Special Events and Programs

Students may also be invited to participate in activities or forums that enable students to meet each other out in the “real” world. One such opportunity is the annual K12 Making Waves Leadership Conference , which brings together selected student leaders from K12 online academies, including the K12 International Academy.

Students are selected on the basis of their demonstrated interest in making a difference in the world—or “Making Waves,” as K12 calls it. The selected students, who stay overnight in a dorm, make friends from around the world, participate in collaborative projects and activities, and learn valuable leadership skills. The experience leaves a lasting impact on participants' lives that, in turn, helps them make an impact on their own local communities.

In addition, iCademy students are encouraged to participate in global K12 programs intended to help improve the world. K12 students are currently working together to raise awareness of and funds for childhood cancer through K12 Operation Lemonade . This program, which supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, encourages students to get involved and make a difference in their community by selling student-designed T-shirts and hosting their own lemonade stands. Students follow the lead of a courageous young girl who taught the world that you could make a difference one cup of lemonade at a time. It’s all part of the K12 goal to develop the whole child, including his or her character.