KAFU Summarized the Year’s Results of the “Specialized Class” and SmartStart KAFU Projects

On May 15, 2025, the Kazakh-American Free University held a ceremony summing up the results of the “Specialized Class KAFU” and SmartStart KAFU educational projects—initiatives aimed at supporting talented youth, developing students’ professional self-determination, and creating a modern model of continuous education between school and university.

During the academic year, students from schools in Ust-Kamenogorsk and the East Kazakhstan Region actively participated in KAFU’s educational programs: they attended lectures and master classes, learned about the university environment, developed business projects and startup models, and interacted with faculty and the university’s international partners. The students were particularly interested in the classes and project defenses at the IT Hub. The highlight of the year was the first graduation of the SmartStart KAFU program, a new educational project at KAFU. It offered high school students a unique opportunity to study first-year university courses alongside their school education. In 2025, SmartStart KAFU graduates completed the early learning program, totaling 43 credits, taking a significant step toward their future professional education.

The projects were initiated by KAFU President, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Professor Yerezhep A. Mambetkaziyev. Advisor to the Rector of KAFU, Natalia A. Nesterenko, played a key role in the implementation and development of the initiative, supporting the project from its inception and becoming one of the key organizers. Thanks to the collaborative work and support of university leadership, participation in the projects became accessible to motivated students. KAFU First Vice President Zhassulan Y. Baikenov, Vice President for International Programs and Cooperation Daniel Ballast, and Advisor to the Rector of KAFU and Project Manager Natalia Aleksandrovna Nesterenko addressed the event participants with welcoming remarks.

During the ceremony, the university expressed gratitude to the directors of the partner schools for their fruitful collaboration and contribution to the development of specialized education. Project participants were awarded diplomas and certificates confirming successful completion of their studies.

The “KAFU Specialized Class” and SmartStart KAFU projects have become an important platform for unlocking students’ potential, developing leadership skills, critical thinking, and making an informed choice of their future profession. Today, KAFU continues to create an educational environment in which students have the opportunity to begin their journey to a successful career even before entering university.

The Kazakh-American Free University offers modern education, international opportunities, and a confident start to a successful future.