Embark teens help hire staff through a student-led Hiring Circle—reading applications, interviewing, giving tours, and deciding as a community. Michael reflects on progressive ed vs. self-directed education and what it means to trust young people with real responsibility.

During COVID, a family makes the case for a “gap year” of healing and growth—offering practical paths like volunteering, apprenticeships, certification, community projects, and deep dives—plus reassurance about returning to school if desired.

Start here: a curated list of self-directed education resources—videos, books, articles, podcasts, and organizations—to help families understand and begin.

How self-directed education grows adults, too—Kara shares creating the Embark Cultural Outreach Program with a teen, turning shared passion for travel into real-world learning.