Our fall cohort of IDEATE x ACTIVATE kicked off with a group of ambitious teens ready to dive into 18 weeks of discovery, creativity, and innovation. Over the course of the program, these young changemakers will be immersed in a journey that takes their ideas from early exploration to a tangible prototype, providing them with the tools, resources, and confidence to bring a market-ready concept to life. From day one, it was clear that these students are dedicated to creating solutions that can truly make a difference.
The day began with a series of community-building activities, setting a collaborative tone for the program. Parents even joined in, actively participating in group exercises that fostered creativity and teamwork. One activity, a crowd favorite, had students and parents split into groups to put their creative thinking to the test: each group received two cards, one indicating a target audience and the other representing a product or object, and they brainstormed business ideas around these prompts. This exercise helped everyone flex their problem-solving skills and underscored the power of thinking outside the box.
A core component of IDEATE x ACTIVATE is understanding and honing entrepreneurial traits, and during our kickoff, students were introduced to the key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. Reflecting on these, students shared which traits they felt came most naturally to them and which they hoped to grow throughout the program. These insights will act as a foundation as they build their personal and professional confidence over the next few months.
The coming weeks will be packed with opportunities for exploration and skill-building. Each student will be placed into groups where they will work collaboratively on a business idea that tackles a relevant community problem. Weekly class sessions will offer focused learning on core entrepreneurial skills like project management, critical thinking, and market research, balanced by hands-on practice as students turn their ideas into prototypes. To deepen their experience, the program includes field trips to Chicago’s dynamic business ecosystem, allowing students to engage with established business leaders and observe innovation in action. Each week, guest mentors and industry experts will join classes to share their career insights and guide students on their journeys, offering invaluable advice on everything from leadership to overcoming challenges in the entrepreneurial world.
Networking sessions will further provide students with opportunities to connect with successful professionals, creating a community of support that will extend beyond the program.
IDEATE x ACTIVATE isn’t just a bootcamp—it’s an experience that builds future changemakers. We’re excited to watch these students grow as they build something remarkable, turning their ideas into solutions that impact their communities.
To learn more about our programs created for young leaders and visionaries visit our Program page www.graymatterexperience.com/contact
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