Global Innovation Race

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Global Innovation Race is a transformative and immersive educational experience for students aged 13-17. Imagine you are working with a team of student peers from across different continents. You are in a race against time to address a critical problem that each of you care about. In front of you is a set of challenges that will unlock different innovation skills and help you work towards solutions for the problem by creating something new. Are you ready to go on a global adventure? Time is running out…the world needs you.

Digital Media Academy is preparing the next generation of global leaders to succeed in a digital future through cutting-edge STEAM programs and experiences around the world, inside and outside the classroom.

Founded in 1999 and led by Stanford educators and industry experts, we’re empowering schools, educators, and students globally with innovative world-class STEAM programs to inspire creativity, cultivate critical thinking, and instill 21st-century skills.

The Global Innovation Race is designed for high school students between the ages of 13-17 years old. Students can be 12 years old at the time of registering with your group, however, must have turned 13 years old by the first day of the program. ‍The age groups may differ per program location and cohort, so be sure to check the specific location page for full information.

Every Global Innovation Race location will be a transformational experience. Every location combines core global innovation skills with a specific thematic focus rooted in their local past, present, and future. Activities are based on this combination of a global core with local flavors. There are many good choices, so follow your own energy of what excites you the most!

English is the language of instruction for Global Innovation Race. Students should be able to read, write, and speak English. Students who want to join our programs must have a level of English sufficient to participate and be successful in the learning process. If students do not consider themselves fluent in English, we do not advise them to join our classes. If you are unsure if you are “fluent” in English or not, please take the following test: https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/content. You should be at a B2 level to be considered “fluent” in English.

If groups without sufficient English language would like to discuss alternative translation services or innovative solutions to participation, we are always open to hearing from you by email at gir@digitalmediaacademy.org.

If you are joining Global Innovation Race as a school or group, you will be provided with a Recruitment Package upon registration. This package will equip you with a set of tools and processes for promoting Global Innovation Race.

Developed by Stanford educators and researchers, Leading STEAM Schools in the World (LSSW) combines consultation, curriculum, and a global community to help schools prepare our future leaders for a digital world.

Schools that attend Global Innovation Race 2024 will receive a one-year base membership to our LSSW membership program (a $2,500 USD value).

Absolutely! We accept a limited number of spots available for individual students to apply directly to the program. Individual Student Application must be submitted from this page: https://digitalmediaacademy.org/gir/save-your-spot/

Global Innovation Race participants will receive a one-year membership to the Global Youth Innovator Forum, an online membership community that provides students with opportunities to continue learning, collaborating, and innovating.

Chaperones are responsible for the holistic care for the students they bring to the Global Innovation Race. Digital Media Academy’s role is to facilitate and provide learning opportunities and experiences for the students. Chaperones will be responsible for ensuring punctual attendance, maintaining student behavior expectations, transporting students between locations, and supervising students during meals, excursions, and while at the accommodation (including on-call through the night). Digital Media Academy will work closely with the Chaperones, including providing a mandatory pre-departure briefing meeting to ensure student safety and well-being during the program and adherence to program policy. Chaperones will also be welcomed into the learning process and support the delivery of different learning activities as they feel comfortable.

Yes, students must bring a laptop or tablet to work on their projects.

Yes, students will use their mobile devices as a form of video capture. We use video capture as a medium for storytelling and learning.

A complete packing list will be provided in the Welcome Package during the participant onboarding process. Chaperones will receive this information (and more) to share with their group.

Yes, Digital Media Academy can provide a letter in support of your Visa Applications for our Silicon Valley and New York locations. Please contact your Global Innovation Race Experience Manager to request a letter of support. A Visa for Kigali, Rwanda is attained upon arrival at the airport.

Learning

You can download detailed Sample Itineraries HERE

Additional information can be found on the location-specific pages of our website.

Participants do not require prior knowledge of emerging technology, coding, innovation, design thinking, social thinking or entrepreneurial thinking processes to attend the program, but having experience with these skills and knowledge can be beneficial.

Yes and No, read on! Digital Media Academy provides blockchain-based Digital Credentials. Digital Credentials are the modern form of a Certificate. Digital Credentials are student-owned evidence of program completion that can easily be shared in University applications, as a QR code in resumes, or across Professional platforms such as LinkedIn. If participating in our New York location, students will receive New York University Certificate of Completion in addition to the Digital Media Academy Digital Credential.

No, Global Innovation Race is not a credit-barring course, however, provides invaluable, once-on-a-lifetime experiences for students that will carry them into their 21st-century life and work.

