• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • The Harker School
  • Menu
  • Admission
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • Upper School
  • Summer
  • More
    • About
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Giving
  • News

  • The Harker News provides timely information, news and features about the Harker community to current and alumni Harker families.

  • |
  • General News
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • Upper School
  • Alumni
  • Summer
  • In the News

Paramitas Foundation Grants Support Harker’s B.E. and Performing Arts Programs

January 6, 2016 by Debbie Cohen

Share this:

  • Tweet

This article originally appeared in the winter 2015 Harker Quarterly.

This fall two popular Harker programs expanded their offerings thanks to generous grants from the Paramitas Foundation. The business & entrepreneurship (B.E.) department and the lower and middle school performing arts programs each received support from the foundation, which was founded by Harker parent Winston Chen.

  • Major success for Harker DECA at Silicon Valley conference
    Read
    Major success for Harker DECA at Silicon Valley conference

Chen launched the Paramitas Foundation in 1992 with the mission to support universities, and environmental and community service organizations. Since then, the foundation has set up numerous scholarships and research projects. Chen and his wife, Phyllis Huang, are the parents of Harker students Karina Chen, grade 7, and Nicole Chen, grade 9.

Growth of the Business and Entrepreneurship Department

Because of the Paramitas Foundation’s past and current pledge of support over the next two years, as well as other contributions, the B.E. department has been able to enhance its program and add to its staff. Launched in 2013, the department has rapidly grown to offer a variety of inspiring programs providing business and entrepreneurial education, leadership opportunities and career preparatory programs to upper school students.

“The Paramitas Foundation grant has been essential to the development and expansion of all that we have done within the business and entrepreneurship department,” said Juston Glass, B.E. director. “The programs that bring opportunities for our students to grow as emerging leaders, budding entrepreneurs and future business professionals wouldn’t be available if it weren’t for the generosity of the foundation and Mr. Chen. I am very grateful for their support, enthusiasm for our mission, and kindness to provide us the resources to make it all possible.”

The business and entrepreneurship curriculum focuses on developing real-world business acumen, entrepreneurial readiness and innovative skills. Students learn about marketing, finance, management and entrepreneurship through introductory business courses, attending multiple business and entrepreneurial events held throughout the year, and by participating in the Harker DECA chapter, an internationally recognized, award-winning competitive business organization.

Junior Alexis Gauba said that taking part in the various programs in the B.E. department has given her opportunities and experiences that will be invaluable going into college and beyond. “As a part of CareerConnect, I’ve been able to see visionaries like Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey speak at conferences and build up a professional network by interacting with leaders in various fields. Through DECA I’ve been able to write business plans and pitch product ideas to judges at international competitions, and now I’m able to mentor younger members as they are doing the same,” she shared.

CareerConnect is a student-led networking, career preparatory and professionalism program for rising sophomores and juniors, designed to prepare Harker students for future success in college and the workplace.

Harker also partners with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to bring students an intensive and experiential program focusing on corporate strategy, entrepreneurial principles, financial literacy, business plans, and how to grow and develop one’s business endeavors.

Meanwhile, TEDxHarkerSchool, which this year drew more than 250 attendees, is a program of local, self-organized events that brings people together to share a TED-like experience.

Last December, B.E. held its inaugural Harker BEcon2014, a business, economics and entrepreneurship conference for Bay Area students featuring a wide variety of respected Silicon Valley business professionals.

Performing Arts Soars to New Heights

At Harker’s lower and middle schools, performing arts classes include music, theater and dance instruction. Through these classes students build literacy, learn problem-solving and teamwork, build poise and confidence in performing and develop a stage presence early on that carries over into the classroom and in their future academic careers.

One such program is Dance Fusion, Harker’s grade 4-6 girls and boys dance ensemble. This by-audition group comprises skilled dancers who work together at a fast pace to learn and perform routines with high energy, precision and enthusiasm. In addition to weekly classes, students who land a coveted spot in the group attend weekly rehearsals for their special performances.

Dance Fusion regularly performs its high-energy routines at the annual Harker Family & Alumni Picnic as well as the multi-campus holiday assemblies. “I am thankful for the support the Paramitas Foundation has given to Dance Fusion. By supporting the hiring of guest choreographers, the foundation makes it possible for me to spend more time choreographing and preparing the students for their performances,” said Gail Palmer, K-8 dance instructor and Dance Fusion’s director.

Dancer Anna Bean, grade 5, reported that one thing she really likes about Dance Fusion is how “it lets you get out of your comfort zone. You are challenged to the point where you are having a lot of fun. The week before [a show] is hard but it really prepares you!”

In addition, funding allowed for the purchase of a portable sound system and a projector for the middle school dance room, both of which are a huge help with rehearsals.

