Learn how to make ANYTHING!
2025 Product Innovation & Materials Science Fellowship
High School & Young Adult (Ages: 16-18 yrs)
Program Dates: January 6th, 2025 - May 15th, 2025
Mandatory In-Person Meetings (Mon & Wed, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
Optional In-Person Lab Hours (Tues & Thurs, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
Location: 961 E 61st Street Los Angeles 90001 @The SOLA Material Science & Engineering Lab
Program Overview -
The SoLa Foundation, in collaboration with the Howmet Aerospace Foundation and USC’s Iovine and Young Academy, proudly presents a cutting-edge maker space program. Launching in 2025 with its inaugural fellowship cohort of 15 participants, this program is designed to fuse creativity and technical expertise in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.
Have you ever wanted to design your own cool pair of sneakers, create custom jewelry, or even craft unique apparel? Maybe you enjoy/ want to explore experimenting with electronics or tinkering with 3D printers? Each of us interact with material science and product design every single day of our lives. We just don’t stop to look.
The SoLa Product Innovation & Materials Science Fellowship is for aspiring creators, engineers and entrepreneurs who look at a product and wonder, “how did that get made?”
Participants learn how to use state-of-the-art tools and machines to design, prototype, and tackle real-world challenges. Over the course of 18 weeks, fellows complete workshops in resin casting, laser cutting, 3D printing, sewing, embroidery and apparel, milling and basic electronics. The program also features guest speakers from industry and site visits.
The curriculum emphasizes materials science, product innovation, and design thinking, providing participants with essential skills for future careers in innovation and technology.
The fellowship concludes with a capstone, an accessories design and prototype, and a glider project where students will create a functional glider prototype. Upon completion, students receive a stipend to continue the development of their product. Program alumni enjoy exclusive workshops, field trips, internship opportunities, and access to the SOLA Materials Science & Engineering Lab to continue developing their ideas.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Equipment Mastery: Gain hands-on experience in product innovation and materials science by working with cutting-edge tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing/embroidery machines, and CNC milling while also learning techniques in resin casting and basic electronics.
- Product Design: Gain skills in Design Thinking and problem-solving in the context of developing products
- Materials Science: Learn how material choices influence product design, durability, and functionality.
- Introduction to Culturally Responsive Design: How do diverse perspectives and backgrounds strengthen design processes and products.
- Project Management and Team Work skills
Eligibility Requirements:
- Between the ages of 16 and 18 years old
- Willing and able to commit 6-8 hours per week to the program
- Commitment and ability to attend twice weekly lecture sessions, achieving 90% attendance.
- Commitment to complete the capstone project.
- Resident of Greater South Los Angeles
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST UNDERGO AN INTERVIEW TO COMPLETE THEIR APPLICATION AND BE FULLY CONSIDERED FOR ACCEPTANCE.
***Deadline to submit 12/15/24 at 11:59pm. Late submissions will not be accepted.***