Innovation Certificate · Spring FY27

Grades 8–10 · Live online with d.tech teachers

A mentored passion project, reviewed against a real standard. Built in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity, and informed by work at the Stanford d.school. Each student picks a problem they care about, interviews real people, builds a prototype, tests it, and improves it, with mentors weighing in at the moments that count. The program ends with a design review where students present what they built and why it matters.

How it works

1. Build the foundations. Learn the core design thinking process through shorter design challenges.
2. Explore a meaningful problem. Choose a real, right-sized problem, research it, and talk with people affected by it.
3. Create, test, and improve. Prototype, test with users, and iterate on what you learn.

Session details

• Start: Week of January 18, 2027
• Schedule: Tuesday/Thursday, choose 2–4 p.m. or 5–7 p.m. PT
• Program time: 40+ hours
• Enrollment deadline: January 13, 2027

What students leave with

• A completed design project and prototype
• A one-page project write-up for a portfolio
• A draft UC application essay about contributing to school or community
• An Innovation Certificate digital badge
• A completion letter for their school
• The option to request a letter of recommendation

Optional university credit is available at an additional cost.

Cancel at least 48 hours before the first session for a full refund.