The Innovation Diploma (iD) at Mount Vernon Upper School is a unique, four-year educational experience designed to nurture innovative thinkers and problem solvers. This project-based program offers students in grades 9-12 a distinctive blend of core academics integrated with authentic learning focused on real-world challenges. Students collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations on design briefs, developing critical skills in design thinking, communication, empathy, creativity, and project management.
One powerful story representative of Mount Vernon’s Innovation Diploma (iD) program and its impact is the collaboration with a major corporation like The Coca-Cola Company. This project exemplifies the real-world, impact-ready focus of iD, where students engage directly with industry leaders to address genuine business challenges.
This unique combination of elements ensures that students in the iD program are well-prepared academically and equipped with the skills, mindset, confidence, and experiences needed to thrive in college and beyond.
iD stands out for its direct collaboration with industry leaders, providing students with first-hand experience in addressing actual business and community challenges. This enhances learning and gives students a competitive edge in understanding real-world applications of their skills.
Design Brief ExamplesThe curriculum is centered around hands-on, project-based experiences. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills as students work on meaningful projects rather than solely focusing on traditional academic coursework.
Emphasis on design thinking and human-centered solutions prepares students to approach problems empathetically and innovatively, ensuring solutions are tailored to meet human needs.
The program nurtures essential skills like collaboration, communication, strategic thinking, project management, and leadership, which are crucial in the modern workplace.
Students receive dedicated support from educators who act as mentors throughout their high school journey, allowing for personalized learning and deeper relationships.
iD encourages students to develop solutions that have a positive social impact, fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility towards societal challenges.
The program allows students to engage in AP courses and extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Unlike traditional grading systems, iD focuses on growth, mastery, and practical application of skills, aligning more closely with real-world expectations.
Innovation Diploma (iD) challenges students to think like innovators and be problem-solvers. A core element of the program is the “Future of” Design Series, now in its fourth year, which invites students to explore and reimagine the future of major... Read More
Mount Vernon Innovation Diploma (iD) program continues to elevate inquiry, innovation, and creativity with its “Future of” design series. Now in its third year, this unique initiative challenges students to envision and prototype the future of specific industries, sparking innovative... Read More
Last week’s Council on Innovation (COI) event was an opportunity for our students, faculty, and esteemed industry leaders to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on critical issues related to the future of leadership. This year’s event welcomed executives representing... Read More
