Summer Innovation Camp is a transformative two-week experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to solve challenges presented by local business partners, guided by industry mentors and educational facilitators.

Camp Overview

Each year, our Summer Innovation Camp brings together students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests for an intensive problem-solving experience. The camp follows a structured innovation process inspired by design thinking methodologies and entrepreneurial principles.

Throughout the two weeks, participants will:

• Engage with local businesses to understand their challenges
• Research user needs and market dynamics
• Ideate and prototype potential solutions
• Test concepts with real users
• Refine solutions based on feedback
• Present final proposals to business partners

Daily Schedule

Each day at the camp follows a structured but flexible schedule designed to maximize productivity while encouraging creative exploration:

This Year's Business Partners

For the 2025 Summer Innovation Camp, we're excited to partner with these organizations who will present real challenges for our student teams:

• GreenSolutions - A local sustainable products company looking to reduce packaging waste
• CommunityHealth Network - A healthcare organization seeking to improve teen engagement with preventative health services
• Urban Mobility Initiative - A transportation nonprofit exploring solutions for last-mile connectivity
• TechStart - A technology incubator addressing digital literacy in underserved communities

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the Summer Innovation Camp, students develop a wide range of skills that prepare them for future academic and professional success:

• Collaborative problem-solving in diverse teams
• User research and empathy-building techniques
• Rapid prototyping and iteration methodologies
• Professional communication and presentation skills
• Project management and timeline adherence
• Feedback integration and solution refinement

Beyond these specific skills, participants consistently report increased confidence, expanded professional networks, and clearer visions for their future educational and career pathways.