KAFU Expands Cooperation with Over 50 Schools in Oskemen

At the start of the new academic year, representatives from the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) conducted introductory visits to more than 50 schools in the city of Oskemen. These meetings were aimed at fostering partnerships with secondary educational institutions, showcasing the university’s educational projects, and broadening opportunities for students to explore their future career paths.

During these visits, KAFU representatives introduced school administrators and teaching staff to the university’s educational offerings, ongoing initiatives, and potential areas for future collaboration. Particular emphasis was placed on two distinct educational projects: “SmartStart KAFU” and the “KAFU Specialized Class.”

“SmartStart KAFU” is an innovative educational project that allows high school students to study first-year university courses alongside their regular secondary school curriculum. This early university-level program enables students to immerse themselves in an academic environment, gain higher education-level knowledge, and prepare for future university studies. In 2025, the first cohort of “SmartStart KAFU” graduated; participants successfully completed a 43-credit program, demonstrating the effectiveness of this model for bridging secondary and higher education.

Additionally, the “KAFU Specialized Class” project—active since the 2022–2023 academic year—was presented. Designed for 10th- and 11th-grade students, this initiative focuses on career guidance, fostering interest in various fields of study, and introducing students to the university environment. Through this project, students attend classes, lectures, and masterclasses, participate in hands-on activities, and engage with KAFU faculty and guest experts—all of which help them make more informed decisions regarding their future professions. The meetings also addressed prospects for expanding cooperation between the university and local schools. Key priority areas include the implementation of joint educational, scientific, intellectual, and creative projects; the hosting of academic competitions (olympiads), masterclasses, and training sessions; the fostering of research and entrepreneurial activity among students; and the organization of career guidance initiatives.

Special attention was given to collaboration between school teachers and the KAFU faculty, the exchange of professional experience, the involvement of students in university-led initiatives, and the creation of additional opportunities for students to develop their abilities and talents.

These initial visits marked an important milestone in establishing and strengthening partnerships with educational institutions in Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk). The meetings provided a platform to discuss promising areas for collaboration and to outline the next steps for implementing joint initiatives.

The Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) continues to develop its cooperation with local schools, creating a framework that ensures continuity between secondary and higher education, facilitates early career orientation, and supports the development of individual educational pathways for students.