A three-week summer program designed for students rising into grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, in partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Grades 7-9 (NEW)
Students explore the connections between creativity, well-being, and the brain, discovering how neuroscience, social-emotional learning, and the arts intersect. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students examine how brain chemistry influences emotions, behavior, and self-expression.
Participants experiment with a variety of creative media and use principles of human-centered design to create artistic experiences that support reflection and emotional expression. The program concludes with a gallery walk where students share their work and invite others to engage with their creative projects.
Participants receive a $1,000 stipend.
Grades 10-12
Students blend social justice and STEM to address accessibility challenges, empowering them to investigate real-world challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and develop meaningful, innovative solutions.
Participants design and build functional assistive technology solutions using 3D manufacturing techniques. Students gain hands-on experience with human-centered design, CAD modeling, 3D printing, AI tools, and emerging technologies. They develop business and marketing plans and conclude the program with a TED-style presentation.
Participants receive a $1,500 ($100/day) stipend.
Details
When: June 22 - July 10, 2026. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Full attendance is expected to ensure students can fully engage in collaborative projects and learning experiences.
Location: Winchester Thurston School and various partner locations throughout the city (transportation provided).
Eligibility: Rising 7th-9th and rising 10th-12th graders currently attending Pittsburgh Public Schools or Winchester Thurston School. No prior experience is required. The program welcomes students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
What's Included: Stipend, transportation, daily lunch, branded t-shirt, and guidance from teachers and industry experts and professionals.
Application Deadline: March 27, 2026. Interested students must complete an online application, which includes a short personal statement. Selected applicants may be invited for an interview before final decisions are made.
Contact: Graig Marx, Program Director and Winchester Thurston teacher at marxg@winchesterthurston.org.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Access:Innovation partners with top organizations and industry leaders to give students direct access to experts and real-world challenges. Summer 2026 partners include 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem, Inglis, CLASS, The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, Chatham University, Carnegie Museum of Art, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and educators from Pittsburgh Public Schools.
2025 Access:Innovation Recap
Last summer, students worked directly with community members to design practical assistive technology solutions that addressed real, everyday challenges. One group created ComforTap, a cushioned headrest with an embedded communication button designed to reduce pain and improve communication for people with cerebral palsy. Another group developed EZ Pics, an adaptive selfie stick that allows a wheelchair user with a passion for photography to more easily capture photos independently. A third team designed Yano, a set of tactile and colorful bottle holders that help a visually impaired woman quickly distinguish between condiments and common household products.
Each project reflected the program’s focus on human-centered design—combining empathy, creativity, and emerging technology to create meaningful solutions that improve daily life.
Hear from people who made the program possible.
*Photos featured on this page were taken by Olga Nevzorova