Our Work – REDI Lab

REDI Lab’s Work

Our Work—Rooted in Student Choice & Student Interest

Enabling teachers, schools, and communities to embrace transformational learning—focusing on skills that will equip students for success both in school and in life beyond the classroom.

APPLY TO REDI LAB cA

APply to summer ACADEMY

“Agency may be the one most important factor in human happiness and well-being.”

Dr. William Stixrud + Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child

REDI Lab @ CA

Our program is designed using principles and concepts taken out of industry and the business world – specifically Silicon Valley. Our values are agency, creativity, and community, and our “why?” is to build community around individual student passions and ideas, and create value by sharing them. We are so glad you are joining us in this optimistic wager to uncover more of what’s possible.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shape your future! By joining the REDI Lab, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and innovation.

Why join the REDI Lab?

Personalized Learning

Pursue your unique interests and goals while staying on track for graduation.

Mentorship & Support

Work closely with experienced mentors to guide your journey.

Real-World Experience

Gain practical skills and knowledge that will prepare you for college and beyond.

Supportive Community

Connect with like-minded peers and build lasting friendships.

Details on REDI Lab Signature Trimester Experience (for Juniors & Seniors @ CA)

Juniors and Seniors have the opportunity to enroll in the REDI Lab during the second or the third trimester. The process to join begins by discussing the options with an advisor, a teacher, and/or a member of the REDI Lab team. Considerations around course schedule during a given trimester, involvement in extracurriculars, and work toward the completion of graduation requirements are the primary factors to consider when choosing Trimester 2 or 3. This choice and agency is the beginning of directing your learning to discover more of what’s possible in your education with the support, guidance, and help from CA and REDI Lab faculty.

How to join: After submitting an interest form, students meet with a member of the REDI Lab to discuss schedules, project aspirations, as well as interests to discern what trimester option would be best. Once an offer is made to join a REDI Lab Trimester cohort, the student has the opportunity to join, decline, or defer to the next school year.

REDI Lab Elective: “The Entrepreneurial Mindset” (for grades 9-12)

Students can take one trimester in either the first or second trimester, or they can take both and earn 3 college credits through the University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship program. This elective is offered on campus and is crafted to foster critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and an innovative mindset within a dynamically changing global landscape.

Trimester 1 and/or 2, The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Thinking Like a Visionary

Ever wonder how innovators like Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Greta Thornberg, and Oprah WInfrey see opportunities where others see obstacles? In this dynamic one-trimester REDI Lab elective, you’ll develop the mindset and creative thinking strategies that drive world-changing entrepreneurs.

This course is about transformation – not just of ideas, but of how you think, solve problems, and approach challenges. Through real-world projects and exclusive case studies from top business schools, you’ll develop essential capabilities that define entrepreneurial thinking:

Spotting hidden opportunities in everyday problems
Building resilience and adapting to uncertainty
Breaking free from conventional thinking patterns
Turning setbacks into stepping stones
Creating compelling narratives that inspire action

You’ll hear from actual clients and tackle real challenges, but our focus isn’t on building businesses – it’s on building your capacity to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll learn to:

Navigate complexity with confidence
Transform vague problems into clear opportunities
Challenge assumptions that limit innovation
Build on others’ ideas through effective collaboration
Test and refine solutions through rapid iteration

This course is ideal for students who:

Are curious about how innovators think and work
Want to develop creative problem-solving skills
Enjoy tackling complex, open-ended challenges
Seek to turn obstacles into opportunities
Want to make a meaningful impact in any field

By the end of the trimester, you’ll have transformed your approach to problem-solving and innovation, gaining confidence in your ability to navigate uncertainty and create positive change.

This elective is open to students in grades 9-12. No prior experience needed – bring your curiosity and willingness to think differently.

MS REDI Lab Interim

Spend time in the mountains, getting outdoors, building community, then exploring Denver!

8th Grade REDI Lab Capstone

Have an experience and gain the tools to work through ambiguity on the way to fun and creative [maybe even wild!] solutions.

REDI Lab Student Project Highlights

REDI Lab student projects represent the best of what young people can produce when given the opportunity. These students projects are from the REDI Lab Signature Trimester Experience.

2022-2023 – Senior REDI Lab

Sawyer Risch, ’23

She followed the question, “Can marketing ever be ethical?” And from her research, interviews, writing, and thinking developed the Risch Scale for Marketing Ethics.

2022-2023 – Senior REDI Lab

Owen Tilman, ’23

After researching and analyzing significant Supreme Court decisions, he concluded that Roe vs. Wade was weak case law. He connected to other cases of weak law and then attempted to make people care.

