Innovators for Purpose – New Futures Lab

“Innovators for Purpose is a BIPOC-led youth design and innovation studio that is reimagining the STEM learning experience for grades 7-12 by integrating art, design, STEM and youth-voice within a social justice framework.

A radically re-imagined approach to STEM learning in public schools that empowers diverse young people to become innovators who create positive impact in the world. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a BIPOC-led youth design and innovation studio and learning lab. Using a hands-on multidisciplinary approach integrating art, design, science, technology, and youth-voice within a social justice framework, iFp empowers young people, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups, to become our next generation of purpose-driven innovators. iFp alumni are committed to pursuing college and career pathways that create positive impact in the world.

iFp is incredibly excited to have been chosen for an Ignite award. It will allow allocation of focus and resources to program design, curriculum development, piloting, and evaluation of New Futures Lab, thus greatly expanding the breadth of their reach.

New Futures Lab (grades 7-8) will leverage our proven methodology of integrating the “equity ethic” with STEM learning. There is a growing body of research that suggests STEM content experienced through a social justice lens, inspires greater motivation and engagement as compared with traditional classroom contexts. This is especially true for historically underrepresented youth. Students who may not see themselves as innovators become impassioned through participation in topics that are important to them and have a community impact.

New Futures Lab will be an intensive 1-week experiential program that meets during school hours greatly increasing its accessibility. Through partnerships with schools, students will gain school credit as they experiment and find ways to explore their own passions. Exposing students to STEM subjects at this scale through iFp’s unique lens will undoubtedly recruit new prospects to this field with so much future potential.

For more information about Innovators for Purpose, go to innovatorsforpurpose.org