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.