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This summer, 160 young innovators discovered how to transform creative ideas into real world solutions through Student Innovation Idea Lab summer camps.
Hosted by theStudent Innovation Idea Labs (SIIL), theJunior Entrepreneurship Summer Campimmersed campers in hands-on experiences centered on innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and maker-based learning, campers explored the complete innovation process, from identifying problems and generating ideas to building prototypes and confidently presenting their solutions.
The camps reflect the Student Innovation Idea Lab’s mission to support creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship while introducing young learners to Cal Poly Pomona’s signature become-by-doing philosophy.
“One of the unique aspects of the program is that it creates meaningful learning experiences across generations,” said Yao Olive Li, director of Student Innovation Idea Labs. “While younger students explore innovation for the first time, our CPP student mentors develop leadership, communication and teaching skills by guiding and inspiring the next generation. It becomes a collaborative learning community where everyone grows together.”
The Junior Entrepreneurship Camp introduced campers to every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Through brainstorming sessions, customer discovery, market research and business model development, campers learned how entrepreneurs identify opportunities and transform ideas into viable solutions. They created branding materials, developed business model canvases, and interviewed prospective customers to gain valuable feedback and refine their ideas.
In the Maker Studio, located in the University Library, campers transformed concepts into physical prototypes. Guided by the SIIL technician team, campers learned to utilize maker technologies to fabricate and refine their products through testing, feedback, and iteration.
Working alongside the campers also gave Cal Poly Pomona students an opportunity to mentor the next generation of innovators while sharing their own academic experiences.
“Being involved in the summer camps as a camp technician gave the opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned from both my courses and experience working at SIIL,” said Jose Ramirez, a Student Innovation Idea Lab technician andmanagement and human resourcesstudent.
“I provided technical and creative support by helping campers with lectures and their prototypes. My knowledge of different equipment and technologies allowed me to guide campers through challenges while encouraging them to be creative and bring their ideas to life.”
The Junior Entrepreneurship Camp culminated in a pitch competition and awards ceremony, giving campers the opportunity to showcase everything they’ve learned.
Working in teams, campers presented their business ideas to a panel of judges with polished presentation decks, business models and working prototypes. The experience challenged campers to clearly communicate the problems they wanted to solve, explain their proposed solutions and demonstrate the value of their ideas to potential “investors.”
Family members were invited to attend the pitch competition and awards ceremony, giving them the firsthand opportunity to see what the campers had accomplished and experienced during the program.
“Thank you for the amazing two weeks that you had given Anderson the chance to learn this new knowledge in entrepreneurship and the chance to present in front of all the ‘investors.’ It was a very valuable experience for Anderson, and we look forward to joining your class again next summer,” shared one camper’s parent following the program.
For Li, the camps also extend CPP’s commitment to serving and engaging the surrounding community.
“The camp also reflects SIIL’s commitment to community engagement,” Li said. “By welcoming local students and families to campus, we’re building stronger connections with our surrounding communities while introducing young learners to the opportunities available through higher education. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch campers leave with new skills, greater confidence and excitement about what they can achieve in the future.”
Through experiential learning, mentorship and collaboration, the Student Innovation Idea Labs continues to advance innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement, empowering young campers to discover that their ideas can create a lasting impact.
For more information about the camps, contact Student Innovation Idea Labs atsiil@cpp.eduor visit theirwebsite.
