Innovation Certificate Program FAQ + Application

1. Who teaches the Innovation Certificate program and where was it designed?

   -The Innovation Certificate created by Design Tech High School located on the Oracle campus in Silicon Valley (d.tech) is a unique opportunity for participants to earn a specialized credential that represents their ability to apply design thinking skills to real-world challenges with efficacy. Created in partnership with Stanford University, d.tech’s design thinking curriculum teaches students how to problem-solve with a methodology used by designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and social entrepreneurs. In the Innovation Certificate program, design thinking helps students think about the future and use their imagination and intelligence to find a way to make the world better. 

   -Experienced educators teach the course with deep knowledge of design thinking and who teach the Innovation Course within d.tech high school’s in -person campus.

2. What can I expect my student to learn in this program?

   -Throughout the summer, students: 

   • master design thinking foundations, 

   • tackle real-world challenges in a virtual studio, and 

   • can opt to complete a summer internship in 2025.

     At the end of the program, students earn a resume-ready certificate that will help your student stand out! 

   -This program is a chance for your teen to:

   • Gain workforce ready skills in empathy, ideation, and user-centered design

   • Apply their learning through hands-on individual and collaborative projects

   • Earn a credential that shows colleges and employers their ability to innovate and problem solve

   • Achieve an opportunity for a summer internship in 2025!

3. What is the program structure?

   The summer program is an encompassing five week fully virtual* accelerated program including a Summer Bootcamp and Virtual Design Studio:

   Summer Bootcamp: a one-week camp over five days (Monday-Friday, 3 hours per day). We offer the Bootcamp during three different weeks: June 10 (*9 am - 12 pm PT in-person in Redwood City), June 17 (9 am - 12 pm PT), or June 24 (1 pm - 4 pm PT). This course is a prerequisite for the Design Studio.

   Summer Design Studio: a four-week camp that meets twice per week for two hours, kicking off on July 8, 2024. Students can choose to attend on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am - 11 am PT or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm - 4 pm PT. Students will focus on a project that addresses a significant challenge participants see in their communities.

   -Students choose their 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 and collaboration, and storytelling and self-awareness. Check out some of the fantastic student projects here.

   -By completing the Summer Bootcamp and Summer Design Studio, students earn their prestigious Innovation Certificate, preparing them to be innovative problem-solvers with a sense of social responsibility.

4. What are the program details?

   Meetings & Time Commitment

   • The one-week Boot Camps are taking place on June 10, June 17, and June 24. Classes meet on Mondays-Fridays from 9 am - 12 pm Pacific Standard Time. The June 10 BootCamp will meet in person in Redwood City.

   • The 4-week design studio class begins July 8, 2024, and ends August 2, 2024. Students will meet on either Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 pm (PST) or Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11 am (PST). Expect 2-4 additional hours/week working on assignments and projects. 

5. Who can enroll and what are the fees?

   -This program is open to 9-12th grade students who do not attend Design Tech High School. It is an ideal program for high schoolers interested in STEM fields, entrepreneurship and more. Students who successfully complete the course earn the Innovation Credential are eligible for a 4-week summer pre-internship in Summer 2025.

   -The program costs $1500 for the two courses over the five-week program, but cost should not be a limiting factor. Scholarships are available on a need-basis. 

   -The Innovation Certificate Program is an approved vendor with Arizona’s ESA program as an online learning program (non-public).

6. How do you enroll?

   -Enrollments are due by May 1, 2024. Enroll here.

   How does the summer internship program work?

   -Students who earn the Innovation Certificate are eligible to apply for a 4-week “mico-internship” during summer 2025. This will be either virtual or in California. 

   • Apply design thinking skills to an authentic work experience

   • Build social capital and a professional network.

   • Create a distinguishing experience and professional reference for your resume and college applications.