By attending Global Innovation Race, students will…

  • learn new ways of thinking that are essential for innovation, such as design thinking, social thinking, and entrepreneurial thinking. These skills will help them solve problems creatively, empathetically, and effectively.
  • collaborate with peers from around the world who have different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This will help them develop intercultural competence, communication skills, and teamwork skills.
  • learn from experts who have experience and expertise in various fields of innovation and social impact. This will help them gain insights, feedback, and mentorship.
  • work on real-world challenges which will help them apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world.

By acting as a Chaperone for Global Innovation Race, chaperones will…

  • enhance their own knowledge and skills in the fields of innovation, technology, and social impact.
  • learn new ways of thinking, new tools, and new methods that will enrich their teaching practice and professional development.
  • facilitate their students’ learning and growth in a supportive and engaging way.
  • guide their students through the design thinking process, provide feedback and encouragement, and help them overcome challenges and celebrate successes.
  • connect with other teachers from around the world who share their passion and vision for education.
  • exchange ideas, experiences, and resources, and build a network of educators who are committed to fostering innovation and social change.
  • contribute to the global community of learners and innovators.
  • showcase their students’ work on a global stage, share their insights and reflections, and inspire others to join the Global Innovation Race.

The benefits for a school sending their students to participate in the Global Innovation Race are many and varied. By sending students to Global Innovation Race, the school will…

  • enhance its reputation and recognition as a leader in innovation and education.
  • demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality and relevant learning opportunities for its students.
  • showcase its students’ achievements and contributions to the global community of learners and innovators.
  • enrich its curriculum and pedagogy with the latest research and best practices in the fields of innovation, technology, and social impact.
  • expose its teachers and students to new ways of thinking, new tools, and new methods that will improve their teaching and learning outcomes.
  • benefit from the feedback and support of the experts and mentors who are involved in the program.
  • foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among its teachers and students.
  • encourage its teachers and students to develop a growth mindset, a creative mindset, and a collaborative mindset.
  • create a network of connections and partnerships with other schools and organizations that share its vision and mission.

Yes, Digital Media Academy can provide a letter in support of your Visa Applications for our Silicon Valley and New York locations. Please contact your Global Innovation Race Experience Manager to request a letter of support. A Visa for Kigali, Rwanda is attained upon arrival at the airport.

Program Fees & Costs

Program fees vary per location, please refer to the specific location page for program fees.

There are no program fees for chaperones. All chaperone costs are included in the student fees. The cost of chaperone flights is not included, however, schools are provided a chaperone Travel Voucher to cover the cost of airfare, insurance, etc. See review details on the Travel Voucher in the Travel section of the FAQ.

Program Fees cover the cost of breakfast, dinners, accommodation, entertainment, excursions, equipment rental, tips, and all ground transportation during the program, including trains, buses, and taxis. While lunch is not included in program fees, Digital Media Academy may be required to make lunch arrangements while on specific excursions. Please review the below FAQ on how breakfast and lunch are handled at the various locations.

Program Fees do not include lunch, international or domestic airfare, baggage fees, visa and entry/exit fees, laundry, communication home, health care, travel insurance, COVID-19 tests, as well as discretionary funds for souvenirs or additional snacks, meals, or beverages for the participants’ choosing. If you miss your flight or your flight is canceled you will also be responsible for the cost of transportation to the program.

Please review the full terms and conditions for Global Innovation Race. If you cancel your student(s) enrollment:

  • On or before December 31, 2023 — Full Refund.
  • On or before March 31, 2024 — 50% refund or 100% credit usable within 12 months toward any future program operated by Digital Media Academy that begins within 12 months of the Program’s start date.
  • On or after March 31, 2024 — No refund and no credit given except with a doctor’s note and/or extenuating circumstances, then 50% refund or 75% credit usable within 12 months.

Our programs have limited space and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here are the important deadlines:

  • Dec 31, 2023: Close of early registration with secured participation spots.
  • Mar 31, 2024: Payment of full program fees for participating groups

Our goal at Digital Media Academy is to ensure students are offered well-balanced and healthy meals that incorporate a variety of cultural foods while also accommodating food allergies. We will be providing a healthy inclusive option for breakfast and dinner to the students daily. We will be taking into account allergies, religious accommodations, and providing quality meals. Participants will need to be in charge of purchasing their own lunch at a recommended daily cost of ~$20 USD. If there is a special outing and lunch is included in the day, we will inform the students ahead of time.

Students must bring money for lunch (recommended $20 USD/day). Additionally, we recommend bringing spending money for souvenirs and/or additional snacks. On average, students often bring between $100 – 200 USD for miscellaneous expenses.

