What is a TED-Ed Club?
TED-Ed Clubs are a part of TED-Ed’s Student Talks Program - a free curriculum for students and educators on a mission to identify, develop, and deliver student ideas via TED-style talks!
How can I use the TED-Ed Student Talks Curriculum?
The TED-Ed Student Talks Curriculum is the framework that helps students explore, develop and present their big ideas by guiding them through a step-by-step process. The curriculum can be used in multiple ways:
- In a classroom: a group of students led by a teacher during a specific class
- As part of another youth/ed program: use our guidebook as a plug-in to part of an existing program--for a group of students who are participants in programs run by our collaborative partners
- In a Club: as a group of students in an after-school/before-school setting, led by a teacher or adult educator
Is the program free?
Yes; the registration and all the materials are completely free.
How can I get more information about TED-Ed’s Student Talks Program?
Check out our webpage to learn more and access the application!
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
All grade-school students (K-12 or international equivalent) are eligible to participate.
Who can apply to participate in the program?
Right now, we are only accepting applications from teachers/educators at schools or youth organizations, as our program is currently designed to work best for in-classroom, educator-led settings.
Can I apply and organize a group in a language other than English?
If you are interested in your group participating in a language other than English, please email us at tededstudents@ted.com with the language you prefer. We will be in touch about next steps!
What if I'm already meeting in an informal "club"?
We've heard of some fantastic groups around the world meeting around TED topics. We're eager to hear more about these groups! We welcome you to apply so you can become an official part of the TED community!
How much time will I need to participate?
There are two components to consider when you are thinking about how to plan your time.
- Access to materials: Student Talks program processes applications 3 times a year. This means that you can apply at any time, but in your application you will be asked to choose 1 of the three application window start dates: April 1, August 1 and December 1 and that is when you will get access to all the materials. Each approved applicant will get access to program resources for 12 months.
- Participating in meetings: Once you do start, you'll see that there are 13 explorations (modules) in the Guidebook. We generally suggest about 60-90 minutes per exploration, but this is flexible and definitely varies from group to group -- do what is best for yours! Also, for example, If you get approved on April 1 you don’t have to start meeting with your group on that date. When we approve you will provide access to resources that will help you plan your timeline and when to get started in those next few months.
What should we call our group?
Your group name should include the name of your school and then TED-Ed Club or TED-Ed Student Talks Program. An example would be “Elm Street High School's TED-Ed Club” or “TED-Ed Club Elm Street High School” or “Elm Street High School’s TED-Ed Student Talks Program.”
Can I hold an event where my students give their final presentations?
TED-Ed Student Talks are meant to be filmed and delivered informally in front of fellow students. But you are welcome to host a live showcase to celebrate the completed Talks. This event may take place at your school or in your community, and you are welcome to invite as many students, educators, administrators and parents as you like to attend. Learn more here or reach out to the TED-Ed team for more details!
I'm not a teacher but I work with students (in a school-setting or in extra-curricular programs). Can I still get involved?
Yes! As long as you are approved or authorized by the school or community youth organization, and/or have parent approval to work with students in an after-school program or extra-curricular activity, please apply!
What's the difference between a TEDx and the TED-Ed Student Talks Program?
The TED-Ed Student Talks Program brings students together to discover, develop and present their best ideas. During these gatherings, students may watch and debate TED talks, explore and share their own and each other’s ideas. A TEDx event is a licensed, stand-alone event and requires a separate application through the TEDx website. Our hope is that students also consider coordinating a TEDx or TEDxYouth event in their communities as well!
What happens when my students complete their final presentations?
A few things happen! First, we will provide you with instructions on how to upload presentations to the TED-Ed Student Talks YouTube Channel. Leaders then upload Talks from students who have submitted signed media release forms. Uploaded Talks become publicly accessible in our global library of student ideas to be discovered and shared. Finally, you’ll provide us with feedback and renew for your next cycle!
Can my TED-Ed Club host a TEDx Event?
Yes! If you would like to host a larger, more formal event in your region, we encourage you to apply for a TEDxYouth license. Additional information on TEDx events can be found on the TEDx website as well as in this blogpost.
I want to participate in the TED-Ed Student Talks Program, but my school isn’t listed in the application.
If the name of your school isn't already in our system, there should be an drop-down option in the application to add your school:
Click this option to add your school!
Sometimes it can take a moment for our system to check and see if a record of your school exists already, so give it a little time for this option to show up when filling out your application.
Can I access the materials without applying?
Our materials and resources are available for those with an approved application only, so if you’re interested, go ahead and apply to get started!
I made a mistake in my application, or my information has changed
We understand that typos happen and plans change; if you need to update the information that you provided for us in application, please reach out to tededstudents@ted.com to let us know! We’ll happily update our records for you.
Can I participate in the TED-Ed Student Talks Program at my college or university?
We appreciate your interest in the TED-Ed Student Talks Program, but we are only able to approve applications from grammar to secondary schools or educational organizations working with students in these grades at this time. If you can be an official volunteer to work with students in that age group, then let us know.
We do hope to expand the program to include colleges and universities in the future, but we currently do not have materials to support students at that level. You may also be interested in looking into creating a TEDx University event - these events are TEDx events hosted at a college or university, and organized by current university administration staff, faculty or students. To learn more, check out the TEDx university event page.