With Boston Public Schools closed and all students learning from home, there is an urgent need for engaging digital content specifically designed for Black and Latinx youth in under-resourced communities. The Boston Virtual Design Challenge was launched, thanks to the support of our sponsors, to address this need and empower our youth entrepreneurs to take action as they work to develop innovative solutions to the question: How might we help people thrive mentally and physically in the midst of COVID-19?
Over the course of several weeks, competing students from 6 Boston Public Schools learned about human-centered design thinking and explored stories of diverse clients, ranging from a healthcare provider to a fellow student. Students then worked collaboratively in teams with mentors from the business community to propose innovative solutions to their clients’ challenges. At the end of the challenge, teams submitted videos pitching their ideas for new products, campaigns or services.
“A website where we bring taste and music together for you and your family”
To help determine our winning Sophomore-Senior teams, over 100 volunteers from the business community watched our top three student video pitches and cast their votes. We’re so impressed by all of the hard work from our upperclassmen student teams this fall in the BUILD Boston Virtual Design Challenge presented by EY and proud to share the winning team’s full pitch:
Glaydson & Kaylen
Dearborn STEM Academy
In addition to running this challenge in our 6 partner Boston Public Schools, BUILD is committed to offering our virtual curriculum as a free, Open Educational Resource (OER) to help educators and nonprofits inspire high school students nationwide to utilize entrepreneurial solutions that promote mental and physical wellness in their communities during COVID. To learn more, visit www.build.org/virtual.
Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.
Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.