University program grooms students as future innovators

January 30, 2019 3:13 pm

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) – A program at Bryant University is preparing the next generation to be the innovators of the future.

The Bryant IDEA program is now in its 7th year on campus.

The 3-day design thinking boot camp gave freshmen the opportunity to solve real life problems for businesses in the area and pitch what they’ve come up with to alumni, faculty and staff.

“We believe very strongly that at the foundation of an undergrad education should be skills like critical thinking, collaboration, iteration, seeking feedback,” said Allison Butler, Director of the IDEA Program. “We teach students this during their very first year at Bryant.”

The goal of the program is to get students more comfortable working in teams and develop their critical thinking skills.