Mirman School Launches Groundbreaking MirmanX Program
Middle School provides 3 teams with the funding and resources needed to bring their most ambitious (and beneficial) ideas to life.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mirman School is excited to announce the launch of MirmanX, a unique program offering funding and support for its students to tackle "moonshot" projects that have the potential to help a community in a meaningful and tangible way.
"The idea behind MirmanX is to help students achieve far-reaching goals in an open-source environment supported by the school," said Mirman's Director of Technology and program founder, Michael Taggart. "Our older alumni act as advisors – it's amazing to see the mentorships that have formed already."
From dozens of initial applicants, 12 students were selected to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges – comprised of Mirman alumni Eric Bollens, Ashley Felts, Eric Gradman, and parent Monica Ajmera – who debated at length until 3 final concepts remained. MirmanX will provide the material resources and professional knowledge to guide the students as they progress from genesis to market. Thanks to generous donations, each team receives $10,000 in funding to tackle research, development, prototyping, patent/copyright fees, and marketing. Students retain 100% of their intellectual property, which means they can continue to work on, and benefit from, their MirmanX projects long after they have graduated from the school.
The initial MirmanX projects include a highly adjustable and effective back brace to help those suffering from scoliosis, a facial recognition device to assist those with memory loss or dementia recognize trusted people, and a documentary film that will explore the persecution of Iranian-Americans in our modern culture.
"The judges were absolutely looking for a high level of technical complexity, but also that component of social awareness: how the project will benefit a community—a family, the school, the city, or the planet," said Michael Taggart. "We set out wanting to use the considerable gifts of our students, and the privileges that we have at this school, to make the world a better place for everyone. What we accomplish here at Mirman can become an example for schools across the country."
To follow the MirmanX projects as they develop, visit mirman.org/mirmanx
About Mirman School
Mirman School opened its doors to educate highly gifted children in 1962. Motivated by a deep love and concern for these children, Dr. and Mrs. Norman J. Mirman began the school with nine pioneering students in their West Los Angeles home. Today, Mirman continues to distinguish itself as one of the few schools in the country devoted to the education of highly gifted children.
Contact: Geoffrey Gardner
(310) 476-2868
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SOURCE Mirman School
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