2022-2023 – Junior REDI Lab

Tyler Schulte, ’24

Took a project started in Tenth Grade to come up with a comprehensive plan for “Redesigning Denver”. His conclusion is that our city could be better, especially if it is designed for a diverse population as opposed to automobiles.

2022-2023 – Junior REDI Lab

Naomi Wolff, ’24

Created Metamorphosis, an her first album of five original songs that she wrote, performed, produced, and mastered, and launched it on Spotify.

2021-2022 – Senior REDI Lab

Andrew Edelmann, ‘22

Designed and built a prototype for a non-electric guitar amplifier.

College: Loyola University (CA)

2021-2022 – Senior REDI Lab

Ann Butler, ‘22

“Everyone deserves to look forward to tomorrow. Be the reason someone can.” Ann developed an organization that strives to equip more people with the skills and resources to help end the mental health crisis faced by so many today.

College: Babson College

2021-2022 – Junior REDI Lab

Cooper Carson, ‘23

Designed and built a surfboard from scratch with a focus on embracing new experiences – how to prepare for and learn from them.

2021-2022 – Junior REDI Lab

Diana Reidy, ‘23

Wrote, produced, recorded, and published an original podcast in which she discovered the ways people turn passions into careers and education.

2020-2021 – Senior REDI Lab

Nathalie Maffei, ‘21

Co-developed an online learning platform for students who needed additional academic support following the COVID-19 pandemic.

College: Dartmouth

2020-2021 – Senior REDI Lab

Ulysses Rico-Moncado, ‘21

Wrote, directed, and produced a public service announcement for Latinx populations fearful of getting the COVID vaccine. Comcast funded the PSA and aired it during the 2021 NBA finals on local Denver channels.

College: USC

2020-2021 – Junior REDI Lab

JJ Moore, ‘22

Explored racism and bigotry and its relationship to hate by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 people.

College: Harvard

2020-2021 – Junior REDI Lab

Jack Younger, ‘22

Developed an app to “scrub” restaurant menus for people with allergies or food intolerance to find safe places to eat when traveling.

College: Stanford

2019-2020 – Junior REDI Lab

Sam Ehrman, ‘21

Researched and developed a “kickstart” theory to help people develop new habits and skills in their lives.

College: Washington University (St. Louis)

2019-2020 – Junior REDI Lab

Brooke Taylor, ‘21

Created an online business to sell her own original artwork as a part of learning how to turn a passion into a living.

College: Maryland Institute College of Art

2018-2019 – Junior REDI Lab

Grace Fuselier, ‘20

Developed a deck of curiosity cards called “Lost in Thought” to promote authentic learning through inquiry.

College: Swarthmore

2018-2019 – Junior REDI Lab

Cooper Koffman, ‘20

Worked on solving the Riemann Hypothesis and discovered that math does not always have the answers.

College: Princeton

2017-2018 – Junior REDI Lab

Jane Doherty, ‘19

Expanded The Synapse Project to raise money and develop an online curriculum that inspires young women to explore neuroscience in college.

College: Georgetown

2017-2018 – Junior REDI Lab

Ari Fierer, ‘19

Designed and built furniture using sustainable materials and live-edge wood. design. He also formed a business to sell his work.

College: Swarthmore

2016-2017 – Junior REDI Lab

Johanna Cotto, ‘18

Developed a spoken word poetry book, dedicated to her mother. Published 100 copies and competed in local poetry slams.

College: University of Northern Colorado

Currently – Graduate Student at the University of Denver, International Studies

2016-2017 – Junior REDI Lab

William McCormick, ‘18

Wrote a business plan and pitch for AnyWhair, a company based on the concept of Uber using privately owned planes.

College – Lehigh University

Currently – Software Engineer in the New Grad Rotation Program at Blue Origin

2015-2016 – Proof of Concept

Nick Bain, ‘16

Spent a trimester studying the efficiency (or inefficiencies) of a school schedule as well as the dynamics of flight.

College – MIT

Diana Reidy ’23: The Impact of REDI Lab

Zoe Cope ’23: The Value of REDI Lab

Apply to REDI LAb CA

DONATE TO REDI LAB

REDI Lab Video Presentations

2023 Junior Presentations

2022 Junior Presentations Pt. 1

2022 Junior Presentations Pt. 2

2022 Senior Presentations Pt. 1

2022 Senior Presentations Pt. 2

2021 Junior Presentations Pt. 1

2021 Junior Presentations Pt. 2

2020 Presentations

2019 Presentations

REDI Lab Summer Academy

REDI Lab Summer Academy is an opportunity for young people in the Denver area who want to experience a highly personalized and engaging version of school. It is an opportunity for any high school student to identify an idea that they want to share with the world and develop a project based around it.

