The journey so far

Since 2016, the IC3 Movement has brought together educators, universities, and organizations with a shared mission: to transform education and empower students worldwide. What began as a simple idea has grown into a thriving global community that has touched millions of lives, created opportunities, and inspired lasting change. As we mark ten years, we honor the journey we have walked together and look ahead to the work that lies ahead.

A Decade of Milestones

From the first Annual Conference in 2016 to a presence in 104 countries, the IC3 Movement has grown steadily, guided by its mission and the commitment of its people. Here are the key milestones that have defined our journey so far.

James was here

2016

Launch of the IC3 Movement and the first Annual Conference with 285 participants, representing 106 high schools from 14 countries, 75 universities, and 16 organizations.

2017

Molly Teacher was introduced to the world. The IC3 Regional Forums were introduced, bringing the mission to 9 cities in 3 countries.

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2018

Launch of the IC3 Institute to advance research, professional development, and resources for educators worldwide.

2019

Graduation Ceremony of the 1st IC3 Institute cohort

James was here

2021

Expansion into Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific, ensuring access to counseling conversations in regions where such platforms were rare.

2022

Elevated the venue to a Convention Centre.

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2023

Crossed 1000 volunteers.

2024

Introduced 2 new tracks: Consciousness & Well-being, Institutional Partnerships.

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2025

Introduction of IC3 On Demand and IC3 Regional Conferences, offering more customized, impactful, and accessible engagement. The IC3 Institute’s Membership Platform is made public.

2026

1st IC3 Regional Conference - South Asia and a milestone celebration with expanded scope and ambition.

James was here

The Next Chapter

As IC3 moves into its second decade, we are adapting to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and the education sector. Our new initiatives are designed to go deeper into communities, broaden our reach, increase focus on well-being, and create more meaningful, sustained engagement.

The past decade has shown what can happen when people from around the world unite for a common purpose. Yet millions of students still need access to the guidance that can help them find their path.

Your involvement can make a difference. Whether you are a counselor, educator, university representative, or organizational leader, there is a place for you in the IC3 Movement. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their purpose.

Voices of IC3

Stories That Shaped a Movement

Over the past decade, the IC3 Movement has brought together a global community united by a shared belief in the transformative power of counseling. The voices featured here reflect the lived experiences of individuals who have engaged with IC3 across conferences, forums, initiatives, and collaborations.

This section presents a collection of written reflections shared by members of the IC3 community. These messages capture personal journeys, meaningful moments, and perspectives shaped through participation in the Movement, offering insight into how IC3 has influenced professional paths, ideas, and purpose.

Together, these reflections form a collective narrative of learning, connection, and impact, representing the many experiences that have contributed to IC3’s growth over the last ten years.

It was last year in August when I got the scholarship to attend the annual conference. It was my first experience to enter a plane and I was the only Burundian who has ever attended it. I moved from Bujumbura to Nairobi, then took another plane which took me to Mumbai and then from Mumbai to Delhi. All this was possible due to incredible people from the IC3 team: Jim, Ganesh, Anuradha, Anjali, Prabha, Preeti and others I did not mention. Thank you alot for allowing me to connect with other IC3 members across the globe.

Fulgence Nyabenda

Teacher and career guidance counselor,
Lycée du Saint Esprit, Bujumbura - Burundi

It has been a true pleasure to be part of the IC3 initiative over these years. The mission of 'counseling in every school' is both bold and beautiful, a vision that feels more vital than ever.The IC3 Institute has proven to be an exceptional training ground for budding counselors and the perfect platform to elevate our profession, helping it gain the respect and recognition it deserves. The annual conferences consistently offer some of the best learning opportunities, bringing together inspiring speakers and creating spaces where we can learn, network, and genuinely connect with one another.Watching our profession grow and finally gain the visibility it has long deserved fills me with optimism. As we enter the next decade, may we continue with intentional curiosity, focusing on connection, culture, and camaraderie. Every successful student who finds work they genuinely love reminds me why this mission matters. Each one represents a small victory that makes the world a better place.Thank you for creating and sustaining this community. Here's to the next chapter of IC3's journey.

