A design thinking solution for K-12 classrooms + beyond
Atlanta, GA
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Attending #GaETC2026? Join us on Nov. 5 at 8 AM for an inspiring session on how design thinking can help educators embrace new challenges, bring student making into any classroom, and turn uncertainty into meaningful learning experiences. We hope to see you there!
#DesignThinking
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Hello GEAR UP community! Join us Nov. 5 at 4 PM ET for a special 30-minute webinar created just for you! Explore how MAD-learn Design Labs connect students to career pathways through hands-on learning.
Register for free: forms.gle/3HmrvAif23FV9EiM6
#GEARUPworks #Teachers #Educators
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It was wonderful to exhibit at last week’s Visual Sound Tech Showcase! Thank you to the @VisualSoundInc team for the warm welcome as new partners. We loved connecting with educators and sharing how MAD-learn’s Design Thinking platform empowers student innovators!
#Teachers
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A big congratulations to Mary Grace Flowers from @BSDk12 on winning a one-year classroom subscription to MAD-learn’s Design Thinking platform with app development at last week’s @VisualSoundInc Tech Show raffle! We can’t wait to see what she and her students create.
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This month, we explore why #designthinking matters & how students can showcase their growth through graduate competencies & interactive portfolios.
Explore Portrait of a Graduate and Student Portfolios: canva.com/design/DAHYG_hre90…
Plus, find out where to connect with MAD-learn next!
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We’re excited to exhibit at Visual Sound’s 6th Annual Technology Showcase in Broomall, PA! Stop by to see how MAD-learn brings design thinking to life, helping students solve real-world problems and turn ideas into action. We’d love to meet you!
#DesignThinking #Teachers #STEM
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Learning about civic issues is one thing. Questioning, exploring perspectives, and thinking about solutions is another.
Thank you, Brenda Boehler of Cholla High School, for sharing MAD-learn’s potential in social studies!
How can students turn learning into meaningful action?
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What if a camp could do more than keep students busy during a school break?
MAD-learn’s Design Labs help students explore ideas, solve real-world problems, and bring their creativity to life.
Schools, GEAR UP programs, museums, libraries, and youth organizations, let’s connect!
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What if skills and degrees didn’t have to be an either/or?
How do we make sure they work together to prepare students for what comes next?
What does meaningful career readiness look like to you?
#CTE #CareerReadiness #Teachers #educators
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Design thinking asks students to look beyond themselves: Who are you designing for? What do they need? What assumptions are you making?
In a world shaped by technology, the ability to listen, empathize, and see another perspective may matter more than ever.
What do you think?
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AI literacy isn’t just about knowing how to use AI. It’s knowing when to question it.
How do we help students recognize reliable information when AI can sound completely believable?
Critical thinking matters more than ever.
#DesignThinking #Teachers #Educators
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As National GEAR UP Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating our partners; the educators, program leaders, colleges, universities, and community organizations who make this work possible. Thank you for all you do!
#GEARUPworks #GEARUPweek #GUweek #Teachers
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What if college & career readiness isn’t just about knowing what comes next, but knowing how to navigate it?
Design thinking helps students ask questions, embrace ambiguity, learn from feedback, adapt, & create solutions.
Those skills go with them wherever they go.
#GEARUPworks
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Some lessons happen beyond the classroom.
This #GUWeek, we’re highlighting how internships and WBL give students real-world experience, mentorship, and opportunities to connect learning to their future.
That’s the goal of MAD-learn’s Virtual Internship & WBL program.
#GEARUPworks
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From exploring colleges and careers to thinking about majors, interests, and what’s next, these MAD-learn projects offer a glimpse into how students envision their futures. Check out these great examples of students bringing their college and career dreams to life. #GEARUPworks
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We’re at #BPCTE26! Stop by Booth #7 to meet the MAD-learn team and explore how design thinking, CTE, and Work-Based Learning can help students build skills for the future.
Have 10 minutes? Book a 1:1 with our team to connect and learn more: calendly.com/conferences-mad…
#CareerTechEd
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GEAR UP Student Spotlight!
During a @DelValleISD GEAR UP app camp with MAD-learn, a student created “College for You,” a resource designed to help peers explore colleges in Texas and navigate their college journey. A great example of student voice in action!
#GEARUPworks #GUweek
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We’re at #BPCTE26! Stop by Booth #7 to explore how MAD-learn aligns with National CTE Pathways and helps students build career-ready skills through design thinking.
Have 10 minutes? Book a 1:1 with our team: calendly.com/conferences-mad…
#Educators #Teachers #CareerTechEd #CTE
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In a world where AI can generate answers in seconds, are we giving students enough opportunities to figure out what questions are worth asking?
