiles, and successful college admissions. These studies have demonstrated positive associations, indicating the effectiveness of our program in achieving desired outcomes.

4. Impact Assessment:
   - Pre-Post Research: We have conducted pre-post research to measure the impact of Ivy Accelerator on students' knowledge, skills, and confidence in key areas such as standardized test preparation, essay writing, and extracurricular development. By comparing pre-program and post-program assessments, we have observed significant growth and improvement among participating students.

It's important to note that while our organization is committed to rigorous research, our focus has primarily been on program development and implementation to meet the immediate needs of our students. As we continue to grow, we are actively exploring partnerships and collaborations with research institutions to further validate and strengthen the evidence base of our solution.

Our research initiatives are ongoing, and we are continuously collecting data and feedback from participants to refine and improve Ivy Accelerator. We value the importance of evidence-based practices and are dedicated to incorporating research findings into our program design and delivery.

While we acknowledge that the depth and breadth of our research may be evolving, we are committed to transparency, continuous learning, and improvement. We view research as a critical component of our organization's growth and strive to build a robust evidence base that showcases the effectiveness of Ivy Accelerator in supporting international students in their college application journey.

The research and studies we have conducted at Cross the Skylimits (CTS) have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our solution, Ivy Accelerator, and have greatly informed our work moving forward. Here is what our research has revealed and how it has shaped our approach:

1. Enhanced Understanding of Students' Needs: Through user interviews and literature reviews, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges international students face during the college application process. We discovered common pain points such as a lack of awareness about resources, difficulty in navigating standardized tests, and limited support for extracurricular development. This understanding informed our program design, enabling us to address these specific needs comprehensively.

2. Validation of Positive Outcomes: Our correlational studies and impact assessments have consistently shown positive associations between participation in Ivy Accelerator and improved outcomes. We have observed enhanced test scores, strengthened extracurricular profiles, and successful college admissions among our students. This validation has reinforced our confidence in the effectiveness of our program and motivated us to continue delivering high-quality support.

3. Identification of Areas for Improvement: Research findings have also helped us identify areas where we can enhance our program. For instance, pre-post research has revealed that while students demonstrate significant growth in certain areas, such as test preparation, they may require additional support in essay writing or understanding the financial aspects of studying abroad. This insight has guided us to refine and expand our curriculum to provide comprehensive assistance across all key dimensions of the college application process.

4. Tailoring Support to Individual Needs: Our research has highlighted the importance of personalized support. We have learned that students have unique backgrounds, strengths, and aspirations, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not meet their diverse needs. As a result, we have incorporated more individualized guidance and mentoring into our program, ensuring that each student receives tailored support that aligns with their goals and circumstances.

5. Continuous Program Enhancement: Research findings have driven our commitment to continuous improvement. By analyzing data and feedback from participants, we have been able to identify programmatic strengths and areas that require further refinement. This iterative approach has allowed us to make ongoing enhancements to our curriculum, instructional strategies, and support services, ensuring that Ivy Accelerator remains relevant and effective in meeting the evolving needs of our students.

In conclusion, the research and studies we have conducted have not only provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of Ivy Accelerator but have also served as a catalyst for continuous improvement. By understanding students' needs, validating positive outcomes, identifying areas for enhancement, and embracing personalized support, we are able to deliver a program that addresses the specific challenges faced by international students. Our commitment to research-driven practices ensures that we remain at the forefront of providing effective solutions and empowering students on their path to top universities.

At Cross the Skylimits (CTS), we recognize the importance of strengthening the evidence base of our solution, Ivy Accelerator, to further validate its impact and enhance our ability to serve international students effectively. Here is why we believe now is the right time to engage in a LEAP Project and strengthen our evidence base:

1. Growing Demand and Reach: As our organization has grown over the past few years, we have witnessed an increasing demand for our services from international students around the world. The impact of Ivy Accelerator has been evident through the successes of our students, but it is crucial to strengthen the evidence base to demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of our solution. Engaging in a LEAP Project allows us to focus on research and evaluation, providing us with the opportunity to gather robust evidence that can support our expansion efforts and reach an even larger population of students.

