Californian Jack Vierhus, 17: Young Engineer’s Sights Set on Finland

Written by Nina Dahlblom
Published in The Finnish American Reporter 3/2025

From Homeschooling to Higher Education

In the heart of Silicon Valley, Jack Vierhus, the youngest of five siblings, grew up in a unique educational environment. Homeschooled until eighth grade, his education was anything but conventional. With his mother as a teacher and a structured curriculum in place, his learning was further enriched by a network of skilled parents from their Baptist community. "For example, one father, an engineer, taught us physics and math," Jack recalls. After homeschooling her children, Jack's mother returned to teaching in California’s public school system.

A Passion for Learning

The greatest gift of homeschooling, according to Jack, was the insatiable thirst for knowledge it instilled in him. An avid reader, he thrives on self-directed learning. "I'm a self-learner. I believe that's because of my homeschooling experience," he says.

Unlike some American homeschoolers who follow a flexible approach, Jack's education adhered to a well-defined program. "Everyone had to learn to play an instrument, and we were required to study a foreign language," he explains. Today, Jack speaks fluent German and has been playing the violin since he was five.

One of his most cherished musical memories is performing John Williams' compositions in a symphony orchestra, with the haunting theme from Schindler's List holding a special place in his heart.

Early College and Entrepreneurial Experience

At just 16, Jack passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and transitioned to Foothill Community College in Los Altos. Now 17, he is pursuing studies in engineering and anthropology. "I love working with my hands. I also work two days a week at a startup," he says. Anthropology captivates him with its deep dive into human history and culture. "We conduct archaeological field excavations at Indigenous sites."

STEM Clubs and Hands-On Prototyping

Jack sounds like an adult and frequently reminds both himself and his interviewer of his age. "I'm only 17, and I'm just starting to figure out how my brain functions at work," he says. With 12-hour days filled with work and studies, he is already getting a taste of real-world challenges.

Fridays are reserved for STEM club activities at school. "We develop prototypes from scratch—right now, we're working on a folding robot for laundromats. I love designing practical solutions aimed at large user bases and affordability. This isn’t luxury; it’s innovation," he explains. This fall, Jack is set to join a San Francisco company focused on delivery drones. "I'm fascinated by rocket technology, robotics, and mechatronics."

A Future in Finland?

Jack has a clear vision for his future. He aims to graduate in 2026, saving money along the way, with hopes of moving to Finland. "First, I need to gain autonomy and mature a little," he admits. His interest in Finland was sparked by friendship with older student, Eeri Bergstrom, whom he met in San Jose. "I’ve heard great things about Finland, especially its hands-on approach to education. I believe it would suit me well."

He is considering either Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) or LAB University of Applied Sciences in Lahti. "At LUT, I heard I could learn from Mythbusters legend Jamie Hyneman, which sounded incredibly exciting," he says. Both institutions boast strong international programs, and his Finnish friends have spoken highly of them.

Jack was also stunned by the affordability of Finland’s education system. "It almost seems too good to be true! However, navigating Finland’s university application process has been less intuitive for Jack. "The system could be clearer for international applicants," he notes.

I still need to research where to apply and how the process works. I’m also debating whether a university or a polytechnic would better align with my goals. It would be great to have someone guide me through the process. I’m not sure how my early graduation would be viewed."

Considering Europe, Drawn to Finland

Jack welcomes the idea of youth-focused initiatives by Finlandia Foundation’s San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. "It would be amazing to learn more about Finland through them," he says.

His fluency in German has also led him to explore educational opportunities in Central Europe. "Germany offers free education to those who stay and work there for ten years and start a family. It seems like they are investing in people due to their low birth rates."

Yet, Finland remains at the top of Jack’s list. "From what I understand, Finland has breathtaking nature that its people deeply appreciate. The country runs smoothly, the political climate is stable, and you can live comfortably on a modest income."

A Forest Guy with a Big Dream

A true outdoorsman at heart, Jack harbors a dream that goes beyond academia and technology. "I want to own a piece of land, preferably a forest. I’m a forest guy. I feel that in Finland, this could one day be possible—especially if I gain citizenship."

What’s Next for Jack Vierhus?

True to form, Jack continues to blend curiosity, hands-on experimentation, and ambition. He is currently designing a rocket to earn his Level 1 HighPower Rocketry Certification, with a launch planned for mid-July.

He will present at a research symposium on how 3D printing can revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of medical prosthetics. To support his presentation, Jack has been developing a prototype arm design that is easy to customize, print, and assemble—an innovation he’s considering opensourcing.

He’s also actively applying to internships across the U.S. and beyond and recently launched a personal portfolio site: fourthhouse.design. Finland may be on the horizon, but Jack’s journey is already rocketing forward.