New York Times Bestselling author Soman Chainani Brings Coach Alpha to St. Louis with support from the Very Asian Foundation
Coach Alpha launches in St. Louis by New York Times Bestselling author Soman Chainani
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Louis, MO – September 2, 2025 – New York Times Bestselling author Soman Chainani is bringing his brand-new Coach Alpha program to St. Louis.
Coach Alpha isn’t your typical workshop. It’s a high-energy, interactive lab designed to help teens get into competitive colleges and chart their paths in today’s ever-changing world—where technology and AI are rewriting the rules almost daily.
“College applicants are such a high-stakes game that it’s natural for kids to depend on AI for their essays. But the college essay is the #1 place you shouldn’t—both to get into the best schools and to figure out what to study once you get there,” said Chainani. “My mission with Coach Alpha Lab isn’t just to give you a killer college essay. It’s to help you stay human in an AI world.”
What is Coach Alpha?
Coach Alpha is a two-part workshop lab for teenagers from Soman Chainani, Harvard graduate, and New York Times Bestselling author. Chainani spent years as a tutor and college consultant before becoming a successful novelist and film producer.
In two sessions spread across consecutive Mondays, Chainani helps teenagers tackle big questions:
Part 1: How to tell your story (aka the non-AI college essay): Presenting your authentic self to colleges, employers… and the world
How do you stand out in an AI world? By committing to authenticity and your own voice. You’ll leave this workshop with a clear success plan not just for your college essay, but for any application to something you want. 📅 Monday, September 22 | 6–7:30 PM | Brauer Hall, MICDS
Part 2: Follow Your Dream? Or Follow the $$$? Future-proof yourself and career for the age of AI
By the time you’re out of school, the job landscape is going to look nothing like it did for your parents and teachers. You’ll leave this workshop with a sense of where the robots are taking us— and how to build yourself to last as a human. 📅 Monday, September 29 | 6–7:30 PM | Brauer Hall, MICDS
“We believe we’re helping shape a better future in our community when we can empower students to lean into their authentic selves,” said Soogi Hong, executive director of VAF. “We are grateful to Soman for volunteering his time to make such a meaningful impact.”
Why It Matters
For today’s teens, growing up means navigating social media, pressure around college applications, a competitive job market, and now the influence of AI. It’s easy to feel lost. Coach Alpha is about giving teens real tools to cut through the noise, own their story, and make confident choices in an uncertain world.
About Soman Chainani
Soman is the author of the global hit The School for Good & Evil series (over 4.5 million copies sold and a Netflix film debuting at #1 in 80+ countries). He’s also a Harvard gradudate, Columbia MFA, and a storyteller who believes deeply in helping teens live authentically. You may have seen him on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, NPR, or The View.
About the Very Asian Foundation
The Very Asian Foundation (VAF) is proud to bring Coach Alpha to students. VAF’s mission is to shine a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration. VAF supports Soman Chainani through The May Book Project and mental health awareness efforts.
Event at a Glance
📍 Where: Brauer Hall at MICDS
🗓️ When: Sept. 22 & 29, 6–7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Available now at coachalphalab.com
