The transformative power of Bryant’s IDEA program

SMITHFIELD, RI – Last week, about 800 Bryant first-year students emerged exhausted but invigorated by their Bryant IDEA experience with new ways of looking at the world. The Bryant IDEA (Innovation and Design experience for all) is a three-day, high-energy, immersive design thinking boot camp that strips away students’ preconceived ways of learning. This innovative program challenges students to shift their intellectual focus from getting the “right” answer or “earning an A” to developing characteristics such as curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, perseverance and grit. It sets a foundation that prepares future leaders for success no matter what the AI and data-driven future brings.

IDEA challenges students to shift their intellectual focus from getting the “right” answer or “earning an A” to developing characteristics such as curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, perseverance and grit.

Students get through this rigorous and immersive experience with the support and guidance of almost 200 faculty, staff, student, and alumni mentors, as well as more than 100 alumni and regional business leaders who serve as judges. For three days Bryant’s entire campus becomes a Silicon Valley start-up environment as students dig deep to come up with solutions for one of 35 participating regional businesses…Read More