Namita Mehta

President, The Red Pen and
Executive Director, White Bridge Education

For me, the IC3 movement represents meaningful connections, genuine camaraderie, and purposeful collaboration. Over the past four years of attending the Annual Conference, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of this community, a space where barriers fade, and a shared commitment to student success takes center stage.
Each interaction reinforces this mission. Whether engaging with dedicated counselors, celebrating their well-earned certifications, supporting critical training initiatives, or collaborating with colleagues from higher education institutions to learn more about their programs and opportunities, I am reminded of the profound importance of our collective work. Building personal relationships with the IC3 team has been a highlight of this journey, and every event leaves me inspired and energized.
The opportunity to present year after year has been equally rewarding, offering a platform to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and foster growth. Above all, I want to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of EducationUSA advisers across diverse regions who have championed this movement alongside you. Through this collaboration, they have extended the reach of counseling to schools worldwide and developed robust programs that truly transform lives.
It is an honor to contribute to this story and to stand with a community that is shaping the future of education, one student at a time.

Lewis Cardenas

EducationUSA

One moment that stands out from my association with IC3 was standing in the registration line at the Hyderabad conference—the first in-person IC3 event after the long stretch of COVID-era online interactions. Being in a room full of people united by the same purpose and commitment to student guidance was a powerful reminder of the collective energy, collaboration, and shared vision that define the IC3 community.

Theresa Joseph

Advancement Officer, Career Guidance and University Counselor, Member of IACAC, NACAC, NCDA
and The Outreach Collective (TOC), Nahar International School

The first Conference @ Yashoo Bhoomi as CBSE City Coord., Delhi, It made me to complete Enrich & Empower in IC3.

Senthil Murugan P

Senthil Public School

The IC3 Doha conference stands out to me as an amazing opportunity for Counsellors to gather, sharing inspirational and motivating ideas and concepts for success. I enjoyed the real life stories with specific morals applicable to counselling in international schools.

The English Modern School Al Khor

One moment that stands out from my IC3 journey is how the online sessions gradually turned into a strong learning community. What began as virtual discussions became meaningful friendships, guided by mentors who challenged us to think deeply and responsibly. Ganesh Kohli’s vision of building ethical, student-centered counseling systems tied it all together and gave the experience lasting direction

Hussaini Syed

Director, Greenfields English High School, Ohar, Aurangabad

IC3@10: A Decade in Reflection

To mark ten years of the IC3 Movement, a special IC3@10 Commemorative Book is currently in development. This forthcoming publication will bring together exclusive essays and reflections from distinguished voices across the global education ecosystem.
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The book will explore the evolution of counseling, leadership, and student purpose through the lens of IC3’s journey, offering insights from individuals who have shaped and influenced education over the past decade.
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Scheduled for launch at the 10th Annual IC3 Conference and Expo in Mumbai on 19 and 20 August 2026, the IC3@10 Commemorative Book will stand as a lasting tribute to the Movement’s impact and a source of inspiration for the decade ahead.

Ten years of elevating counseling into a global culture

The journey so far

Shared Experiences over the years

Ganesh Kohli

Anju Deoskar

Jim McLaughlin

Ritika Singh

The IC3 Journey: A Shared Vision

A Decade of Milestones

2016

2017

2018

2019

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

3,307,500

Students Impacted

6,615

Schools Engaged

912

Universities Collaborated

104

Participating Countries

The Next Chapter

Voices of IC3

The first Conference @ Yashoo Bhoomi as CBSE City Coord., Delhi, It made me to complete Enrich & Empower in IC3.

The IC3 Doha conference stands out to me as an amazing opportunity for Counsellors to gather, sharing inspirational and motivating ideas and concepts for success. I enjoyed the real life stories with specific morals applicable to counselling in international schools.

IC3@10: A Decade in Reflection

COMING SOON

A Decade of Smiles