We understand that financing your educational journey can be a significant consideration. We want to assure you that there may be sponsorship and financial aid options available to support your academic pursuits. To explore these opportunities and learn more about the various assistance programs, we encourage you to get in touch with your dedicated Global Innovation Race Experience Manager to inquire. Our team will guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and provide valuable insights on securing financial aid. Your educational goals are important to us, and we are committed to helping you make them a reality.

Digital Media Academy reserves the right to cancel the program at anytime due to low enrollment or due to circumstances out of its control. We encourage you to carefully review the terms and conditions of your participation as they relate to a refund. Here is an extract from the Terms and Conditions:

“If Digital Media Academy cancels the program because of low enrollment:

  • On or before December 31, 2023 — Full refund.
  • On or before March 31, 2024 — Full refund.
  • On or after April 1, 2024 — Not applicable. DMA will not cancel this program after April 1, 2024.

If at any time before or during the program, Digital Media Academy cancels the Program because it cannot operate for reasons beyond its control (i.e., a reason included in the Force Majeure clause – COVID-19 restrictions would be an example of a Force Majeure/Act of God in this instance), the client shall be given the option of a 75% refund or 100% credit toward any future program operated by Digital Media Academy that begins within 12 months of the Program’s start date.”

Application Process

We have a limited number of spots available for students to join Global Innovation Race directly. Students joining as individuals will join a multi-national team and be assigned a group leader.

The application can be found online here: https://digitalmediaacademy.org/gir/apply

Our program team reviews applications on a daily, rolling basis. On average, we receive between 10-20 applications each day.

We aim to respond within 48 hours. This timeline is subject to change depending on holidays and the volume of applications we receive.

Our programs have limited space and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. As such, we recommend that schools submit their application at their earliest convenience. The sooner the better!

Travel

Group leaders for participating schools/groups or parents/carers of individual students are fully responsible for arranging suitable travel for their group. Each location will provide specific details on the arrival and departure information to allow you to book your travel well in advance. You will communicate your arrival day/time and airport of arrival to our programs team who will arrange airport pick-up service as part of our participant onboarding process.

We recommend group leaders inquire with local travel agencies or student travel companies such as Student Universe for possible group and/or student travel discounts.

For participating schools and groups, Digital Media Academy provides a Chaperone Travel Voucher to be used towards the cost of airfare and any related travel expenses for the accompanying chaperone(s). The Travel Voucher will be applied as a discount on your quote for participation. The Travel Voucher amounts are as follows:

Group Size: International Domestic
5-9 students $1500 USD $500 USD
10-19 students $3000 USD $1000 USD
20-29 students $4500 USD $1500 USD

Locations: You will be selecting the airport based on your program selection, please see below the possible airports to fly into based on your selected Global Innovation Race 2024 program:

  • New York: When considering airports we prefer you arrive at the following airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): JFK is one of the major international airports in New York City and is located in the borough of Queens. It is well-connected to various international destinations and offers a wide range of flights. (Other airports such as LaGuardia Airport (LGA) can be considered upon conversation with Digital Media Academy). 
  • Silicon Valley:  San Francisco International Airport (SFO): SFO is a major international airport located south of downtown San Francisco. It’s well-connected to various international and domestic destinations and is a popular choice for travelers coming to Silicon Valley.  (Alternative airports like Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) upon request).   

GIR Kigali:  When traveling for a student program to Kigali, Rwanda, the main international airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL): Also known as Kanombe Airport, Kigali International Airport is the primary airport serving Kigali and is the main gateway to Rwanda. It’s located in the capital city of Kigali and serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is well-connected to various destinations across Africa and beyond, making it the most suitable choice for students traveling to Kigali for their programs. 

Digital Media Academy will arrange airport pick-up based on the Travel Information provided during the participant onboarding process. The ideal arrival time to the airport is between 12:00-3:00 pm Local Time. Accommodation check-in is typically between 3:00 – 4:00 pm.

We are thrilled to provide participants with an exceptional housing experience during the program. Our housing facilities have been thoughtfully chosen to meet a high standard of quality, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Safety is paramount to us, and our housing locations are equipped with security features to give you peace of mind throughout your stay. We understand the importance of affordability, and our housing options are designed to be economically accessible without compromising on quality. Housing choices are strategically located within easy walking distance of certain program venues, restaurants, and downtowns.

Visa requirements for the United States:
Individuals from foreign nations seeking entry into the United States must secure a visa, which can be either a nonimmigrant visa for short-term visits or an immigrant visa for permanent residency. Participants in our programs typically require a Tourism B-2 visa. Please see here to access the entry requirements:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

Visa requirements for Rwanda:
A Rwanda visa is obtained at the airport upon arrival. Please visit the links below:
For further information please visit:
https://www.migration.gov.rw/visa
Rwanda is a Visa attained at the airport upon arrival and costs $50 USD: https://www.visitrwanda.com/facts/immigration-visas/

Digital Media Academy is not responsible for making any arrangements for extended stay or alternative arrival or departure plans. We will, however, request information from the Chaperone/parent/carer for alternative arrangements that have been made to ensure student safety and appropriate transportation for airport pick-up and drop-off.