2. Addressing a Critical Gap: The field of international student support lacks comprehensive, research-backed programs that address the specific needs of students aiming for top universities. By strengthening the evidence base of Ivy Accelerator, we aim to bridge this gap and establish our program as a trusted and proven solution. With the increasing challenges faced by international students in the college application process, now is the opportune time to generate evidence that showcases the effectiveness of our solution and contributes to the broader knowledge base in this field.

3. Building Trust and Credibility: Strengthening the evidence base of our solution is essential for building trust and credibility among various stakeholders, including students, families, educational institutions, and potential funders. This evidence will not only instill confidence in the students and families seeking our support but also enable us to establish partnerships with educational institutions and attract funding to sustain and expand our programs.

4. Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Engaging in a LEAP Project will allow us to further refine and enhance Ivy Accelerator. By examining the effectiveness of our program through rigorous evaluation, we can identify areas for improvement and innovation. This process will enable us to evolve our program, incorporate best practices, and ensure that we are delivering the most effective support to our students. Strengthening the evidence base now will empower us to continuously improve and adapt to the evolving needs of international students.

In conclusion, the need to strengthen the evidence base of Ivy Accelerator is essential to further validate our impact, build trust, and enhance our ability to serve international students effectively. Engaging in a LEAP Project at this time allows us to focus on research, evaluation, and continuous improvement, while also benefiting from collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. By strengthening our evidence base, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the field of international student support and ensure that our solution remains impactful, scalable, and responsive to the needs of students seeking to achieve their dreams of studying at top universities.

Our LEAP Project aims to answer key research questions:
1. How does Ivy Accelerator's program contribute to improved college application outcomes for international students?
2. To what extent does the sense of community and peer collaboration positively influence students' motivation and well-being?
3. How does personalized mentoring impact students' ability to stand out among a competitive applicant pool? 
Answering these will enhance our program and better support international students in their college application journey.

During the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, our desired outputs are:

1. Research Recommendations: We aim to generate valuable research recommendations that can inform our approach to strengthening the evidence base of Ivy Accelerator. This includes identifying key areas for further investigation, highlighting gaps in existing research, and proposing potential methodologies for future studies.

2. Guidance for Program Enhancement: Through the LEAP Project, we seek to gather insights and feedback from the LEAP Fellows to enhance our program. We anticipate receiving valuable guidance on how to refine our curriculum, improve our mentoring approach, and optimize our support services to better serve international students in their college application journey.

3. Strategies for Impact Measurement: We aim to develop strategies and frameworks for measuring the impact of Ivy Accelerator on students' college application outcomes. This includes identifying relevant metrics, designing evaluation methods, and establishing data collection processes to track and analyze the effectiveness of our program.

4. Best Practices Documentation: The LEAP Project will provide an opportunity to document best practices and lessons learned from our experience in supporting international students. We envision producing a comprehensive guide that highlights effective strategies, successful interventions, and valuable insights gathered during the sprint. This documentation will serve as a resource for other organizations and individuals working in the field of college application assistance.

5. Collaboration and Networking Opportunities: Throughout the LEAP Project, we anticipate engaging in meaningful collaborations and networking with other organizations and experts in the education sector. We aim to foster partnerships that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of Ivy Accelerator, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-learning among peers.

By achieving these outputs, we will be better equipped to strengthen the evidence base of Ivy Accelerator, enhance our program's impact, and provide more comprehensive support to international students pursuing their dreams of studying at top universities.

Following the conclusion of the LEAP Project sprint, our organization is committed to putting the outputs into action to further enhance Ivy Accelerator and strengthen our evidence base. We have a comprehensive plan in place to leverage the insights gained from the project and ensure their effective implementation. Here's how we intend to put these outputs into action:

1. Research Integration: We will carefully analyze the research recommendations generated during the LEAP Project and integrate them into our ongoing research efforts. We will prioritize areas identified as key for further investigation and incorporate these recommendations into our future research plans. This will allow us to expand our knowledge base and gather evidence to support the effectiveness of our program.

