Young people will put their minds to the test to generate crazy "good" ideas that care for the planet and enable more people to live fulfilling and prosperous lives.
La Trobe University and Crazy Ideas College (CIC) are teaming up again to equip local young people with the skills and confidence to invent services, programs and products that enrich the lives of those within their community.
Building on the success of last year's program, more than 60 students in Years 8 and 9 from three local secondary schools will take part in the two-day Social Innovators program hosted by La Trobe's Bendigo campus on Thursday and Friday.
Marg O'Rourke, Head of Campus for Bendigo at La Trobe University, said the University was proud to again be hosting the Social Innovators Program.
"This initiative continues to provide young minds with critical skills and a supportive environment for their innovative ideas to develop and grow," Marg said.
"I am especially excited about the opportunity for these students to also present their ideas to local industry leaders, highlighting the power of community connections and the importance of collaboration for our future.
"We believe in the potential of these young innovators to drive positive change and we can't wait to see the amazing impact their contributions will have on the Bendigo community and beyond."
The students will work through a series of workshops using the design thinking process connecting empathy, social awareness and applying entrepreneurial skills to enact changes in their communities.
Bendigo South East Secondary College, Girton Grammar School and Crusoe College are the three schools participating in the program.
On Friday, the students will present compelling pitches that inspire action to a panel of community partners, including the City of Greater Bendigo, Deloitte, Coliban Water, Bendigo Tech School and Be.Bendigo.
Through the support of La Trobe and CIC, teams will have the opportunity to continue to collaborate with community and business partners to bring their ideas to life post the initial two-day event and throughout 2024.
Zoe Burrows, Co-Director at Crazy Ideas College, said that through to Social Innovators program, CIC provided real opportunities for students to lead and shape the conversations about what they wanted their world to look like.
"Our experience at CIC has shown that when young people are equipped with futures thinking and human-centered design skills, they develop a sense of optimism and see the real difference they can make in their communities. Their ingenuity and resourcefulness are truly inspiring," Zoe said.
"Young people have shown us their brilliance in imagining new possibilities."
Key themes that have previously been addressed by young people participating in SI programs have included finding ways to promote care for the environment, enhancing health and wellbeing, fostering community connectedness and reimaging learning.
Media opportunity
Who:
- Caitlin Rogers, Senior Engagement Coordinator at La Trobe University.
- Zoe Burrows, Director at Crazy Ideas College.
- Year 8 and 9 students
When:
- Thursday August 8, 1.40pm (prototyping activity)
- Friday August 9, 1:30pm (pitch event).
Where: Nancy Long Dining Hall on Arts Drive, La Trobe University Bendigo Campus. Link to campus map here.
Interview, photo and video opportunities.
