Who We Are

Overview

At Academy 4SC, we are dedicated to delivering an all-encompassing, interdisciplinary civics education for everyone. Our mission is to empower students with essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to become effective civic leaders in today’s dynamic world.
We teach content from diverse disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, rhetoric, economics, history, and more. By showcasing the practical applications of these subjects, we inspire students to incorporate this knowledge seamlessly into their everyday lives, fostering a new generation of informed, responsible, and engaged citizens.

Why Philosophy?

From logic, rhetoric, and reasoning, to morality and ethics, to politics and education, philosophy impacts and informs just about every other field of study. Philosophy is too often taught as the ideas of a few men who lived thousands of years ago, but those ideas are still relevant today and have impacted the course of human history. From the words we choose to how we judge right and wrong, philosophy is everywhere!

Why Psychology?

By understanding key psychological concepts, we can spot them at play in the world around us. The field of psychology teaches us how humans make decisions, form belief systems, and react to new situations and information. The concepts covered in these videos intersect with the worlds of politics, marketing, religion, and more.

Why History?

Too often, history is taught as disjointed, unconnected to the present, and from the perspective of privileged groups. The videos here attempt to combat those narratives by drawing clear lines between historical events and their relevance today, telling stories of figures who are too often left out of textbooks, and examining well-known events and figures through a nuanced lens.

Why Global Issues?

People around the world are impacted by the same issues and international institutions like the United Nations make decisions that affect us all. By understanding the transnational nature of many issues as well as the strengths and shortcomings of those institutions, we can better support each other in the fight for rights, dignity, and development.

Why Economics?

Economic principles shape our lives, from the taxes we pay, to the decisions we make about what to purchase, to how our country and community relates to others around the world. Everyone should learn to spot the economic forces at play in their everyday lives in order to make informed decisions and understand the impact of choices made by powerful individuals and institutions.

Why US Government?

The institutions and systems that govern our lives shape the rights and freedoms that we have access to. From the writing of the constitution, through every supreme court case, every law that has and hasn’t passed, and the individuals who run our government agencies, it is critical that we understand how our government works. The more we know, the better we can stand up for our rights and the rights of others and hold those in charge accountable.

Why Democracy?

The idea that people should have the right to participate in government is not new, but it has manifested itself in different ways for thousands of years. Examining ideas about how democratic governments should operate, how democracy functions in different societies, and how core freedoms of speech and press are exercised and suppressed, can help us question what a strong democracy should look like.

Why Modern United States?

The issues that we are grappling with today are not necessarily new or unique to this time, but are manifesting themselves in unique ways and call for unique solutions, critical thinking, and an informed and engaged society. Reflecting on the issues that affect our communities is the first step towards creating a more just society where everyone can participate in democracy and drive change.

Why Data Science?

In order to be an informed consumer of news and media, and engage effectively with everything from statistics about public health to algorithms used by social media companies, we must understand how data can be interpreted and manipulated by those who create and present it. Understanding common graphs and charts, as well as how they can be used to mislead the public, enables us to combat false information and be a more educated citizenry.

Why Media Literacy?

We live in a digital world and are constantly confronted with information coming from the news and social media, with little to no emphasis on the need to think critically about its source and accuracy. Understanding how to interpret this information, decipher fact from fiction, and combat misinformation is essential to being an engaged and informed citizen of the world.

Team

Priten H. ShahCEO

Priten Shah,a Harvard-educated serial entrepreneur, is fervently dedicated to pioneering innovative educational solutions that meet diverse learner needs, leveraging experiences from teaching in various settings globally. Currently steering two ventures, United 4 Social Change and Pedagogy.Cloud, he develops tools ranging from animated civics education materials to AI-enhanced classroom resources, aiming to foster healthier democracies and keep educators abreast of rapid technological advancements. Driven by the belief in the transformative potential of technology, Priten harbors the ultimate ambition of preparing individuals for a dynamic future, emphasizing bespoke educational approaches and promoting accessibility in civics education.

