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.
Upon approval of your application, you will be provided with a Recruitment Package. This package will equip you with a set of tools and processes for promoting Global Innovation Race at your school.
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).
Yes and No, read on! Students who are not part of a group may join one of the participating Digital Media Academy global partners. Please email gir@digitalmediaacademy.org to express your interest and we will connect you with the nearest global partner for you to apply.
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.