Alejandro Zamaro and Julia Quirim had nothing big planned for their summers. Rather than sitting around in the Las Vegas heat, the rising Bonanza High School seniors found a better (and cooler) use of their time. Knowing that college application season was right around the corner, they didn’t hesitate to get ahead with the help of UNLV’s Youth Rebel Start Academy (YRSA).
More than Summer School
YRSA summer sessions in partnership with Bonanza's Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Seminar offered eager students the chance to participate in a unique dual-enrollment program. Designed to prepare students for college and workforce readiness, the three-week intensive program encourages students to take charge of their academic achievement, explore career possibilities, and develop transferable skills.
Leaning into the desire to cultivate student leadership, the Summer Seminar at Bonanza is uniquely free of traditional rules like tardies and the dreaded bell schedule. “I think the biggest goal is to get students to be intrinsically motivated, hold themselves accountable, and set high expectations for themselves.” says Dan Bressler, program lead and teacher focusing on the philosophy component of the seminar. Joined by fellow educators Derrick Minor, Andrew Sherer, Sarah Truster, and Douglas Slothower, their team brought dynamic lessons on music, history, art and literature to life for their students.
From finding one’s voice to becoming a student leader
Personal growth is a hallmark of the bridge program between Bonanza and YRSA. Julia was a quiet student who used the opportunity to find her voice. “The thought of taking courses over the summer might sound daunting and it's going to take a lot of perseverance, but in the end, you gain something so much greater than you originally started with.” Teachers watched as she quickly evolved into a student leader in her groups and presentations. She became someone her peers turned to when they wanted to do exemplary work.
Bonanza teachers Carson Richards facilitated CED 117: Interpersonal Skills in Human Relationships while Anne Twomey led LDE 201: Introduction to Leadership courses. Not only were students provided with a taste of college-level academics but they were also offered valuable insights into personal development and leadership. Alejandro and Julia found themselves immersed in discussions that pushed them to think critically about their futures. Lessons went beyond traditional academics, offering a chance to explore self-awareness, financial responsibility, and students’ roles in the world around them.
For Alejandro, CED 117 was eye-opening. The course emphasized self-care, recognizing personal biases, and building meaningful relationships—topics that weren’t just theoretical but relevant to everyday life. “It gave me a real idea of what to expect in college,” Alejandro shared. “The lessons have influenced my career choices, making me more mindful of the financial implications of my decisions and lifestyle aspirations which have helped me set realistic goals,” he added.
Julia found the self-directed learning environment to be a breath of fresh air. “Rebel Start has helped me explore different post-secondary careers through the independence given to us from our teachers,” she explained. The skills she developed have given her a renewed sense of confidence and ways to express herself. “My highlight was a project where I had to shoot a video that represented my identity because it gave me the opportunity to take the time to learn something new about myself,” she reflected.
A summer well spent
The dedication of the educators at Bonanza to facilitate courses not typically available to their highschoolers over the summer have made preparation for college level courses and rigor approachable. “I just felt free in the learning environment.” Alejandro remarked. “I had the chance to confidently express my knowledge, pair and share with others, and be creative in my responses to lesson prompts.”
All in all, it was a summer well spent for everyone involved at Bonanza and all other participating high school campuses across the valley, including Chaparral, Desert Pines, Valley and Western High School. As the College of Education remains committed to engaging students beyond the traditional classroom, the Youth Rebel Start Academy will continue to be a launchpad for success.