Design Thinking
You will explore the core skills of Design Thinking, delving into human-centered design to understand people’s needs deeply. You’ll learn to switch between different types of thinking—divergent and convergent—during your creative process, a key skill in problem-solving.
Iteration will become your ally as you tackle challenges, helping you shape problems and craft effective solutions. And through the principle of “building to think,” you’ll bring your ideas to life, refining them in real-time, seeing how they transform and improve along the way. It’s all about hands-on learning and watching your creativity evolve.
Social Thinking
You’ll tackle the challenge of building social skills in our tech-centric world. Through collaborative activities, you’ll learn the art of trust and safety within groups.
We’ll guide you in embracing vulnerability and transparency, transforming interactions from awkwardness to openness. By the end, you’ll leave with more than just newfound skills. You’ll have an international network of lifelong friends and fellow innovators, all thanks to your enhanced ability to connect and collaborate.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
In this rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to know how to create compelling, sustainable value in any field. The key is to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll explore market potentials, craft robust value propositions, and pave the way toward financial sustainability.
But that’s not all. You’ll also delve into the art of sales and marketing, equipping yourself with the tools to eloquently convey the value of your ideas. These skills will be your bridge to success, allowing you to not only create value but effectively communicate it to the world.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
In this rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to know how to create compelling, sustainable value in any field. The key is to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll explore market potentials, craft robust value propositions, and pave the way toward financial sustainability.
But that’s not all. You’ll also delve into the art of sales and marketing, equipping yourself with the tools to eloquently convey the value of your ideas. These skills will be your bridge to success, allowing you to not only create value but effectively communicate it to the world.
Prepare Your Students for Tomorrow's World in Silicon Valley's Most Exclusive Youth Innovation Experience
Global Innovation Race unites exceptional 13-17 year-olds from around the world for an immersive experience at leading Silicon Valley universities. Through cross-cultural collaboration on real innovation challenges, students develop AI literacy, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills while earning certificates from prestigious institutions.
Led by experienced educators and enhanced by guest speakers from industry and academia, the program creates an unparalleled international learning environment. Students don't just gain cutting-edge skills, they forge lifelong global networks with peers who share their drive to shape tomorrow's world.
Applications are now open: for schools | for students
Or contact us to learn how your students can participate.
Designed by Leading Educators
Glenn Fajardo
Andre Nudelman
DMA Chief Learning Officer
Lecturer at Stanford d.school
Former Director of Co-Design Practice @ TechSoup
Entrepreneur in Residence
at Stanford University Graduate School of Education
Lemann Center
Glenn believes in the power of connection to spark creativity across distances and cultures. Teaching at Stanford’s d.school since 2014 and serving as the Distributed Learning Teaching Fellow in 2020, he explores how collaboration can thrive even when we’re apart. With 14 years of experience in virtual collaboration spanning six continents, Glenn focuses on social impact work. Alongside Kursat Ozenc, he co-authored “Rituals for Virtual Meetings: Creative Ways to Engage People and Strengthen Relationships.” Previously, as the Director of the Co-Design Practice at TechSoup, Glenn championed technology’s potential for social change. Trained in nuclear engineering sciences and public policy, he also enjoys playing electric bass and cooking in others’ kitchens.
Andre Nudelman was appointed as Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University Graduate School of Education in September 2021 and in 2023 became the Entrepreneur in Residence at GSE Lemann Center. He has an extensive range of activities, including Private Equity with focus on Education, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Investments, Agriculture, Art Collection, Non-profit organizations, and volunteer activities.
Beside co-teaching the Lytics Seminar at Stanford (GSE-EDUC 407, GSBGID307 and CS407), Mr. Nudelman has been invited to present at summits, seminars, conventions, and at Stanford multiple courses, UC Berkeley and Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Andre Nudelman
CEO of DMA • Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University Graduate School of Education Lemann Center
Andre Nudelman was appointed as Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University Graduate School of Education in September 2021 and in 2023 became the Entrepreneur in Residence at GSE Lemann Center. He has an extensive range of activities, including Private Equity with focus on Education, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Investments, Agriculture, Art Collection, Non-profit organizations, and volunteer activities.
Beside co-teaching the Lytics Seminar at Stanford (GSE-EDUC 407, GSBGID307 and CS407), Mr. Nudelman has been invited to present at summits, seminars, conventions, and at Stanford multiple courses, UC Berkeley and Harvard Graduate School of Education.
.jpg)
Cross-Cultural Teams
You'll learn through hands-on, immersive experiences...
Prototyping with AI
Creative Stretches
Guest Speakers
Certified courses
Here students will:
-
Develop global leadership skills by stepping out of their comfort zone, mastering cross-cultural collaboration, and building trust within diverse international teams.
