About Nova Scholar

Founded in 2022 by Stanford researchers as the nonprofit "Cardinal Scholars," our journey began in secondary school, where our passion for research, ambitious projects, and commitment to learning paved the way for acceptance into a world-class university.

Through our research and volunteer work with the San Francisco School District, we witnessed firsthand how many opportunities accessible to some remained out of reach for others. We believe that equally driven students deserve structured pathways to realize their full potential. Our mission extends beyond Palo Alto—reaching across the nation and worldwide—to ensure that ambitious learners everywhere have the support and access they deserve.

By the numbers

500+

Nova students

$70K+

Given in financial aid

9,000+

Mentoring hours

200+

Nova Mentors

We aim to provide access to world-class education

Nova Scholar Education provides high-quality  academic programs to ambitious high school students. Many students are unaware of the vast opportunities available to them; by bridging this gap, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and scholars.

Engagement

Nova Scholar seeks to create an engaging and stimulating learning environment where learners can collaborate and learn.

Quality

Nova Scholar offers high-quality learning accessible from anywhere, giving students the flexibility to excel no matter their location.

Accessibility

Nova Scholar promotes digital education and aims to make its educational materials accessible to all.

Innovation

Nova Scholar encourages the use of innovative educational tools, technology, and processes to improve the learning experience.

We democratize educational opportunities

Many opportunities, like research, are typically accessible only through personal connections. We strive to level the playing field, giving every student, no matter their background, the chance to realize their full potential through education. Our focus is on sponsoring low-income and underserved students, who have often been left out, ensuring they receive the resources and support needed to thrive.

Our goal is to advance educational equity

Our goal is to provide high school research, project, and program scholarships to 500 students over the next two years. This objective guides how we allocate our time, resources, and efforts, ensuring our work creates meaningful and measurable impact in students’ lives. By staying focused on this goal, we are committed to advancing educational equity and offering transformative opportunities to those who need it most.