THE MINERVA PROJECT IS ALL SET TO MAKE A PRESENCE FELT IN INDIA. GIVEN ITS CLAIM TO FAME, DEBAMEETA BHATTACHARYA FINDS OUT WHAT’S ON OFFER

As though drawing inspiration from the Roman goddess of wisdom and sponsor of the arts, trade and defence, the San Francisco-based Minerva Project has served to reinvent the university experience for the brightest, most motivated students. Set up in 2011 by Ben Nelson, it combines a redefined student body, a reinvented curriculum, rigorous academic standards, cutting-edge technology and an immersive global experience. With $25 million seed investment from Benchmark Capital in 2012, an academic advisory board was formed to provide guidance and support as Minerva began to reinvent every aspect of undergraduate education and with time a team of experienced and proven professionals joined its executive team to bring a wealth of experience in academics, accreditation, product development, marketing, student services, recruiting, business development, operations and business management.
In July 2013, Minerva Project partnered with the Keck Graduate Institute, a member of the Claremont University Consortium, to launch Minerva Schools and what serves to make it unique are:
n Purposefully scaffolded interdisciplinary curriculum and rigorous academic standards.
n An accomplished faculty versed in the latest teaching methodologies based on the science of learning.
n An advanced interactive learning platform leveraging cutting-edge technology
n Small seminar-style classes of 19 students or less.
n Four years of immersive global experience with students living in up to seven different countries prior to graduation.
 With success stories in the USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, China, East, West and Central Asia, Latin America and Europe, Minerva is now looking to India and recruitment for September this year.
   Vibha Kagzi, managing director, India, for Minerva, shares insights on an institution that offers education on a par with Ivy League universities. She holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a BSc from Carnegie Mellon University. She has also pursued courses at the University of California, Berkeley, the London School of Economics and the Indian School of Business. Excerpts:
Considering your educational expertise, what made you choose to head Minerva India and what is so unique about this platform?
   I’ve always been passionate about higher education and believe Minerva offers a unique, forward-looking model unlike anything else currently available. The dual aspect nature of Minerva — including both a residential and an online component — resonates with many young people, especially those interested in a global education.

Minerva&’s involvement in the India scenario?
We will welcome our first class in September this year.

How is its classroom experience different from other leading institutions?
   All Minerva classes are small, discussion-intensive seminars of 19 students or fewer, led by renowned professors. Students participate via their computers, using our proprietary live video learning technology.

How do one apply for the September session?
Students interested in applying for Minerva&’s Founding Class may apply online at www.minerva.kgi.edu. We have a three-step admissions process that consists of an online application, two cognitive and non-cognitive assessments and an interview.

What is the eligibility criteria and course structure like?
Minerva is highly selective and only admits students with strong grades and accomplishments. There are no quotas per country or for athletic ability. All students take the same first-year cornerstone courses, designed to teach habits of mind and foundational concepts, which will be relevant, regardless, of course, of study.

Are any scholarships/fellowships available?
Minerva will waive tuition fees for all four years ($10,000 per year) for all students admitted to the Founding Class. In addition, it will waive the cost for the first year of housing.

What are the training facilities provided to students? Are there any placements provided at the end of the course?
Minerva will work with each student to understand his/her career goals and develop a plan so that by the time he/she graduates there will be more than a degree involved — they will have a compelling resume.
Opportunities for summer internships and other types of work experience will be available and encouraged throughout a student&’s time at Minerva.