Challenge Kits - AI and beyond

The overall problem we are working towards is students’ disengagement and their declining wellbeing. Some of the official statistics in Canada that showcase this include: the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorders have doubled among Canadians (15 years and older) from 2012 to 2022, 1 in 4 young persons (15-24 years old) report social isolation and the majority of those report low life satisfaction. 

In our community, schools have faced persistent challenges in fostering meaningful connections among their members over the past three years. This issue has had a direct impact on student well-being and engagement. Today's youth encounter a myriad of unprecedented challenges, ranging from global conflicts to the relentless pressures of social media. Numerous reports highlight that students are grappling with issues related to engagement, mental health, and overall happiness. These challenges are further compounded by factors such as climate change, racism, food insecurity, and the uncertainties brought about by the post-pandemic landscape.

Our research indicates that students lack sufficient opportunities for evidence-based, real-world, curriculum-connected problem-solving. This deficiency contributes to their disengagement from school. Additionally, our extensive experience has shown that teachers and school leaders are facing significant obstacles, including burnout, impending strikes, and inadequate resources to address the mental health needs of both students and educators.

By addressing these issues, we aim to enhance student engagement, well-being, and social-emotional competencies development. Our program provides students with the tools and opportunities to tackle real-world problems, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment. Previous evaluations showed improvement in student agency and wellbeing: for example, we noted 22% increase in student’s capacity to imagine possibilities beyond the current constraints and realities, and tenacity when approaching complex challenges.

Moreover, we support educators in overcoming their challenges, enabling them to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Through these efforts, we strive to build stronger, more resilient school communities that are better equipped to navigate the complex challenges of today's world.

I-Think, an education charity, transforms classrooms into dynamic spaces where students confidently engage in addressing real-world challenges. Our approach addresses key challenges by fostering deep learning, reflective thinking, assumption-challenging, and agency among students. By involving students as active participants in creating a more inclusive, engaging, and community-oriented school environment, our program promotes a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Alongside school leaders, we select 3 or more classrooms in each school and we work closely with teachers to build their capacity and motivations. We then host community launch events with students and partners, to present the problem to solve. We give students toolkits, connect them with community members and help shape learning to unlock innovative thinking and remarkable solutions. This whole experience is called a “Challenge Kit”. It is designed as per the methodology of Integrative Thinking, a business model for problem solving, developed by Roger Martin and adapted for young students. While we cannot tackle ALL real-world problems every year, we select a couple of issues with high levels of interest and interesting tensions, and we build our programs around them. This year (2024), over 5,000 students from 40 schools are exploring one of these two thought-provoking challenges:

• How might we help their school use AI to enrich and augment the lives and possibilities for every student at our school?

• How might we (re)build community at our school?

Supported by their teachers, students lead stakeholder consultations, in-depth learning about the topics and solution development, utilizing the toolkit we provide. They present their thinking to decision-makers in a “Celebration of Thinking” event at the end of the school year. Partners and education leaders (superintendents, school principals…) are invited to this event, to discover students’ thinking. 

At I-Think, we also work with all stakeholders in the school (teachers. leaders and administrative staff), so that it is a place where every student is thriving and passionate to learn. We have ongoing partnerships with the majority of school boards in Ontario, and have, since our inception in 2012, transformed the educational experience of more than 135,000 diverse students. We support educators in revitalizing and innovating in their teaching practices, helping them find renewed motivation and purpose. Our program stands in contrast to traditional, rigid curricula by empowering educators to cultivate problem-solving skills that drive student engagement, a sense of significance, and a feeling of accomplishment. We strongly believe that by equipping students with the tools and opportunities to enhance their well-being, they are more likely to realize their full potential as future leaders and innovators.

Through our efforts, we aim to create a transformative educational experience that not only prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow but also nurtures their personal and academic growth in a supportive, community-focused environment leading to well being today.

Our solution primarily serves elementary and high school students within Ontario's public school system, with a focus on schools located in priority neighborhoods identified by the respective school boards. This population is incredibly diverse in genders, learning abilities, identities, living experiences, academic performance levels, and vulnerabilities. By targeting these schools, we aim to reach a demographic that reflects the broader public school communities in Ontario.

Our program is designed to benefit students who may be at risk of vulnerability, including those who are disengaged from their learning. We recognize that these students often face underlying challenges in their living experiences, and by engaging them, we aim to address these issues while fostering increased engagement, community ties, and overall well-being. Educational researchers promote the benefits of partnerships between schools, families and communities (businesses, prominent individuals, organizations) as a way to boost students’ achievement and wellbeing. Students' engagement in schools is positively affected by deep learning and curriculum-connected experiences. Our Challenge Kits build on evidence, and are highly adapted to each school.

In addition, the program will impact educators and school leaders by providing them with the tools and support needed to revitalize their teaching practices and create more inclusive learning environments. By engaging educators in our program, we aim to enhance their motivation and satisfaction, ultimately leading to a more positive and supportive school community for all stakeholders involved.