The REDI Lab engages students in the principles of Research, Entrepreneurship, Design, and Inquiry to help them grow as thinkers and problem solvers who are better prepared for college, careers, and life. It positions students as decision-makers in their learning and equips them with design thinking to address challenges along the way.

During this two-week summer intensive, participants will experience both rigor and relevance as well as freedom and creativity in learning. More importantly, this learning will take place within a community where each individual explores their own unique passions and interests.

At the end of the two-week academy, participants will have:

an idea worth sharing with the world
new professional skills and more self-confidence
a personalized letter of recommendation for post-secondary use
a professionally produced video of their final presentation
access to supporters to help them in future endeavors

Why should I participate in REDI Lab Summer Academy?

The REDI Lab @ CA transforms education into a personalized learning journey that is creative, rigorous, and relevant.

We believe that all people are curious, especially youth, and, when given a process and structure to explore their interests and what motivates them, individual learning excels.

Where is REDI Lab Summer Academy?

Sessions will be held in the new REDI Lab Coleman Center in the Mariposa neighborhood at 1299 W. 10th Ave., near the 10th and Osage Light Rail Station.

Travel to and from the REDI Lab space varies per student and should be coordinated with REDI Lab Director Tom Thorpe.

What 2 weeks is REDI Lab Summer Academy?

In 2023, the REDI Lab Summer Academy will hold one two-week program. The session runs July 10-21.

Schedules are flexible and students can join remotely if needed.

How much is the tuition?

The cost of the two-week program is $1,500. For students who request it and qualify, the REDI Lab Summer Academy is offered at a reduced cost or for free.

All meals, supplies, and RTD transportation are included in the tuition.

Will there be transportation provided?

Travel to and from the REDI Lab space varies per student and should be coordinated with REDI Lab Director Tom Thorpe. Email Tom at [email protected] with questions.

Who can apply?

The program is offered to students currently in Grades 9, 10, and 11 from ANY SCHOOL in the Denver Metro Area.

Participants will be chosen from an applicant pool. The REDI Lab faculty will read the applications, interview applicants and recommenders, and carefully choose the participants for this pilot program.

When is the application deadline?

Registration is now open and will remain open until Monday, June 3, 2024.

How will students share their work?

Students will think big and bold as they identify the questions they want to research on their way to choosing a project and designing a final presentation of the one idea worth sharing. Final presentation dates and locations will be shared soon.

Whom do I contact with questions?

For more information, please contact Tom Thorpe, Director of the REDI Lab @ CA.

Hear From Summer Academy Alumni

Apply to SUMMER ACADEMY

MORE INFORMATION

The REDI Lab Summer Academy is made possible through the generosity of Aimee and Jonathan Coleman.

REDI Lab For Teachers

Learn To Cultivate Real Skills & Genuine Enthusiasm

This is for people who believe that the role of schools must be redefined. These courses grew out of continuous improvement cycles managed in the REDI Lab. It is based on a strategic framework that adheres to the following principles:

Design for Purpose

Curate learning with intention

Inform Practice

Create space for active learning

Convene Conversation

Value the transformative power of dialogue

Process to Learn

Debrief for self-actualization

Single Day Workshops

We offer 3 to 4 per year. Our most recent one was a partnership with Brink Literacy Project.

December 13, 2025: Reframing Assessment (registration open!)

Registration coming soon…

March 6, 2025: Design Thinking/Human centered Design in YOUR classroom. In partnership with Brandon Jones.

March 7, 2025: Best practices for student-centered, agency-driven classrooms. In partnership with Brandon Jones.

July 21 – 25, 2025

REDI Lab Teacher Summer Institute

A week of design thinking for the classroom, student agency, and more. Details forth coming.

fill out interest form

Registration coming soon

August 4-6

Retool School/Back To School Bootcamp For Educators

Details forth coming.

fill out interest form

Registration coming soon

REDI Lab Partners

We want to work with your school: individual teacher or classrooms, whole divisions, schools, admin teams and more. Like with students, we sit alongside you and design the program that fits your school best. Reach out to learn more!

Mackintosh Boulder

Mackintosh Academy in Boulder, Colorado, is an innovative K-8 school, combining rigorous academics, arts and design, and social-emotional learning to nurture keen minds, compassionate hearts, and a commitment to global action.

The REDI Lab collaborated with Mack Boulder to support their design thinking curriculum. Our work included classroom observation, personalized coaching, and lesson co-creation. Together, we refined the curricular scope and sequence to create a more cohesive program and combat the challenges of teaching in isolation.

Compass Academy

Compass Academy develops students into confident learners and leaders, preparing them for success in college, career, and community. With a bilingual and bicultural curriculum, supported by City Year AmeriCorps tutors and mentors, the school fosters academic, social, and language skills in a purpose-driven environment, helping every student reach their full potential.

