Design program an opportunity for students to expand horizons
Twenty-five students from TechBoston Academy have spent the summer dreaming of the future.
The six-week Boston Design Academy, based at the Boston Public Library, allowed the students to create new solutions to realworld problems using 3D tools like Fusion 360 and TinkerCAD.
It was an exciting way to expand their art and design skills into new technology and make new friends at the same time, students said.
Hallie Dubuisson, 16, of Roxbury, Ashanti Tejada, 15, of Mattapan and Eliza Daniel, 16, of Dorchester hadn’t met as students at TechBoston but the three quickly grouped up to create what they call “Divergent” — a high-tech ring that connects to a contact lens with a holographic view. When you speak into the ring, it can pull up directions you can see in the contacts.
“I feel like I’ve learned so many things,” said Dubuisson. “This was a good opportunity for me to expand my horizons.”
“I like that we are able to design what we want,” said Daniel. “I like to do art and design. It’s the career pathway I want. I want to be an animator or fashion designer.”
The pilot, designed to prepare Boston youth for careers in the city’s growing design economy, is part of an effort to turn the city into a classroom and connect students and teachers to industry experts and entrepreneurs.
“Learning does not just take place in schools,” said Rahn Dorsey, the city’s chief of education. “We’re talking about our college campuses. We’re talking about our cultural institutions, athletic fields . ... This city must become our students’ classroom.
“We are trying to figure out how to institutionalize relationships between the traditional education system, higher ed, nonprofits and our corporate partners to make sure that we are blending learning into relevant, real and powerful ways for students,” he added.
“Our students are familiarizing themselves with the most advanced technology available, and with the help of many of our committed partners, students will be prepared to enter the workforce with the experience and skills needed to succeed,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said.