We created this innovation in response to two challenges: much of the powerful work students were doing in Creative Technology lacked a coherent identity or pathway, and faculty survey results suggested maker and design education were not yet widely seen as central to student growth. Rather than argue for the value of this work in theory, we focused on making it visible through student engagement and outcomes. The Certificate emerged as a way to “brand” and elevate this work through a structured pathway that combines coursework, experiential learning, mentorship, and a capstone—helping students develop creativity, agency, and the confidence to turn ideas into impact
In practice, the Certificate operates as a multi-year pathway built through a dual-network model: students learn within the school through interdisciplinary coursework and mentorship, while also engaging beyond the school through external programs, experts, internships, and global learning opportunities. Badge-based milestones help students document growth across both networks, and a capstone project brings these experiences together through authentic, impact-oriented work. The model makes innovation student-driven, connected, and visible.
The innovation has spread through demonstrated student demand and organic growth. What began as a pilot with 2 students in 2023–24 grew to 14 students in 2024–25 and 51 students in 2025–26, signaling growing momentum across the school. This growth has been fueled by student interest, visible capstone work, faculty support, and a pathway model that makes participation accessible and meaningful. Its spread suggests the model is both scalable within schools and adaptable beyond them.
We have added new courses and streamlined the Capstone project. We have also added a Capstone showcase.
To support faculty mentors, we completed the National Capstone Consortium training program.
Start small by mapping student experiences already happening in your school—courses, projects, partnerships, internships, or student-led work—and organize them into a coherent pathway. Begin with a pilot cohort, create simple milestones or badges to recognize growth, and build toward a capstone connected to authentic problems or audiences. The model is intentionally adaptable: schools can start with existing strengths and grow toward a dual-network pathway that links coursework, experiential learning, and impact.
