PCSSII student honored with STEM award at Mass. Science and Engineering Fair

Middle Schooler Aarti Ravikumar of Malden earns 2026 Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award

Pioneer Charter School of Science II (PCSS II) was proud to announce that one of its students has received the 2026 Broadcom Coding with Commitment^® Award. The prestigious honor was presented at the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair, which was held recently at Clark University. Aarti Ravikumar, 14, of Malden, gained recognition for her project, Fractal Exploration, in which she used self-built code to tackle real-world research. Using advanced mathematics, coding and image analysis, Aarti explored how fractal patterns can support real-world applications in areas like medicine and research. Through the development of her own program and analysis tools, Aarti investigated complex mathematical concepts while thoughtfully examining the strengths and limitations of image comparison models and AI systems.

The Broadcom Coding with Commitment^® Award is presented by the Broadcom Foundation to a middle school student who uses coding and STEM skills to solve a real community problem — one that connects to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It celebrates young innovators who don’t just learn to code, but code to make a difference.

Judges praised Aarti’s work for its depth, strong technical understanding and exceptional presentation skills, with one noting Aarti’s “confidence and excitement for the work.” The project also stood out for its educational potential and future vision, with judges encouraging further development into accessible or web-based tools that could help others engage with these concepts more easily.

“We are incredibly proud of Aarti. By focusing on an area she is truly passionate about, she delivered a standout project that really highlights her talents,” said Pioneer Charter School of Science CEO Barish Icin. “Her accomplishment reflects the very mission of our school: preparing students for success in college and life by developing strong academic skills, resilience, and a love of learning. Aarti embodies the dedication, ambition, and character we strive to cultivate in every PCSS student.”

Through a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on STEM and the humanities, PCSS prepares students for excellence in any path they choose. The school looks forward to seeing Aarti, as well as all its students, continue to reach their highest potential.