I-Think is an education charity dedicated to empowering young people with the skills and confidence to drive positive change. Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver our solution through our collaborative approach with public education systems and stakeholders in K-12 schools. We have developed a transformative educational model that shifts traditional learning paradigms, using our 'Challenge Kits'—school-specific toolkits based on the Integrative Thinking model—to facilitate real-world problem-solving.

Our extensive experience and ongoing partnerships with most school boards in Ontario enable us to reach diverse student populations and engage them effectively. Since our establishment in 2012, we have successfully impacted over 135,000 students, enhancing their skills, school engagement, and overall well-being. Our commitment to ongoing research and evaluation allows us to continuously refine our approach and adapt to the evolving needs of students and educators. We are deeply invested in the success of our program and the positive impact it has on student outcomes.

Our team comprises dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds in education, psychology, and community development, all sharing a passion for empowering youth. We bring a wealth of expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and program implementation, ensuring the effective delivery of our solution. We have also built partnerships with major community organizations and other national corporations who will be interested in capturing students’ solutions, especially when it comes to AI in learning. We have ongoing discussions with teams from major banks, universities, business consulting firms (Deloitte) and technology companies (such as Microsoft).

We take students’ opinions and recommendations into consideration, from the stage of selecting the "real-world problem" to address to listening to their solutions and their thinking. Students are consulted and their feedback is sought and shared regularly. We elevate their voices to decision-makers and make sure actions are taken to address students’ suggestions. They are also invited to speak with partners and our advisory committees.

I-Think is actively working with schools across Ontario, engaging students in a transformative learning journey. Through our signature Challenge Kits, we aim to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and experiential learning, ultimately preparing students for the AI-driven future. In our current initiative, more than 25 schools in 2024 are exploring how AI can enrich the lives, possibilities, and learning experiences of every student. The challenge is designed to encourage students to reflect on all impacts of  AI in educational settings. More than 3,000 students have been engaged so far around this topic!

It's important to note that we also address other real world problems through similar methodologies: In 2024, another 15 schools are exploring the concepts of (re)building communities at the school level. In previous years, we have also tackled different problems such as addressing climate action in conservation areas, supporting the school board's multiyear strategic plan (in Hamilton specifically) by providing recommendations to improve transition from elementary to secondary learning and reflecting on Belonging and equity in light of the Remembrance Day yearly school celebration.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address complex challenges in education. Solve's platform aligns with our mission to empower young people with the skills and confidence to prioritize their well-being and learning journey. By participating in Solve, we hope to leverage its resources, networks, and expertise to further scale and enhance our impact.

One specific barrier we face is financial constraints. While we have successfully reached over 135,000 students, expanding our reach and impact requires additional resources. Solve can help us overcome this barrier by providing access to potential funders, investors, and partners who share our vision and are willing to support our growth.

Additionally, we face technical challenges related to program delivery and scalability. Solve's technical expertise and network of innovators can provide valuable insights and solutions to help us overcome these challenges. For example, we may benefit from guidance on using AI to improve our proposed 'Challenge Kit' or deliver our program more efficiently.

Our solution is innovative in its approach to education, envisioning a future where students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the empowerment and confidence to tackle complex challenges using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In an era heavily influenced by AI, including technologies like ChatGPT, micro-targeted ads, and automated applications, concerns have emerged regarding biases, misinformation, and privacy issues associated with AI. Our program addresses these challenges by emphasizing critical thinking skills, which are essential for navigating the complexities of the AI-driven world.

A key aspect of our approach is the 'Celebration of Thinking' event, where students present their solutions and connect with decision-makers and community members. This not only showcases students' achievements but also fosters a sense of agency and community engagement.

By equipping students with the skills to think critically and creatively, we are preparing them to not only thrive in an AI-driven world but also to actively shape its future.

Our solution aims to have a positive impact on students and educators by providing them with the tools and skills they need to address complex challenges in their communities. By integrating real-world problem-solving and critical thinking into the classroom through our 'Challenge Kits' and educational programs, we enable students to develop a deeper understanding of issues such as climate action, community well-being, and AI. This approach helps students see themselves as active participants in creating positive change, increasing their sense of agency and engagement in learning. Students also develop social emotional competencies such as collaboration, communication, empathy and creativity. 

Additionally, our focus on community-building and inclusivity ensures that all students, regardless of background or ability, feel valued and supported in their learning journey. By creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment, we aim to improve student well-being and academic performance.

Moreover, by equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to facilitate meaningful learning experiences, we aim to address burnout and other challenges faced by teachers. This, in turn, can lead to a more positive and fulfilling teaching experience, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.

Our impact goals for our solution revolve around empowering students to become adept creators and users of AI, thus fostering a more inclusive and innovative learning environment. Our primary aim is to enhance student agency, ensuring that they feel empowered to drive positive change in their communities using AI. We measure this by assessing students' ability to conceptualize and develop AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges, as well as their confidence in their ability to effect change.

