The WH Smith Innovation Academy (IA) program empowers students to unlock their natural creative talents. Students engage in a hands-on program focused on real world problem solving, design thinking, prototyping and pitching their product innovations to industry experts. Every aspect of the IA experience is student-centered focusing on each student’s skill acquisition and product design.

STEM CAREER EXPOSURE

Every Innovation Academy learner begins the program with a STEM career interests assessment to determine a career focus for their IA experience. The career focus area shapes the product the student develops and their exposure to STEM skills while developing their knowledge, abilities and talents.

21ST CENTURY SKILIS AND BEYOND

Throughout the 60-hour program, learners practice using 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking and communication in every experiential activity.

MAKERS WORKSHOP

The Innovation Academy experience blends traditional learning with hands-on creation. In our Makers Workshop, learners apply innovation concepts, iterate on and build products.