Barriers to Learning
Barriers to Learning
APPLIED SCHOLASTICS
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025
Highlights from this Year's Conference August 2025
A GLOBAL MOVEMENT REUNITES
In August 2025, the Applied Scholastics International Conference was held at Spanish Lake —bringing together educators, licensees, and supporters from around the world. Over three days, participants shared successes, forged new partnerships, and celebrated milestones in advancing L. Ron Hubbard’s Study Technology. From powerful keynote addresses to international recognitions and joyous celebrations, the conference marked a renewed commitment to purpose and global expansion.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
This summer, educators, volunteers, and community leaders from across the globe gathered at Spanish Lake for the annual Applied Scholastics International Conference.
Attendees came from France, Taiwan, Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Liberia, the United States, and beyond—representing both new initiatives and long-standing Applied Scholastics (APS) groups and schools.
The conference theme was unmistakable: Applied Scholastics is the movement spearheading L. Ron Hubbard’s educational breakthroughs to uplift society. Throughout the sessions, PURPOSE was emphasized and greeted with enthusiasm by participants.
RENEWED PURPOSE
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
The opening day began with a warm welcome and introductions by Rubina Qureshi, President of ABLE International, followed by a keynote address from David Hodkin, Applied Scholastics External Establishment Director, who presented on L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for APS and the broad application of Study Technology worldwide.
Next, Dave Hendry, co-founder of the Delphian School and Chairman of its Board of Directors—now also a member of the APS Spanish Lake Advisory Board—spoke on the current state of education. He emphasized that Applied Scholastics Study Tech-based schools are a real solution to the deep challenges facing education today, underscoring that Applied Scholastics is the movement positioned to
salvage the scene.
“Applied Scholastics is the movement that will salvage the education scene.”
– Dave Hendry
OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS
The afternoon focused on outreach and forming strategic partnerships. A highlight was the screening of the Scientology TV documentary series Voices for Humanity featuring Jen Nickerson from the Community Learning Center in Clearwater, Florida.
The presentation was met with great enthusiasm, and many attendees expressed interest in having their own activities featured in future productions.
Jen’s follow-up briefing on her school’s outreach earned her a standing ovation.
BUILDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
COMPETENCY BASED EDUCATION MOVEMENT
Mark Siegel of the Delphian School spotlighted opportunities within the global shift toward competency-based education.
He explained how APS schools, through LRH’s Study Technology, have successfully embodied this approach for over 50 years, and how partnerships with this movement are crucial for broader impact.
In a joint briefing, Chris Gerson, President Applied Scholastics Int, and Trevor Ott, Headmaster Delphian School, released several new APS materials published by Heron and piloted at Delphian for teens and young adults. These new titles are:
-
The Ethics & Integrity Handbook for Teens
-
The Management & Leadership Handbook
-
The Education Handbook
-
Communicating in Life
These new releases are available for purchase.
Stay tuned for MORE titles on the way!
NEW RELEASES
GLOBAL IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
The Scientology TV documentary series
Voices for Humanity episode was screened featuring Eva Rehorova of LITE Prague, followed by her briefing on the Applied Scholastics English as a Second Language centers in Czech Republic—earning her a standing ovation.
Tim Bowles and Jay Yarsiah updated attendees on the Africa Literacy Campaign and their success in Liberia and Ghana.
“Partnerships with the competency-based movement
are essential to broaden our reach.”
– Mark Siegel
SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
Recruitment & Procurement Workshops led by David Hodkin, with hands-on hatting and drilling. The recruitment session emphasized that new staff members must be aligned with the PURPOSE of joining LRH’s education movement.
A Word Clearing Workshop by Ingrid Gudenas of Effective Training Solutions, demonstarated how word clearing can be applied broadly—even to foundational documents such as the U.S. Constitution.
PRACTICAL TRAINING & TOOLS
“Purpose was constantly pushed—and it was alive in every session.”
– Christine Gerson
RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
The banquet was honored by the attendance of Missouri State Senator Angela Mosley and her husband, retired state representative Jay Mosley, along with six local educators from the greater St Louis area. Senator Mosley personally introduced her colleagues to Spanish Lake and Study Technology. Prior to the banquet, she attended a cocktail reception with Applied Scholastics staff, convention attendees and other community leaders.
In a moving ceremony, Senator Mosley presented a Missouri State proclamation declaring August 2nd as Applied Scholastics Day in Missouri.
Special keynote speaker, Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, delivered a powerful speech on the role of Study Technology in inner-city communities.
HONORING LEADERS & CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION
AWARDS CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS
Milestone Awards honored Effective Training Solutions (50 years), the Delphian School (50 years), Delphi Boston (45 years), Ability School New Jersey (45 years), Delphi LA (40 years), and Delphi Florida (40 years).
Global Education Impact Awards went to Eva Rehorova (LITE Prague) and to Tim Bowles and Jay Yarsiah for their work in West Africa.
The Applied Scholastics Leadership in Education Award recognized Dave Hendry for 50 years of dedicated service.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The final day focused on Administrative Planning Toward Expansion. Guided by LRH references, attendees worked through the Admin Scale to align their purposes and strategies for the year ahead.
Many realized they had overlooked this essential tool, and the session proved transformative in launching a renewed wave of production and growth.
ADMINISTRATIVE PLANNING
The 2025 Applied Scholastics International Conference was more than a gathering—it was a reaffirmation of purpose, a celebration of global impact, and a launchpad for future expansion. With renewed commitment and unity, Applied Scholastics licensees and educators left energized and ready to bring Study Technology into every corner of society.
“It is of vital importance that the quality of education be revitalized and improved. As Man is as able as he can learn and know, it is urgent that a workable learning technology is available to him.”
– L. Ron Hubbard
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
© 2025 Applied Scholastics International. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics open book design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.