Schwarzman Scholarship Recipient—Jan Bartkowiak

Jan Bartkowiak, Class of 2025, has always been a trailblazer. From reimagining the local education system with Econverse in Poland to creating impact on a global scale with AI Consensus at Minerva, his journey embodies what it means to be a changemaker. This extraordinary path led him to become a Schwarzman Scholar, a prestigious award for students addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, enabling him to further his studies fully funded in China. This year, Schwarzman Scholars received over 5,000 applications – a record high – and Jan was among the 150 artists, activists, innovators, and entrepreneurs chosen for its tenth class.

Growing up in a small city in Poland, Jan yearned for a chance to explore the world and design his own educational path. Dissatisfied with the rigidity of traditional European systems, he chose Minerva. “It was a bit of a gamble to choose Minerva, especially 4 years ago,” Jan reflects. “It had no clear pipelines to jobs or set structures, which gave me the freedom to reimagine who I was and explore my interests. It also pushed me to go the extra mile with my projects.”

Jan’s decision to attend Minerva marked the beginning of an educational journey that spanned seven cities, from San Francisco to Seoul. He embraced the interdisciplinary curriculum, delving into courses from finance and law to history and economics. The knowledge he gained not only enriched his studies but also directly fueled his entrepreneurial pursuits.

During his freshman year at Minerva, Jan founded Econverse, an NGO that fosters entrepreneurial skills among Polish high school and university students through startup simulations and workshops. Since its founding in 2022 at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Econverse has directly supported over 4,000 teens and earned accolades such as the 2023 Emerging Europe Award. Backed by major organizations like Google for Startups, Aspen CE, and Poland’s National Development Bank, and expanding to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary this past Fall, Econverse is becoming a cornerstone for youth development in Central-Eastern Europe.

In parallel, Jan co-founded AI Consensus, a student-led organization at Minerva that explores how AI can enhance learning and development. Supported by the Responsible Youth Technology Power Fund, AI Consensus has hosted hackathons and events across the globe—from Hyderabad to London—featuring experts from Samsung and Google DeepMind. The initiative has been featured in Nature and continues to make waves in the tech community.

“These projects were a key part of my Minerva experience,” Jan shares. “There’s a reinforcing feedback loop between academics and my projects. The insights I gained from my courses made me a better leader, and my projects, in turn, deepened my understanding of academic concepts.”

As a Schwarzman Scholar, Jan will pursue a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. He will study international relations, global development, and leadership in the context of 21st-century challenges. Jan’s acceptance into Schwarzman Scholars is a testament to his leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to fostering global understanding. “I think it’s a fantastic program because it has a very practical, do-it-yourself kind of curriculum, with all sorts of opportunities available. I will also join a network of young leaders who, in their unique ways, have already accomplished so much, and who all have a slightly different experience at Schwarzman, which makes the knowledge exchange even better. I cannot wait for another ‘rotation city’.”

In one of his tutorials, Jan taught a class on the Chinese economic model and how it differs from other systems around the world – a topic that played a pivotal role in his decision to apply for the Schwarzman Scholarship. “China’s unprecedented economic growth and its distinct approach to industrial policy fascinate me,” he explains. “I believe the only way to truly understand China is to experience it firsthand. In some ways, it feels like a parallel universe. On top of that, the world is changing. Given China’s growing global importance, I believe that studying its economic model and history alongside the Western approach is essential to becoming a more informed and effective leader.”

For Jan, becoming a Schwarzman Scholar is more than an achievement; it’s validation of his unconventional path. “This scholarship validates my path and the learning-by-doing model I adopted in high school. It shows that I found my way”, he reflects. “What’s most important is that this scholarship is just the next step – a catalyst, not a course correction. I’m not planning to change my life, career direction, or who I am. I intend to keep doing what I’m passionate about. And I hope my recognition will push more students to adopt this mindset, discover their passions through experimentation, and start their own projects while still in school.”

Looking ahead, Jan is determined to continue his work in transforming education and fostering innovation and economic resilience in Central-Eastern Europe. His Capstone project with Microsoft, a subproject within Econverse, marking the first AI-ready intervention in Poland, promotes AI literacy among Polish students, and exemplifies his commitment to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in the job market.

Jan’s advice to fellow youth is simple yet profound: “You don’t have to build a Y Combinator-backed AI or crypto startup to make an impact. Think of where you are. Focus on what you care about at the moment. And then start mastering your craft. When you start early and small, it pushes you to seek out new connections and opportunities. The world becomes your library. And when you do it for years, the results speak for themselves.”

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