So you think you’re a genius? In a matter of time, students in Merced County may be saying, “Yes!”

A new Genius Project launched by the Merced County Office of Education connects afterschool students in 39 schools with unusual “geniuses” from around the country. The yearlong program is implemented in 11 districts by the county’s After School Student Education: Teamwork for Success (ASSETS) program. Smash Mouth band mate Michael Klooster, from Stockton, is one of the featured geniuses.

An interview of the musician filmed by Merced Educational Television (METV) brings to life the program’s goals: giving children real-world, relatable examples of how creating a vision for the future, working hard and persevering can empower them to fulfill their dreams and become geniuses in their respective fields of choice. The students study and discuss the genius featured on each DVD while mapping out thoughts about their own success.

Geniuses were selected by the administrative staff, based on Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers.” In it, he defines individuals who have accumulated 10,000 hours in a field of practice as having achieved mastery in that area, which makes them an expert or genius in that subject.

This school year’s other featured geniuses are jazz artist Scott Morris; singer Darnisha Taylor; author Georgia Bockoven; and singer-musician Ramon McLane. The project has already excited students and stirred deep, thought-provoking conversations between them and their parents. “The Genius Project brings literate role models who have achieved mastery of a skill as a result of a personal commitment, hard work and practice, and it provides guided support to students through video interviews,” said ASSETS Program Director May Moua.

Every two weeks, ASSETS presents a new genius to the students, who view the expert on a DVD, custom-made for the audience. Guided questions that facilitate discussions and life mapping are asked and answered. They include: What contributed to that person’s becoming a genius? Does he or she work in a group? Is it harder to work in a group or individually? How do you know? A short article may also be written by the group and students are asked what they would advise for the article. Brainstorming, drawing pictures, reviewing details, drafting, rereading and formulating conclusions are part of the process.

The excitement, curiosity and broader vision that students experience will also help them to have a future focus and become resilient individuals. Early results from the real-life simulation and project-based learning indicate that it will significantly contribute to students’ repertoire for decision making and life planning.

Staff members report that the Genius Project has become one of the most popular aspects of the program. On days that students know a new genius will be presented, attendance is consistently higher. 

As second-grader Sara Cruz of Merquin Elementary School said, “I like the Genius Project best when we get to meet our new geniuses because we get to see and learn about the different types of jobs and hear…how they became who they are.”

For more information, contact Dr. May Moua at (209) 381-6648.