Another crucial goal is to foster critical thinking skills, particularly in the context of AI. We want students to be able to analyze, evaluate, and make informed decisions about AI technologies and their impact. To measure this, we evaluate students' ability to critically assess AI technologies and their implications for society.

Furthermore, we strive to promote inclusive learning environments where AI is used in ways that are safe, accessible, and beneficial for all students. We measure the inclusivity of AI-driven learning experiences and their impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. Additionally, we aim to cultivate a culture of innovation among students, encouraging them to explore new ideas and approaches to problem-solving using AI. We track the number and quality of innovative solutions developed by students using AI to assess our progress in this area.

To measure our progress towards these goals, we utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. We conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups with students, teachers, and community members to gather feedback and insights. We also track key metrics such as student engagement, academic performance, and post-program outcomes to assess the long-term impact of our solution. Overall, our goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence to navigate and shape a future where AI plays an increasingly prominent role in society.

Our solution empowers students to become creators of and with AI, rather than mere consumers. Collaborating with their teachers and schools, students explore and develop insights into how AI can enrich and augment the lives of every student at their school.

At its core, our approach encourages students to understand AI through the following lenses:

Being Deeply Human: Technology should serve humanity's best interests. AI, lacking human emotions and critical thinking skills, requires thoughtful human oversight to ensure its actions are beneficial and ethical. Our program encourages students to explore how AI can be leveraged to maintain and enhance human values and experiences.

Using Critical Thinking: AI operates by analyzing vast data sets and providing the most probable answers. To interact effectively with AI, humans must develop and apply critical thinking skills to understand its impact and make informed decisions. Our program focuses on empowering students to use critical thinking to navigate and control AI's influence on their lives.

Enhancing Learning: AI should not merely replace difficult or disliked tasks; it should create new learning opportunities. Our program emphasizes using AI in ways that make learning safe, accessible, and engaging for all students, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

By empowering students to understand and harness the potential of AI in these ways, we are preparing them to navigate and shape a future where AI plays an increasingly prominent role in society.

Full-time: 5
Part-time: 2
Contractors (education leaders and trainers): 8

We have been adapting and refining our problem-solving model for schools for the past 10 years. The specific solution related to AI started 1 year ago. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is fundamental to our work, guiding everything from program design to implementation, and ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities and a voice. Our program is designed to provide an inclusive learning experience for all youth, creating an environment that values and celebrates diversity.

We actively engage with all stakeholders within the school and the community, including students, teachers, administrators, partners, and leaders. This collective engagement promotes youth-centered learning and enables us to address the specific needs of diverse, equity-deserving, and marginalized populations in Ontario.

Additionally, we strive to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into our curriculum and materials, ensuring that they are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We also provide training and support to educators to help them create inclusive learning environments that embrace diversity and promote equity.

We believe that by fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment, we can empower all students to reach their full potential.

Our business model relies on strategic partnerships with forward-thinking organizations to fund our work. These partnerships provide the financial support needed to cover program implementation costs, including the design of Challenge Kits and their deployment in classrooms. Schools and school boards contribute financially to the costs of the programs, which furthers their engagement with the material. Each contribution is prorated based on the number of classrooms engaged. 

We offer flexible engagement opportunities for potential funders, ranging from sponsoring learning in a single school to reshaping learning experiences on a national scale. For example, a sponsorship of $5,000 can impact 100 students in one school, while an investment of $250,000 can cover all costs for a replicable and scalable experience for 50 schools and beyond. Partners are engaged with students who present their innovative solutions to them. 

By leveraging these partnerships, we can expand our reach and impact, ensuring that more students have access to innovative and inclusive learning experiences. We are committed to working closely with our partners to create meaningful and sustainable change in education.

Our plan for financial sustainability is centered around building strategic partnerships and collaborations with organizations that align with our vision and values. These partnerships provide the financial support needed to fund our program implementation costs, including the design and deployment of Challenge Kits in schools.

To ensure the success of this plan, we have implemented several strategies. First, we diversify our revenue streams by seeking funding from a variety of sources, including grants, individual donations and school contributions (fee for service). This approach helps mitigate risks associated with relying on a single source of funding.

Second, we prioritize building strong, long-term relationships with our funding partners. This includes providing regular updates on our progress, demonstrating the impact of their support, and seeking feedback to continuously improve our program.

Third, through our line of research, we collect data and evidence to demonstrate the impact of our program on students, educators, and schools. This includes measuring outcomes such as student engagement, academic performance, and post-program success, as well as gathering feedback from stakeholders.

Additionally, we design our program to be scalable and replicable, allowing us to expand our reach and impact without significantly increasing our costs. For instance, we are adapting our offering to the French language to reach and engage francophone students in our Challenge Kits.