-
Create real-world impact using design thinking to develop human-centered solutions to pressing global challenges, guided by industry mentors and Silicon Valley experts.
-
Think like entrepreneurs by learning to identify opportunities, create sustainable value, and communicate their innovations through compelling storytelling.
-
Build and showcase innovations in small international teams, creating functional prototypes and presenting their solutions at the exclusive GIR Film Festival Finale.
-
Graduate with a global network of lifelong connections—fellow innovators, mentors, and industry professionals who will support their future endeavors.
With developing three key skills in mind..
Design Thinking
You will explore the core skills of Design Thinking, focusing on human-centered design to deeply understand people's needs. You’ll learn to switch between divergent and convergent thinking, a key skill for problem-solving. Iteration will help you shape challenges and create effective solutions. Through the principle of "building to think," you’ll bring your ideas to life, refining them in real time and watching your creativity evolve.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
In today’s fast-changing world, thinking like an entrepreneur is essential to create lasting value. You’ll learn to explore market opportunities, develop strong value propositions, and work toward financial sustainability. Additionally, you’ll gain skills in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the value of your ideas and bridge the gap to success.
Social Thinking
You’ll develop social skills essential for today’s tech-driven world through collaborative activities focused on trust and safety. Embracing vulnerability and transparency, you’ll transform interactions into open, authentic connections. By the end, you’ll gain not only new skills but also an international network of lifelong friends and fellow innovators.
Design Thinking
You will explore the core skills of Design Thinking, focusing on human-centered design to deeply understand people's needs. You’ll learn to switch between divergent and convergent thinking, a key skill for problem-solving. Iteration will help you shape challenges and create effective solutions. Through the principle of "building to think," you’ll bring your ideas to life, refining them in real time and watching your creativity evolve.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
In today’s fast-changing world, thinking like an entrepreneur is essential to create lasting value. You’ll learn to explore market opportunities, develop strong value propositions, and work toward financial sustainability. Additionally, you’ll gain skills in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the value of your ideas and bridge the gap to success.
Social Thinking
You’ll develop social skills essential for today’s tech-driven world through collaborative activities focused on trust and safety. Embracing vulnerability and transparency, you’ll transform interactions into open, authentic connections. By the end, you’ll gain not only new skills but also an international network of lifelong friends and fellow innovators.
Hear from our alumni…
-
“I used to think AI would replace humans, now I think AI is an amazing tool we can use with us to combat global challenges.”
-
“I used to think that AI was a thing of the future. Now I know that it is present in almost everything we do and it is constantly developing and improving itself for the future.”
-
“I used to think AI was confusing and hard to use, but now I think it has the power to solve real world problems.”
-
“I used to think AI was only used for cheating, now I think that it’s a good powerful tool.”
-
“I used to think computer science was dull but now I realized that it’s interesting.”
Creating with AI
-
“I used to never put myself out there. Now I think I can if I set my mind to it.”
-
“I used to think I wasn’t meant to fly with a big friend group. But now I think on all the memories we made together.”
-
“I used to think I was shy. Now I think I’m not at all :-)”
-
“I used to think that people would judge me for everything I’d do. Now I think that people are a lot nicer than I give them credit for.”
-
“I used to think good friends didn’t exist. But now I think otherwise.”
Social Confidence
-
“I used to think I could never solve a world problem. Now I believe I am capable of making a difference.”
-
“I used to think making a prototype would be difficult. Now I think it is a fun and engaging process anyone can do.”
-
“I used to think creating a project in two days is impossible, but I think it’s possible.”
-
“I used to think building a prototype can take about a year, but we built it in one day.”
-
“I used to think I wasn’t going to attend something this big. Now I know I can :-)”
“I’m a Global Innovator”
-
“I used to think working with others is just a way to make me exhausted, but now I think it gives me more opportunities.”
-
“I used to think that leading a team is the only way to make a project well done, but now I think coworking is more important and sharing ideas is much more important.”
-
“I used to think team projects aren’t easy, but now I think it’s much easier.”
-
“I used to think working together was hard and now I think it’s just more about communication.”
-
“I used to think being solo is easier, now I think that if done right, teamwork is good!”
Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
Student Reflections
Teacher testimonials
-
Ana Luna – Los Angeles Unified School District
-
Naseem Naghdi – Oxnard Union High School District
-
Caitlan Arakawa – San Bernardino City Unified School District
-
Chris Petriccione – San Bernardino City Unified School District
-
Richard Harrison – Beijing World Youth Academy
-
Sonny Sajor – Oxnard Union High School District
-
Gabriel Baziramwabo – Rwanda Coding Academy
-
Carrene Smalling – Hillel Academy, Jamaica
-
Arleen Rodriguez – Los Angeles Unified School District
Hear From Our Students
