A Bronx High School of Science student has launched global educational initiatives to bridge a gap in youth access to philosophy and classical languages.
Founded by rising senior Caroline Jiang, Philosophy Vessel is an international platform and open educational resource dedicated to fostering philosophical inquiry among high schoolers and young learners around the world. With more than 750 registered members thus far and branches across the world, with countries including the United Kingdom and Singapore, the platform hosts public reading groups and discussions, blogs, global events, and an online forum, free and accessible to all learners.
“I created Philosophy Vessel to encourage younger generations to participate in philosophical thinking, challenge their preconceptions, and boldly explore new ideas in a global community,” said Ms. Jiang. “I wanted to give students everywhere a space to think deeply and voice their thoughts freely. I really love engaging in discussions with so many different people and seeing them try to understand the world together, and enjoy themselves as much as I do. It really is a testament to the power of education — I think it has the power to change people, change the world, for the better.”
This summer, Philosophy Vessel’s affiliated initiative Classics Convoy, in partnership with Bronx Science’s Latin Club, launched Forum Linguae, a free, six-week global online Latin program aimed at learners of all ages and backgrounds. Latin for “Forum of Language,” the course is taught by fifteen instructors, including those from across the world and Bronx Science’s Latin Club, youth volunteers passionate about making Latin education accessible and engaging.
Forum Linguae has enrolled 115 students, ranging in age from 9 to 78 and coming from across the world from regions like the Netherlands and Thailand. The program, running from July through August 2025, offers an immersive and welcoming environment where participants explore the Latin language and its cultural legacy, both ancient and modern.
Community support has played a crucial role in the initiative’s reach and success. Bronx Science’s Guidance Department helped publicize Forum Linguae to the student body, while the St. Mel’s Church Community in Queens, NY posted the program information in weekly bulletins and directed parishioners to sign up. Flora, 21 years old, expressed her gratitude in an e-mail to Philosophy Vessel, saying, “I am so delighted that this free Latin class and your wonderful Team exist. Your existence itself is warm and kind enough. It makes me feel that we philosophy lovers are not alone.”
“It really moves me to receive the overwhelming inquiries to join us and their messages of support,” said Ms. Jiang. “We are not just teaching philosophy and Latin, but we’re building a community that believes in the impact and enduring value of curiosity, thoughtful dialogue, and the shared pursuit of wisdom around the world.”
About Philosophy Vessel
Philosophy Vessel is an international open resource and platform dedicated to all students and lovers of knowledge. Providing resources, reading and discussion groups, forums, and publication opportunities, its mission is to make philosophy accessible, engaging, and collaborative and cultivate a global community of thinkers united by a shared passion for wisdom, dialogue, and the transformative power of philosophy.