Yes, we recognize that during the summer/winter holidays, students may already be traveling and departing from a different city. Group leaders will work with the Global Innovation Race Experience Team to ensure safe arrival and transportation for all participants.

Health & Safety

At Digital Media Academy, the well-being of our students and staff is paramount. We prioritize safety at Global Innovation Race through our policies and protocols. Our goal is an inclusive, culturally respectful student travel experience. We take the following areas into consideration for all programs:

  • Embassy Access
  • Local Contacts
  • Health Precautions
  • Cultural and Religious Accommodations
  • Travel Advisories
  • Personal Safety
  • Local Laws and Regulations
  • Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary vaccinations prior to travel on our program as recommended by the CDC. Learn more here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
  • COVID-19: In order to protect the health and safety of our students, team, and local communities we serve, Digital Media Academy is following travel recommendations and guidelines set forth by the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which recommends that all travelers are fully vaccinated before travel. Accordingly, all Global Innovation Race participants who are traveling to a program destination must follow the entry requirements of the specific destination at the time of travel.

Participants will have the opportunity during the onboarding process to specify dietary requirements such as allergies, intolerances, religious restrictions, or personal choices (e.g., vegetarian, vegan). This helps us prepare for a safe and healthy experience at Global Innovation Race. We prioritize supporting and valuing all participants, regardless of their dietary needs, including allergies, sensitivities, cultural or religious accommodations, or personal choices.

The Chaperone to Student Ratio may vary depending on the local Child Safeguarding Laws. Below is a summary of the ratios for Global Innovation Race 2024:

  • Silicon Valley – 1:10 Chaperone to Students
  • New York – 1:8 Chaperones to Students
  • Kigali, Rwanda – 1:10 Chaperones to Students

If you have any questions about the chaperone to student ratio, please contact gir@digitalmediaacademy.org

Yes. International travel can present unexpected challenges, and having travel insurance in place equips students with the necessary support to navigate any potential disruptions confidently. To ensure a smooth and secure journey, we require that all student participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance and work with their school or guardian to secure this. We will request a copy of your travel medical policy during the onboarding process.

Effective communication is central to the Global Innovation Race experience for students. The team will maintain consistent communication before, during, and after the program as required to ensure engagement and preparedness for a successful program. Before the program, clear email communication provides essential program details, including arrival information, packing lists, access to the learning environment, and more details on the finalized itinerary. During the program, regular updates via Google Classroom keep participants informed of assignments and whole-group communications, along with a dedicated emergency number for immediate assistance as required. Post-program, students, and chaperones will receive a survey to gather valuable feedback to continually learn and grow future student learning programs.

If a COVID-19 exposure occurs during the program, our team will address this immediately to mitigate any potential spread and ensure the safety of all participants. We follow the guidelines of the local health authority and address the following:

  • Isolate the Affected Individual: If a participant, chaperone, or staff member is suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19, they should be isolated from others immediately.
  • Quarantine and Testing: In consultation with health authorities, advise close contacts to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Encourage them to get tested for COVID-19, preferably after a few days of exposure.
  • Enhance Hygiene Measures: We reinforce hygiene practices such as handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance. Provide additional hand sanitizers and masks as needed.
  • Deep Cleaning and Disinfection: We will thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas that the affected individual may have come into contact with.
  • Support and Communication: We keep participants, chaperones, parents, and staff informed about the ongoing situation. We provide resources for mental and emotional support, as the situation can be stressful for those involved. We want folks to feel supported and cared for during this time.

In emergencies, staff and students will adhere to outlined procedures covering first aid, evacuation, and shelter-in-place. Our trained staff has access to on-site emergency equipment and supplies, preparing for diverse scenarios like medical incidents, natural disasters, security threats, and unforeseen disruptions. Digital Media Academy will prioritize participant’s safety and maintain contact with parents, and guardians by considering the following for emergency preparation:

  • Emergency Contact & Medical Information
  • Designated Meeting Points & Evacuation Routes
  • First Aid Kits and Training
  • Local Authorities and Embassies Recommendations
  • Documentation and Reporting

Start preparing for an amazing summer today!

Start your journey by submitting a free, non-binding application and one of our GIR Experience Managers will get in touch to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the booking process, including details on our program campuses, how to select the right location, and what to expect when you arrive.