Derek Schlieps, a senior at Aviation High School, has been selected to participate in the Reischauer Scholars Program, a distance learning course sponsored by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE). With only 25 students selected from across the country, entrance into this program is highly sought-after. Derek was nominated by his teacher, Ken Kumakura, and will engage in an intensive study of Japan in an Internet-mediated course from February to June 2008.

Currently in its fifth year, the RSP provides students with a broad overview of Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society, with a special focus on the U.S.-Japan relationship. Ambassadors, top scholars, and experts throughout the United States and Japan provide lectures via the Internet as well as engage students in online dialogue. These lectures and discussions are woven into an overall curriculum that will provide students with reading materials and assignments. Concurrent with the Internet-mediated course, students also develop individual research projects. Final research projects are printed in journal format and students are required to lead two presentations on Japan at their schools or in their communities. Students who successfully complete the course will earn Stanford Continuing Studies Program (CSP) credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE, Stanford University.

Congratulations, Derek!