Cengiz Karatas

Mr. Cengiz Karatas taught in schools in Russia from 1996 to 2004. He later served at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School (HSA) as a guidance counselor, Dean of Academics (2005–2007), and Principal (2007–2010). During his tenure, HSA earned an Excellent rating and received the School of Promise Award from the Ohio Department of Education, Bronze Medals from U.S. News & World Report, the National Blue Ribbon Award, and the Title I National School of Distinction recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.

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In 2010–2011, Mr. Karatas was the founding director of Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis. From 2012 to 2015, he served as Organizing Committee Chair for the Chicago International Conference on Education and the National STEM Conference at Concept Schools. He also established the Future Institute, where he served as Executive Director (2016–2022), supporting high school graduates in their transition to college and promoting persistence, career readiness, and long-term success.

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Since 2023, Mr. Karatas has been affiliated with the Ad Astra Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding the challenges students face during educational transitions and identifying the most effective strategies to support their success.