Program Overview:
The “Takeoff Ready” Student Innovators Program is designed to empower high school students to immerse themselves in the world of behavioral health by creatively tackling challenges commonly faced by neurodivergent youth and their loved ones. Through an equity-based lens, students will explore a plethora of scenarios that challenge them to examine societal paradigms, policies, and daily practices that commonly impact this population. This year's program will specifically explore topics relating to air travel and the broader field of aviation.
Program Objectives​
This program will:
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Expose high school students to the fields of aviation, behavioral health, business management/ethics, and public policy by addressing salient topics from an interdisciplinary perspective.
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Empower students to think critically about real-world issues that affect the plights of neurodivergent youth and their families and develop innovative solutions through the Case Study Capstone Project.
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Cultivate professionalism through training in the following areas: collaborative project management, public speaking, and business etiquette.​​
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Program Structure
Each participating high school may register one team of four (4) students to take part in the program. Students will complete a total of eight (8) learning modules and work with team members under the supervision of a school sponsor (school administrator, faculty, or staff member) to complete and submit their Case Study Capstone Project.
Program Implementation Timeline
Team Registration Period:
January 8 - February 2, 2025
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Weekly Virtual Learning Modules Release:
February 12, 2025
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Case Study Capstone Release:
March 4, 2025
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Case Study Capstone Submission Deadline:
March 29, 2025
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Notification of Top Submissions:
April12, 2025
Participant Incentives
All participants will receive a program t-shirt and a certificate in recognition of their accomplishments. The top three (3) teams will be invited to present their Case Studies at the 2025 NeurodivURGENT Conference in New Orleans, LA and receive awards during the closing gala. During the conference, these top teams will also participate in an immersive learning experience including, but not limited to, tours of The National World War II Museum and The Jackson Barracks Military Museum.
Initial Team Registration Form