Chandani ShahChief Operating Officer

Through her avid participation in debates, Chandani has cultivated a fervent passion for elevating societal consciousness, particularly in the realms of mental health and women's rights. A devoted contributor to Indians 4 Social Change, she has illuminated pressing issues facing women in India, leveraging her love for writing to explore a myriad of topics. Balancing a rich palette of interests including writing, and social activism, Chandani not only enjoys but thrives in environments where the discourse on mental health and women's rights is fostered, working tirelessly to advocate for change and awareness in these critical areas.

Kirk AlemanChief Financial Officer

Kirk is a visionary dedicated to empowering the youth, nurturing their understanding of the boundless opportunities that await in their futures. Deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, especially in the entrepreneurial landscape, he actively seeks avenues to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs. With an open heart and a keen ear, Kirk is always eager to engage in enriching conversations that delve into individual motivations and dreams, encouraging people to articulate and pursue what truly drives them to rise each morning with purpose and vigor.

Nina BambergDirector of Programs

Nina boasts a rich educational background with a master's degree in International Education Development, further honed by a specialized concentration in Peace and Human Rights Education. This solid foundation fuels her fervent passion for environmental justice and her unyielding commitment to eradicating educational inequities, in pursuit of a world that embodies fairness and sustainable principles. When not immersed in her advocacy work, Nina finds joy and balance through traveling and yoga, nourishing her mind with podcasts, and challenging herself with puzzles, embracing a holistic approach to both personal growth and her broader mission for societal betterment.

Anthony de MarteOperations Manager

Anthony is a Muhlenberg College alumnus where he honed his skills in theatre and dance, a foundation that propelled him into a rewarding career as a performing artist, administrator, and educator. Deeply passionate about fostering collaboration over competition, he leverages the arts to celebrate our shared humanity, encouraging expressive freedom and unity through his multifaceted roles. Outside of his professional life, Anthony is a proud pet parent to the cuddliest and friendliest pitbull, Cooper.

Aislinn McCormarckPrograms Associate

  • Pursuing a degree in English and Creative Writing at Brandeis University
  • Owner of many books (and not enough bookshelves)
  • Enjoys making foam weaponry

Teddy DelisioPrograms Assistant

  • Very passionate about environmental preservation
  • Enjoys participating in debate and athletics
  • Sophomore at Manchester Essex Regional High School

Joan ManalotoGraphic Designer

  • Graduate in Web Development and currently pursuing Digital Marketing
  • Loves art, design, games and anything digital
  • Practices photography and videography in her spare time

Harshit ShahAnimator

  • Founder of Expert Animators group
  • Completed Master of Information Systems with Honors from UNE MIT Sydney campus
  • Like to spend time in Sports and Computer Games

Nishi SurtiAnimator

  • Member of Expert Animators group
  • IT person
  • Loves Travel and Photography

Contributors

Maya Bharara Senior Curriculum Development Intern

Clovis Curl Curriculum Development Intern

Catherine Curtis Curriculum Development Intern

Teddy Delisio Programs Assistant

Brandon Dodds Senior Curriculum Development Intern

Elyse Echegaray Curriculum Development Intern

Miranda Eng Curriculum Development Associate

Lucia Gonzalez Research Fellow

Leah Kaplan Curriculum Development Intern

Veda Kumar Curriculum Development Intern

Michael Leven Senior Curriculum Development Intern

Delian Ligon Curriculum Development Intern

Allyson Margolis Senior Curriculum Development Intern

Aislinn McCormarck Programs Associate

Maggie McCoy Senior Curriculum Development Intern

Shikha Nischal Curriculum Development Intern

Samantha Norrito Curriculum Development and Research Intern

Maizie Ober Curriculum Development Intern

Yesi Camacho Torres Curriculum Development Associate

Krupa Patel Curriculum Development Associate