Innovation Program FAQs
Are the AI Courses & Innovation Programs just for STEM students?
No, design thinking is for everyone! It’s not just a process, it’s a way of thinking about the world to creatively solve problems using empathy. Our students have a wide range of interests from art and business to engineering and entrepreneurship among many other topics.
Who teaches the AI Courses & Innovation Programs and where were they designed?
The course is taught by Design Tech @ Oracle instructors and specialists. The Innovation Certificate Program is an approved vendor with Arizona’s ESA program and Utah’s Education Fits All as an online learning program (non-public).
Are students assigned projects?
Students choose their design project topic based on personal interests and appropriate scope. As they work on their projects, students gain hands-on experiences that help them become proficient with innovation mindsets, skills, and responsibilities such as initiative and persistence, project management, collaboration, storytelling and self-awareness. Most work within each course and program is completed during class sessions, however there may be times when students are required to complete tasks outside of class meetings.
Who can enroll and what are the fees?
This program is open to 8th-12th grade students who do not attend d.tech High School. Students who successfully complete the Design Thinking Bootcamp + an Innovation Studio course can earn the Innovation Certificate and are then eligible to enroll in the 4-week internship accelerator program.
What do students need to participate in the AI Courses or Innovation Programs?
Other than completing the enrollment and payment process, there are no special requirements to participate other than the following:
-Computer with a camera & microphone
-Reliable internet access
-A personal (non-school related) gmail account
- Zoom app
How does the Internship Accelerator work?
Students who earn the Innovation Certificate are eligible to apply for a 4-week Internship Accelerator program offered online during the month of July. In this program, students can apply design thinking skills to an authentic work experience; build social capital and a professional network to create a distinguishing experience and professional reference for their resume, college applications or for the purpose of building on their personal interests.