Access:Innovation

text: access innovation, photo of student working on a wheelchair
A Transformative Summer Experience for Pittsburgh Teens

Access:Innovation is an immersive summer program designed for rising 10th-12th graders from both Winchester Thurston and Pittsburgh Public Schools. Combining social justice and STEM, this unique initiative challenges students to tackle real-world issues faced by individuals with disabilities.

Through collaboration, creative problem-solving, and storytelling, participants work together to develop innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. The program culminates in a final presentation and product demonstration, where students showcase their work to the community.

During this three-week summer program, students will:

  • Design a Game-Changing Product – Use 3D manufacturing to create an assistive technology solution for a real-world problem.
  • Craft a Powerful Story – Develop a business and marketing plan to highlight the product’s real-world impact.
  • Showcase Their Work – Deliver a TED Talk-style presentation and a symposium-style demo to an audience of peers, relatives, and industry professionals.

Dates & Details

Dates: July 7 – July 25, 2025; Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Winchester Thurston School's lab at Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning, and various partner locations throughout the city (transportation provided)

Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders who currently attend Pittsburgh Public Schools or Winchester Thurston School

Benefits: An incredible, immersive summer experience like no other, transportation, daily lunch, branded t-shirts, and $100 per day stipend

Unique Benefits and Opportunities

student using prosthetic hand

✔ Work alongside experts – Therapists, social workers, and assistive technology professionals.
✔ Master real-world skills – Hands-on experience in human-centered design, CAD modeling, and 3D printing.
✔ Leverage AI tools – Apply AI for business strategy, marketing, and storytelling.
✔ Collaborate with creative educators – Engaging lessons in an interactive learning environment.
✔ Connect across communities – Build lasting relationships with public and private school students and educators.
✔ Explore professional workplaces – Site visits for an inside look at cutting-edge technology and careers.
✔ Turn ideas into impact – Develop a functional product and present it to the community.
✔ Earn while you learn – Accepted students receive $100 per day (paid on 1st and 3rd Fridays).
✔ All-Inclusive Experience – Enjoy complimentary daily lunch, local public transportation, and program t-shirts.


 

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

Access:Innovation partners with top organizations in assistive technology and disability services, giving students direct access to experts and real-world challenges. All partners are part of the 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem. The program is led by Winchester Thurston School, in collaboration with Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and educators from Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Variety, The Children’s Charity

Helping kids, be kids

Providing life-changing adaptive equipment like bikes, strollers, and iPads for nonverbal individuals.

More about Variety

 

 

Inglis Innovation Center

Ability & Independence.
Redefined.

Specializing in services for people with disabilities and 3D-printed assistive technologies, including adaptive gaming.

More about Inglis

 

 

Community Living and Support Services

Empowering People. Creating Communities.

Offering opportunities for students to meet individuals with disabilities and develop products that improve lives.

More about CLASS

 

 

Join a transformative summer program where STEM, social justice,
and creativity come together to make a real impact!

Apply today!

 

 

FAQs