Innovation Cohorts

INNOVATION COHORTS

Build skills. Develop solutions. Lead with confidence.

Innovation Cohorts give youth ages 11–24 structured, hands-on opportunities to identify real challenges, research what matters, strengthen ideas, build prototypes, communicate solutions, and move from thinking to action.

Find your starting point: participants enter based on readiness, interests, and experience—not simply age or grade. You do not need to arrive with a business idea.

Curiosity Sparkers

“I care about something, but I’m not sure what to build yet.”
Explore challenges, interests, community needs, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Leave with a challenge area, early ideas, and a foundation in innovation.

Idea Nurturers

“I have an idea—or a problem I want to solve.”
Clarify the problem, listen to potential users, test assumptions, and strengthen the concept. Leave with a clearer solution and an actionable plan.

Idea Implementers

“I’m ready to build, test, or launch.”
Create prototypes, test with users, strengthen the business or impact model, and prepare for implementation. Leave with a tested solution and defined next steps.

Innovation Leaders

“I’m ready to lead, mentor, or grow what I’ve built.”
Deepen implementation, support peers, mentor younger participants, lead community work, and strengthen a project or venture. Leave with leadership experience and an expanded pathway.

Community Challenge Track

Start with a real community challenge. Participants can enter this track at any readiness level. They listen to residents and partners, investigate local challenges, map needs and assets, and co-design practical responses together.

5-question self-check

Find Your Starting Point

Answer five quick questions. Your result suggests where to begin—it does not lock you into a level.

1. Do you already have a challenge or problem you care about?
2. Do you already have an idea for a solution?
3. Have you talked with people affected by the challenge or done research?
4. Have you built, tested, or launched anything yet?
5. What best describes what you want to do next?

Privacy note: this self-check runs only in your browser. Your answers are not submitted or stored.

Flexible formats. Consistent outcomes.

Delivery formats: 3-Day Immersive • 14-Week Program • 6-Week Summer Program • Custom School or Community Cohort

Participants build: Challenge statements • research notes • prototypes • business or impact models • pitches • portfolios • reflections • community presentations

We measure growth across eight competencies: Agency & Purpose; Problem & Systems Understanding; Research & Listening; Solution Design; Prototyping & Execution; Impact, Financial Capability & Sustainability; Communication & Storytelling; and Collaboration & Leadership. Advancement is based on demonstrated portfolio evidence—not attendance alone.

Ready to design the right cohort for your students?