Launch of Practice-Based Inquiry Learning Academy 'Ten Academy'

We, very50, are an NPO established in 2008 with the mission of 'increasing self-reliant and kind challengers to make the world more interesting.' We began by offering a program called 'MoG (Mission on the Ground)' to working professionals, connecting them with entrepreneurs in developing countries, primarily in Southeast Asia, to plan on-site business improvement projects. Over time, we expanded our target audience to university and high school students. To date, over 8,000 high school students have participated in our programs designed to cultivate business skills and social awareness.

※MoG (Mission on the Ground): A program that enables participants to experience creating business value on-site in collaboration with entrepreneurs both in Japan and abroad.

Now, very50 is launching 'Ten Academy,' transforming our short-term inquiry programs into an ongoing, attendance-based learning model.

Background of the Launch

Currently, very50 collaborates with schools to utilize their 'inquiry learning' curricula or school trips, offering high school students problem-solving projects in partnership with domestic and international entrepreneurs. Our programs have been adopted by over 40 schools, with approximately 3,000 students participating annually.

We have partnered with around 100 companies and entrepreneurs, both domestic and international. Additionally, about 200 university students and working professionals contribute to our programs each year, providing relatable role models and helping implement projects that reflect real-world perspectives (reference).

Students conducting field research in the very50 program, collaborating with social entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, very50 is now launching 'Ten Academy,' a practice-based preparatory academy for recommendation-based university admissions. This academy aims to provide deeper, continuous support for students by extending our previous short-term programs into longer, iterative cycles of improvement.

Our past MoG programs have already generated positive transformations in students and meaningful impacts on partner entrepreneurs (reference). By making these activities long-term, we believe we can create even greater positive effects for both students and society.

As a byproduct of our overarching goal to nurture individuals capable of independence in society, we believe that high school students who take initiative and gain real-world experience will naturally be better prepared for university admissions, particularly comprehensive selection exams (formerly AO admissions). We have conducted surveys of successful applicants, which are available for those interested:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000009.000071494.html

Overview of Ten Academy

Ten Academy is a practice-based inquiry learning academy where high school students conduct field research, engage with issues they care about from scratch, and execute solution-driven projects. The academy will open in September, beginning to deliver learning experiences to students.

At Ten Academy, each term lasts four months, following a cycle of problem identification → project proposal creation → problem analysis → implementation → reflection → presentation. Students gain insights and experiences through real-world practice, receiving direct feedback from stakeholders.

Flow of a 4-month term at Ten Academy

The most distinctive feature of this academy is the mentorship provided by university students and working professionals connected through very50. Even when students face challenges that might lead to giving up, they can continue through support from university mentors and inspiration from professionals, gaining more essential experiences for life in society. Additionally, we will host lectures by social entrepreneurs and workshops to develop skills useful for project execution, offering various support initiatives.

We are currently recruiting 20 students for the first cohort. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply via the website or register via LINE, as recruitment will be held every four months.

Photos: Classroom for lessons, meeting room, individual consultation booth

Admission Requirements

Eligibility: High school students up to grade 11 who can attend Ten Academy (nearest station: Suidobashi Station)

Capacity: 20 students

Application Period: July 15, 2026 – September 6, 2026 (First cohort) ※Recruitment will be held every four months

Application Method: Registration form for the information session on the website (https://ten-academy.jp/)

Details: https://ten-academy.jp/

Inquiries: [email protected]

Company Overview

NPO very50 operates with the mission of 'increasing self-reliant and kind challengers to make the world more interesting,' providing educational programs and supporting social entrepreneurs. To cultivate 'self-reliant and kind challengers,' we focus on three core principles: (1) addressing real-world issues encountered outside the classroom, (2) delivering knowledge and skills that can only be learned through practice, and (3) operating both domestically and internationally, particularly in emerging Asian countries. We offer project-based educational programs to individuals, corporations, and schools.

Headquarters: J.SQUARE Suidobashi, 3-4-2 Kanda Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061

Representative: Ryosuke Sugaya, Representative Director

Official Website: https://very50.com/

Contact: [email protected]