✏️ Summer 2027 applications are open · 10% off through April 1 · Financial aid available · Grab a seat →
Week 3 · Innovation

Build What's Next

AI & Social Innovation
July 26–30, 202710am–4pm · Mon–Fri$500 / weekProject: An AI-powered pitch — prototype and pitch deck, presented founder-style

Why Build What's Next?

In Build What's Next, students put everything together. They pick a real problem, learn how AI and social entrepreneurship actually work, design an AI-powered solution, build a simple prototype, and pitch it — Shark-Tank style — to the group. It's the fullest expression of Know–Care–Act: knowledge and conviction turned into something they made. No coding or AI experience required.

What students learn

  • How AI works — and where it helps, where it fails, and where it raises ethical questions
  • The basics of social entrepreneurship: finding a real problem, designing for real users
  • How to go from idea to prototype using accessible AI tools ("vibe coding")
  • How to build and deliver a compelling pitch and pitch deck
  • How to give and take feedback, iterate, and defend design choices
The week, day by day
Mon
The Psychology of AI Companion BotsClose to home · Task Force: Write the rules for "AI friends"
Tue
Criminal Justice & Second ChancesDomestic · Task Force: Reform the Justice System
Wed
Renewable Energy & the Climate RaceInternational · Task Force: Choose an Energy Solution for Your Country
Thu
The Future of FoodFuture · Task Force: Redesigning School Lunches / Distribution
Fri
Memes & ViralityPop Culture · Task Force: Design a Social Media PSA
The project: an AI-powered pitchEvery student finishes and shares one by Friday.

Topics are representative; final topics are announced closer to summer. Explore the full day-by-day schedule →

The challenge

Your Pitch

Find a problem you care about. Design an AI-powered solution to it — an app, a tool, a service. Build a simple prototype and a pitch deck that explains the problem, your solution, who it helps, and why it works. Then pitch it to the room in 5 minutes and take questions like a real founder.

Cost shouldn't decide this. Financial aid is available — and no student is ever turned away for cost. See aid →

Ready for Build What's Next?

Each week is capped at 20 students. A $100 deposit reserves your child's spot (it counts toward tuition), adding a second week saves money — and registrations completed by April 1, 2027 get 10% off.