Program Overview → What to Expect → Co-Learner Info → Visit Materials → Co-Learner Sign Up
Program Overview → What to Expect → Co-Learner Info → Visit Materials →
 

middle school: HUMAN-CENTERED CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING

DESIGN THINKING PROGRAM

Launched in 2016, our middle school program is designed to increase interest in both subjects before the students enter high school and begin to be pushed out of the education system entirely. The unique program connects math and science to places in their community — such as a school, park or abandoned property — to make it highly relevant to the students in each school. This community-based approach helps make the learning relevant for the student and keeps them engaged in the process.

 
 

Commitment

  • Training: One 90-minute volunteer training session

  • Preparation: Before each classroom visit, meet with your co-volunteers and review In4All’s content materials, distill content to use only the most relevant slides, and customize your presentation if you wish.

  • Classroom Sessions: 

    • Number of visits: 8-10 classroom visits. 

    • Length of each visit: Each visit lasts the length of the class period, generally between 40-60 minutes

    • Frequency: Agreed upon in collaboration with the teacher. The most common frequency is weekly.

How it works

The program pairs a company with a local middle school with a high population of students who do not see a path to a career or success in life and are at risk of dropping out of school. In4All facilitates the entire process of training volunteers, picking the project, completing the activity, and giving students feedback on their project.

The whole process is not only rewarding for volunteers but this form of learning is proven to increase student interest in school -- an important step to completing high school and taking that next step toward college or a career.

Support

Presentations and materials provided. You are encouraged to add your experience.

Design Thinking Session Materials →

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Community Partner Roles & responsibilities

what to expect

Learn more about what to expect from In4All’s Design Thinking Program and how to prepare for your visits! If you have any questions about accessing resources, please contact your program manager (Esther Kwak and Josh Phillips).

 
 

Schools / Educators

As a school participating in our Design Thinking program, middle school students will receive standards-based and engaging hands-on activities brought to them by business volunteers. Volunteers visit the classroom four times during the school year. Students get to know these volunteers, learn about their careers, and be supported while they have fun and learn through our activities.

Responsibilities Checklist for Schools / Educators →

Businesses / Volunteers

As a volunteer in our Design Thinking program, you’ll have the opportunity to guide middle school students through the Design Thinking process. Volunteers visit the classroom six-eight times during the school year. You get to learn from our students, talk about your career, and support students while they have fun and learn with our activities.

Responsibilities Checklist for Businesses / Volunteers →

 
 
 

Co-lEarner INFORMATION

Preparing for visits

Thank you for being a Design Thinking co-learner with your company. We are grateful for your commitment and excited to see the difference you will make in students’ lives. On this page, you will learn about the steps involved in participating including a background check with your school district. If you have feedback about your co-learner experience, please email us.

Watch the presentation below to learn more about our engagement model and details about partnering as a co-learner.

 
 
 
 
 

STEP 1

Sign-up with In4All

Get signed up with In4All to make sure you get all the calendar invites and information needed for your classroom visits

Volunteer Sign-Up Form →

 

step 2

Background Checks

All schools require that volunteers complete a background check before entering the classroom. Please check your school district's website for specific volunteer requirements. Background checks take varying amounts of time, so complete your registration well before your first visit.

School District Background Check Instructions →

 
 
 

step 3

Get Trained

This year training will be held virtually and in person. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Co-Learner Lead for your organization.

Training Information →

 

step 4

Prepare for Visits

It’s time to have fun! Download our visit materials below and personalize them for your organization.

Design Thinking Session Materials →

 
 
 

Design Thinking Program

session materials