The district has teamed with Fresno State on a new initiative, Virtual Innovation Program (VIP), to engage students in designing and engineering viable solutions for problems facing the community using materials they have at home. VIP is made up of four-week challenges. Students can participate in VIP through their teachers, student clubs, the district’s after school program or on their own.
The first challenge session, which ends Oct. 9, teaches students about design thinking and engineering through rapid 30-minute challenges. On Oct. 12, students can participate in an energy conservation challenge and on Nov. 9, students can participate in a farm-to-table challenge. VIP will continue over the winter break with an engineering challenge, with prizes awarded in each grade. VIP is for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
VIP is a collaboration between the district’s College and Career Readiness Department and the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fresno State.
Video about Virtual Innovation Program
“I can’t wait to see the creative and innovative solutions our students come up with to solve real issues in our community – using materials at home,” said Superintendent Bob Nelson. “VIP will teach our students critical thinking skills that will be useful in whatever careers they choose.”