About Us
The Academy of Leonardo’s Apprentice (ALA) is not just another educational foundation–it’s a transformative experience for students. We bring the most innovative and cutting-edge research and technology to the classroom, inspiring young minds to explore, create and innovate like never before.
Our vision is simple: to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and agents of change by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to succeed. We believe that all students have the capability to be great, and through our programs and initiatives, we aim to unlock that potential and help them reach their full potential.
With ALA, students will have access to the latest research and technology in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Robotics, Nanotechnology and Sustainable Innovation. They will have the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and researchers, engage in hands-on experiments and projects, and gain valuable skills that will prepare them for the future.
But we don’t stop there. We also believe in giving back to the community and being a positive force for change. Through our outreach programs, we will work with local schools and organizations to spread our message and encourage more students to pursue careers in science, engineering, and the Arts.
ALA is more than a foundation–it’s a movement. Join us in our quest to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of explorers, inventors, and change-makers.
Our Mission
"To research, develop, and implement innovative learning models that ignite student curiosity. Our models challenge diverse high school teams to solve complex, real-world problems using emerging technology, fostering the collaborative skills to shape their future."
Our Vision
Is to empower a new wave of explorers, developers, and leaders who will stimulate positive changes in their global community.
Leonardo Apprentice
Characteristics
1. Learners have been trained to use both brains as one to enhance creativity and imagination.
2. Learners demonstrate how the Arts enhance learning and memory retention.
3. Learners focus on asking the right questions not having the right answer.
4. Learners challenge themselves to make their own discoveries.
5. Learners evaluate the right tool or technology that will provide the best results.
6. Learners seek out patterns and make connections.
7. Learners engage in hands-on project-based learning that sparks the human mind forward.
"To have a complete mind--Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
- Leonardo da Vinci.
My name is Peter Romero, and this is the story of how I created the world's first online long-distance educational program.
From Frustration to a Digital Revolution
In the early 1990s, while teaching math and computer programming, I was faced with a universal problem: students were uninspired by math and struggling to grasp it. Recalling my own journey from a struggling student to a teacher, I realized that the key was not rote calculation but understanding patterns and connections. This led to a simple, yet powerful, idea: What if we could teach students to think through their problems rather than just solve them?
I transformed my classroom into an experimental space, using real-world applications to ignite curiosity. We applied math to everything from firing cannons to discussing the movements of asteroids with astronomers. I saw my students' grades and, more importantly, their engagement, climb. I knew I had stumbled upon something big.
The Genesis of Space Island
My interests led me to the International Space Station, a marvel of engineering built from salvaged parts. Inspired by the idea of creating something extraordinary from disparate pieces, I approached AOL in 1994 with a proposal: a virtual schoolhouse that would allow students worldwide to participate in a thought experiment. I named it "Space Island." Unbeknownst to me, I was pioneering a path no one had traveled before.
By 1996, our humble program had reached over 2.3 million students and teachers in 40 nations. This groundbreaking achievement caught the attention of U.S. Congress, and I was honored when my program was placed in the Library of Congress. This historical event marked the launch of the first online long-distance educational program in the world.
The Academy of Leonardo's Apprentice
After "Space Island" concluded in 2000, I was again faced with a familiar problem: students were graduating with subpar math and science skills, despite billions of dollars invested in STEM programs. I concluded that STEM alone could not teach the critical thinking skills needed to solve complex problems.
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's legacy as a multifaceted genius—an engineer, scientist, and artist—I launched a series of summer programs in 2010. These workshops, initially called "Thinking Like Leonardo," presented hands-on projects that integrated engineering, science, and art. They were a testament to my belief that the arts are an essential component of learning. The program evolved and was officially founded in 2018 as a non-profit: The Academy of Leonardo's Apprentice.
My vision is to expand our student-directed program to include a working lab where students can experiment and build models with modern tools like 3D printers. I am also developing online workshops for teachers who share my goal of inspiring and engaging students. I believe that by nurturing young minds, we are ensuring the future of humanity—one project at a time.
Our History