The REDI Lab supported groups of Compass Academy students by immersing them in learning cycles designed to empower them to drive their own learning. By fostering self-awareness, purpose, and communication, the Lab helped students explore their potential and become active participants in their educational journeys.

GALS High School

The Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) empowers students to excel academically, lead confidently, and thrive physically through a wellness-focused, college preparatory program. Founded in 2010 as Colorado’s first public, gender-based school, GALS integrates movement, counseling, and leadership development into its curriculum.

The REDI Lab collaborated with GALS to enhance their capstone program by integrating design thinking and leadership development. Through this partnership, students were empowered to apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to real-world projects, fostering academic and personal growth. This provided students with tools to lead and advocate for themselves and their communities.

Join these schools at the forefront of personalized and collaborative learning

Tell us about the work you are doing, the vision you are trying to realize, or the conversation you want to start. We would love to hear from you.

We’re an experienced team of innovative educators who have imagined and experimented to design forward-thinking, human-centered education programs. We work with schools that want to tackle tough challenges and create meaningful and transformative learning for young people.

CHAT WITH OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL’S POTENTIAL

Denver Housing Authority (DHA) / Youth Employment Academy (YEA) Arts Street

The YEA Arts Street program empowers young adults in Denver to break the cycle of generational poverty through education, arts, technology, and employment training. By leveraging creative arts, Arts Street helps youth develop valuable skills, gain real-world experience, and pursue future education and career opportunities.

During its multi-year partnership with YEA, the REDI Lab has helped integrate design thinking to enhance student learning and career readiness. In collaboration, the Lab has helped amplify the program’s focus on creativity, technology, and employment training, providing youth with the tools to develop essential skills for future opportunities. This partnership has empowered students to build confidence, gain hands-on experience, and break cycles of generational poverty.

Partnership in Denver Housing Authority Convenings

The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) works to provide affordable housing, foster community development, and improve the quality of life for residents through innovative programs and partnerships. To do this, DHA supports Local Resident Councils (LRCs) through the Resident Council Board (RCB), which governs all LRCs across its developments. The RCB, in partnership with the Resident and Community Services Department, facilitates bi-monthly meetings and annual conferences, helping to ensure LRCs operate effectively and support DHA residents.

As a resident in a DHA project in the Mariposa neighborhood of Denver, the REDI Lab partners with DHA by participating in and periodically hosting bi-monthly meetings.

Horizons

Founded in 1998, Horizons Colorado is dedicated to the holistic development of youth from under-resourced communities in Denver, helping them overcome the summer slide and build essential life skills. The program fosters self-esteem, responsibility, and a lifelong interest in learning, serving primarily Hispanic students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and often perform below grade level.

The REDI Lab has added a creative element to Horizons Colorado programming over the past few summers by integrating design thinking into its project-based curriculum structure. Hosting students at the Coleman Center for a design intensive, Horizons students gain skills that aid both their academic and personal growth.

Design EDU

Design EDU seeks to drive educational innovation across Colorado by building a community of education innovators and entrepreneurs. The program connects educators with supporters to foster an ecosystem of innovation that includes schools, education organizations, tech companies, and philanthropic foundations.

The REDI Lab hosted the revival of Design EDU at a 2024 gathering of local educators and funders. Moving forward, the Lab is committed to hosting the Design EDU events moving forward.

The Long Now of Education

The Long Now of Education is a conversation that explores both the knowns and unknowns that will shape teaching and learning for the next 10,000 years. The goal of the gathering was not to identify or design solutions. Instead, the focus was to have an open conversation about how we might reset the collective imagination of schools and create new narratives for education’s future.

The REDI Lab helped to develop and host the inaugural Long Now of Education in Denver in June 2024. The gathering generated space for participants to think and engage more deeply than is typical at workshops or conferences. The resulting enthusiasm has led to planning for a follow-up event in July/August 2025.

Latina Leaders x Design (L2XD) / Henry Ford Learning Institute

Latina Leaders x Design is an initiative by the Henry Ford Learning Institute, Eva Longoria Foundation, and Momento Latino, aimed at helping young U.S. Latinas transform their educational, professional, and economic futures. Launched in Detroit and San Antonio, the program provides 24 participants per site with a 4-week, community-centered experience using design thinking to address local challenges, while building confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership. Through culturally responsive activities, the program also fosters self-directed learning, teamwork, self-advocacy, and personal leadership.

Actively seeking out opportunities to support innovative learning opportunities for both youth and adults, the REDI Lab is actively exploring a partnership to become a future site for Latina Leaders x Design.

REDI Lab Newsletter: Yes, &…

Receive Expertise on Personalized & Collaborative Learning

Don’t miss out on the latest REDI Lab news, thoughts, and more—sign up for our newsletter!