2. Program Enhancement: The guidance and feedback received from the LEAP Fellows will be instrumental in refining Ivy Accelerator. We will thoroughly review their recommendations and incorporate them into our program development process. This includes revising our curriculum, updating mentoring approaches, and implementing improvements to our support services based on the identified areas for enhancement. We are committed to continuously evolving our program to meet the evolving needs of international students.

3. Impact Measurement Implementation: The strategies developed during the LEAP Project for measuring the impact of Ivy Accelerator will be put into action. We will establish robust evaluation methods, set up data collection processes, and define relevant metrics to systematically measure the outcomes and effectiveness of our program. This will provide us with valuable insights into the program's impact and enable data-driven decision-making to further optimize our support.

4. Best Practices Dissemination: The documentation of best practices and lessons learned will be shared widely within our organization and the broader education community. We will create a comprehensive guide that highlights effective strategies and successful interventions, and make it accessible to educators, counselors, and students worldwide. Additionally, we will explore opportunities to present our findings at conferences, publish articles in relevant journals, and engage in knowledge-sharing platforms to contribute to the field of college application assistance.

5. Collaboration and Networking: We will leverage the collaborations and networking opportunities established during the LEAP Project. We will maintain communication with other organizations and experts in the education sector to foster ongoing collaboration, share resources, and exchange best practices. These partnerships will contribute to our continuous learning and allow us to stay at the forefront of innovative approaches in supporting international students.

Overall, our organization is fully committed to implementing the outputs from the LEAP Project to drive meaningful change and further improve Ivy Accelerator. By integrating research findings, enhancing our program, measuring impact, disseminating best practices, and fostering collaborations, we will ensure that the LEAP Project's outputs have a lasting and positive impact on the students we serve.

The 12-week LEAP Project sprint holds significant potential for both our organization and Ivy Accelerator in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes. Here are our desired outcomes:

Short-term outcomes for our organization:
1. Enhanced Research Capacity: Through the LEAP Project, we aim to strengthen our research capabilities by incorporating the recommendations and insights provided by the LEAP Fellows. This will enable us to conduct more rigorous and evidence-based research in the future, positioning us as a leader in the field of college application assistance.

2. Improved Program Effectiveness: The valuable feedback and guidance received during the LEAP Project will allow us to refine and optimize Ivy Accelerator. By implementing the recommended strategies and enhancements, we anticipate an immediate improvement in the effectiveness of our program, resulting in higher student satisfaction and increased success rates in college admissions.

3. Expanded Network and Partnerships: Engaging with LEAP Fellows and being part of the LEAP Project will provide us with networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with other like-minded organizations. These connections can lead to fruitful partnerships, resource sharing, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately enriching our organization's ecosystem.

Long-term outcomes for our organization:
1. Enhanced Program Impact: The outcomes of the LEAP Project will contribute to the long-term impact of Ivy Accelerator. By implementing research recommendations and best practices, we anticipate greater success in helping international students gain admission to top universities. This will solidify our reputation as a trusted and effective college application assistance program.

2. Increased Reach and Accessibility: Leveraging the outputs of the LEAP Project, we aim to expand the reach of Ivy Accelerator to a broader audience of international students. By incorporating innovative strategies and best practices, we will enhance our ability to serve students from diverse backgrounds and ensure our program is accessible to those with limited resources.

3. Influencing the Education Sector: Our long-term goal is to make a meaningful impact on the education sector by advocating for more inclusive and equitable college application processes. By disseminating the research findings, sharing best practices, and actively participating in relevant conversations, we aspire to contribute to policy discussions and inspire positive change in the way international students are supported in their higher education aspirations.

4. Sustainability and Scalability: The outcomes of the LEAP Project will inform our long-term sustainability and scalability plans. By incorporating the research recommendations and implementing effective strategies, we aim to establish a sustainable model that can be replicated and expanded to reach a larger number of international students in need of college application assistance.

In summary, the LEAP Project holds immense potential for our organization and Ivy Accelerator. Through enhanced research capacity, improved program effectiveness, expanded networks, and long-term outcomes such as increased impact and influence, we envision a brighter future for our organization and the students we serve. The LEAP Project will serve as a catalyst for growth and enable us to make a lasting difference in the lives of international students striving to achieve their dreams of attending top universities.