EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Dare2Design program is now accepting registrations for its summer learning program that will be held at SPARK East Innovation Center, 215 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti. The summer learning program is from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 19 to June 29. Students from grades fourth to 12th grade will learn how to create solutions for everyday problems using hands-on, project-based activities.

Dare2Design is a student learning program managed by EMUiNVENT, which is an interactive and interdisciplinary opportunity for third to 12th-graders. Students will participate in developing prototypes by following the invention process to have a chance to compete in the regional competition.

Jonathan Keeler, a student who participated in the Dare2Design summer program, said he learned from his experience. “The top two things that I learned are how to thoroughly follow the engineering process, and how to communicate with others to get the information that I need. My favorite part of the program was designing and testing a prototype.”

Going into its fifth year, EMUiNVENT is looking forward to having its Dare2Design camp happen this summer for students. The Dare2Design program started in 2019 to provide access to invention education to students who need to be exposed to learning about problem-solving and invention. With guidance from university professors and industry professionals, students will select a problem they want solved and then be taught an eight-step process that makes problem-solving effective, unbiased, and systematic. 

Participating students will have an opportunity to showcase their prototypes during the camp and compete at a regional invention competition. 

“Children should participate in this program to get out of the mindset of picking the right answer, just like they do in school,” said Shiri Vivek, co-director of EMUiNVENT. “While in school, they expect the teacher to give them the right answer or walk them to it. In this program they are not given the answers, but taught the steps they can take to get to the right answer.”

To register for the camp, visit the webpage. The fee is $400 per student. Scholarships to cover the cost of the camp are available on a limited basis. 

For more information about the program and scholarship opportunities, email emu_invent@emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.