Innovate for Good

 Technovation for Good, made possible by Alex Lee, Inc. and Lowe's Inc., is a residential program for rising high school sophomores - seniors. The program, located at Appalachian State university, provides hands-on, practical experience with Programming, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Mobile Application Development, Sustainability, Analytics and/or Internet of Things. In addition, this program offers students an opportunity to learn entrepreneurial and leadership skill sets, hear from local professionals, meet other students with similar career interests, and attend workshops to enhance IT and business skills in a college setting. 

The goal of this program is to provide an environment that promotes inclusiveness and educational equity. We encourage applications from diverse groups of students (especially first generation, underrepresented ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, etc.) who will have equity to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and opportunities. Thanks to our sponsors, need-based scholarships will be provided to ensure that students with financial need can participate in the program.

 Please see the menu on the left for admissions and other details.

Students can expect to: 

• Collaborate with mentors and other students on projects that aim to solve social and sustainability problems

• Work in classroom/computer lab settings 

• Participate in hands-on practical experience sessions offered by qualified faculty and field experts

• Gain insight into how technology plays a role in innovation and the future

• Learn foundational entrepreneurial skillsets by seasoned professionals from the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship in the Walker College of Business

• Engage in mentor-led, team-building activities and projects to enhance skills in computational thinking, collaboration, and innovation

• Interact with IT and Business professionals

• Increase their awareness about education, career paths, and job opportunities in technology areas

• Cultivate experience in navigating a college setting and build a strong portfolio for successful college admission

• Build networking, professional, and interpersonal skills

• Enjoy evening and weekend social activities such as games, movies, hiking, sports activities and build meaningful relationships with leaders and fellow students

• Take field trips to businesses and organizations for case studies 

This program is made possible by partial funding from Alex Lee, Inc. and Lowe's Companies. 

Travel

Technovation for Good participants engage in several activities off of Appalachian's campus. These will include outdoor events such as exploring Grandfather Mountain, hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, and trips to other beautiful and scenic locations of the North Carolina mountains. The program may also include travel to businesses that thrive on technology and interactions with business professionals in such settings.

Residence Life

Technovation for Good participants will experience residence life on a college campus firsthand while living in a residence hall for the two week program. Qualified App State students will serve as resident counselors and provide administrative support for the program. They will be present on the floors each night and continue as near-peer mentors during the day program.

Appalachian Campus Dining provides three meals each day, or as otherwise arranged by the program director. While on campus, students have access to health services, Belk Library, and the necessary technology and tools to participate in projects and activities.