FEBRUARY 8, 2022

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What is the Shields Center for Innovation?

BC High: The Shields Center for Innovation develops action-oriented problem-solvers who understand self, others, and context. We provide the conditions for students to recognize unmet needs rooted in an individual care and concern for each person. Students build their innovation mindset and entrepreneurial muscle as they address real-world problems. As students identify opportunities, experiment, reflect, and iterate with those they are serving, they recognize their own agency to make an impact.

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What services does Virtual provide to BC High/Shields Center for Innovation?

BC High: Virtual, Inc has been an incredible partner with BC High. From innovative virtual events with complex production set ups, to being a thought partner on various strategic institutional topics, they have been with us every step of the way. From start to finish, they have produced multiple videos with dynamic and creative graphic design accompanied by critical voice-over messages which they have helped craft with the BC High team. The Virtual team has provided marketing and public relations support for various projects. Further, they have provided support for the Shields Center programmatically as we were launching new ideas last year.

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BC High recently held an online event about Innovation and Leadership – do you have anything planned for 2022?

BC High: Later this year we will host an Innovation in Healthcare panel followed by a student programming that introduces students to the healthcare industry in BC High’s backyard. Our Shields Challenge will provide students an opportunity to work in teams to identify challenges facing the Boston community, craft a need statement, and prototype potential solutions in partnership with those they wish to serve. Seven BC High Students across grades are leading a hydroponics program that will launch later this year. Looking ahead to this summer, we will offer four summer programs for middle and high school students to build their innovation mindset, practice entrepreneurial skills, and engage with Greater Boston’s Innovation Ecosystem.

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How can others get involved with the Shields Center for Innovation?

BC High: Anyone who wishes to support our students as they build their innovation mindset in a real-world context may sign up to be a Shields Innovation Advisor. Whether you would like to host mentor office hours, lead a workshop on skills you wish to share, or guide students in other ways you desire, we’d love to partner with you. Please email Joe McNamara ’12, Director of the Shields Center for Innovation, at jmcnamara@bchigh.edu with any questions.

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About Boston College High School Shields Center for Innovation

The Shields Center for Innovation aims to prioritize entrepreneurial thinking while preparing for the rapidly evolving innovation economy. It is designed to elevate learning opportunities and incubate thinking and risk tolerance. Additionally, the Shields Center will create new connections to resources in Boston’s thriving economic ecosystem and around the world, the result of BC High’s urban and global reach.

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For more information about Boston College High School Shields Center for Innovation, www.bchigh.edu/shields-innovation, or email an Joe McNamara ’12, Director of the Shields Center for Innovation, at jmcnamara@bchigh.edu

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