You may also like

  • Huge Wins for Cross Country, a Shout-Out in the San Jose Mercury News, and JV Football Remains Undefeated
    Huge Wins for Cross Country, a Shout-Out in the San Jose Mercury News, and JV Football Remains Undefeated
  • Upper School Students Visit Federal Reserve for Economics Study
    Upper School Students Visit Federal Reserve for Economics Study
  • Preschool class goes on scavenger hunt, finds caring teachers and staff members
    Preschool class goes on scavenger hunt, finds caring teachers and staff members
  • Eagle Report – Middle School
    Eagle Report – Middle School
  • Young Instrumentalists Win Silver Awards at Heritage Festival
    Young Instrumentalists Win Silver Awards at Heritage Festival
  • Soccer teams take to the field for Camp Okizu at annual Kicks Against Cancer game
    Soccer teams take to the field for Camp Okizu at annual Kicks Against Cancer game
  • Wrestlers Head to CCS and Girls Basketball Has a Memorable Senior Night
    Wrestlers Head to CCS and Girls Basketball Has a Memorable Senior Night
  • Junior Raises Money to Build Shelter for Family Living in Afghanistan
    Junior Raises Money to Build Shelter for Family Living in Afghanistan

Related

Filed Under: Upper School

Primary Sidebar

Search for Articles

Multimedia Features

  • Harker Research Symposium Video Earns Award
  • Into the Fringe: Conservatory Takes ‘Into the Woods’ to Edinburgh

Subscribe to Harker News via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Harker News and receive a daily digest of recent posts.

Delivered by FeedBurner

Trending Stories

  • Harker speech and debate takes first place at UC Berkeley tourneyHarker speech and debate takes first place at UC…
  • Harker teams place high in regional DOE Science BowlHarker teams place high in regional DOE Science Bowl
  • 2017 grad Colt McNealy competes at Ellie Mae Classic among golf pros and sports stars2017 grad Colt McNealy competes at Ellie Mae Classic…

The Harker Magazine

Published two times a year, The Harker Magazine showcases some of the top news, leading programs, inspiring people and visionary plans of the greater Harker community.

More Harker publications

About Harker

The Harker School is a non-profit, private K-12 school in Silicon Valley that has earned international recognition for its top academics, quality teachers and students' achievements. Founded in 1893, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, with a dedicated campus for each of its divisions – elementary school, middle school and upper school – in San Jose, CA.

Learn more about The Harker School

Links

  • Harker Aquila
  • Preschool
    • Academics
    • Specialty Classes
    • Teachers
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Lower School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Middle School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Upper School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
    • Admission
    • Summer
    • About
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Giving
The Harker School

Copyright © 1893-2015 • The Harker School • 500 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129 • 408.249.2510 | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

  • Follow Us!
  • Admission
    • Request Information
    • Campus Visits
    • Applying to Harker
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Admission FAQs
  • Preschool
    • Academics
    • Specialty Classes
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Support & Services
      • Extended Care
      • Food Progam
      • Libraries
      • Summer Preschool
      • Transportation
      • Safety & Security
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Lower School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • After-School Program
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • STEM
      • Student Research
      • Visual Arts
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Middle School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • After-School Program
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • STEM
      • Visual Arts
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Speech & Debate
      • Student Research
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Technology
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Upper School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • Visual Arts
      • STEM
      • Business & Entrepreneurship
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Speech & Debate
      • Student Research
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • College Counseling
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Technology
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Summer
    • Summer Preschool
    • Summer Camp Plus: KinderCamp
    • Summer Camp Plus: Grades 1-5
    • Summer Institute Middle School
    • Summer Institute Upper School
    • English Language Institute
      • Program Details
        • International English Language Institute Brochures
    • Swim School
    • Summer @ The Conservatory
    • About
      • Eligibility
      • Summer Jobs
      • International Families
      • Summer Registration and Policies
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Philosophy & Mission
    • History
      • Harker's 125th!
    • Events
      • Family & Alumni Picnic
        • Admission Passes & Tickets
        • Alumni Guests
        • Schedule of the Day
        • Raffle
        • Silent Auction
        • Picnic T-Shirts
        • Donations
        • Sponsorships
        • Volunteer
        • History
      • Homecoming
      • Harker Concert Series
      • Harker Speaker Series
      • Harker Gala: Night on the Town
        • Community Sponsorships
        • Corporate Sponsorships
      • Harker Sports Clinics
      • Research Symposium
        • Student Abstracts
        • Corporate Exhibitors
      • Harker Alumni Gold Classic
    • Message from the Head of School
    • Board of Trustees
    • Facts & Stats
      • Student Achievements
      • Alumni Achievements
    • Sustainability at Harker
      • Nichols Hall: LEED Certified
    • Eagle Store
    • Staff Directory
    • Careers
    • Media Information
    • Privacy Policy
    • COPPA Statement
  • News
    • General News
    • Preschool News
    • Lower School News
    • Middle School News
    • Upper School News
    • Alumni News
    • Summer News
    • In The News
  • Alumni
    • Transcript Requests
  • Giving
    • How to Plan Your Giving
    • Annual Giving
      • How Funds are Spent
      • Gift Clubs
    • Capital Giving
      • About the Cornerstones Campaign
      • The Cornerstones Of Success Campaign: Phases 1-5
      • Gift Recognition & Namign Opportunities
        • Capital Giving Gift Clubs
      • How To Make A Capital Gift
      • Naming Opportunities
        • Performing Arts Center
        • Athletics Center
        • Paving Tiles
        • Bucknall Campus
        • Saratoga Campus
        • Policy
    • Endowment & Planned Giving
      • Endowment Policy
    • Volunteering
    • Donations and Pledges