Read this month’s newsletter for the full article, plus a look at where our team is headed this month.
#DesignThinking #Teachers #STEM
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Excited to be presenting at PAIMS on Thursday, September 17! We look forward to sharing how design thinking empowers students to approach learning differently, turn ideas into meaningful solutions, and build skills that extend beyond the classroom.
#DesignThinking #Teachers
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What if students didn’t just learn about problems, but had the chance to solve them?
Design thinking helps students ask questions, explore ideas, test solutions, and build something that matters.
What would your students create?
#DesignThinking #Teachers #Educators #STEM
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For everyone heading back to school this week, we hope you have a wonderful start to the new school year! Here’s to new beginnings, new ideas, and lots of learning.
Teachers, what’s one skill you want your students to walk away with this school year?
#Backtoschool #teachers
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Every great idea starts with someone willing to put in the work. Today, we celebrate the people who keep learning, creating, and making things better. Happy Labor Day!
#LaborDay #teachers #educators #designthinking #STEM
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MAD-learn’s Virtual Internship & WBL Program connects students globally to build real-world skills, explore careers, and experience working as part of a global team.
Attending #BPCTE26? Book a quick 10-minute meeting with our team to learn more!
#CTE #CareerTechEd #DesignThinking
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We’re excited to be exhibiting at the Best Practices & Innovations in CTE Conference!
Attending? Stop by our booth to learn about our unique design thinking program & book a quick 10-min 1:1 with our CEO, Chrissy to learn more. We’d love to connect!
#BPCTE26 #CTE #CareerTechEd
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Through MAD-learn, students ask questions, make decisions, work through challenges, and reflect on what they’re learning along the way. Skills that can stick with them long after the project is over.
What’s one skill you wish every student learned before leaving the classroom?
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We’re thrilled to welcome Robbie Kuykendall as MAD-learn’s new Education Consultant! We’re confident that her expertise, experience, and passion for education will bring fresh perspectives and make a meaningful impact on our team and on the educators and students we serve.
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Hello Georgia teachers! Applying for a 2026 GaETC Innovation Grant?
Five $3,000 grants will support technology-based projects, with applications due Sept. 5.
Want help co-writing your application? We’d love to assist! Learn more: grants.gaetc.org
#Teachers #GaETC #EdTech
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Join us in welcoming Katya Anikeev to the MAD-learn team!
Katya joins us as our new School Partnership Specialist, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team!
Welcome to MAD-learn, Katya! We’re excited for all that’s ahead!
#DesignThinking #STEM #EdTech #Teachers
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It's #ThrowbackThursday! We're looking back at some cool MAD-learn swag we've shared over the years as teachers head back to school. Which piece is your favorite? If you have one, snap a photo, tag us, and we'll share it!
#BackToSchool #EdTech #DesignThinking #teachers #educators
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Happening today! If you're attending the @pbcsd CTE Back-to-School Conference, we'd love to have you join us for one of our MAD-learn sessions. Discover practical ways to bring design thinking into the classroom and empower students to tackle real-world challenges. See you soon!
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We've got some exciting updates to share! Check out what's new at MAD-learn and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear what stands out to you most! #DesignThinking #EdTech #Teachers #Educators
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Great MAD-learn sessions today at @DeKalbSchools! Thank you to all the amazing #educators who joined us. We loved sharing our newest design thinking platform and how it empowers students to solve real-world problems. We're excited to see what's next! #DesignThinking #Teachers
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We're excited to be at @DeKalbSchools today! If you're at Arabia Mountain High School, stop by and see us to learn how MAD-learn empowers students to turn ideas into real solutions through design thinking and creativity. We'd love to connect and share what's possible. See you!
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MAD-learn was honored to sponsor today's @DeKalbSchools Technology Symposium! Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and joined our sessions. We're grateful for our continued partnership with DCSD and look forward to what's ahead!
#EdTech #DesignThinking #teachers #educators
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Don't miss out on the fun! If you haven't stopped by the MAD-learn booth at the NCCEP GEAR UP Annual Conference yet, we'd love to meet you. Come explore our latest design thinking updates, chat with our team, and grab some fun swag while you're there. See you soon! #GEARUPworks
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HAPPENING TODAY at #NCCEP2026! Join us for Lighting the Way through Student Voice and see how a 2-day app camp helped nearly 75 students turn their ideas into mobile apps. You'll leave with practical, budget-friendly strategies to use right away; no coding required! #GEARUPworks
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We're all set for the NCCEP GEAR UP Conference! Visit the MAD-learn booth to see what's new, learn how we're helping students build future-ready skills through design thinking, and don't leave without picking up some awesome swag. We can't wait to connect with you! #GEARUPworks
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You heard it from our CEO Chrissy Rebert- Long! See you soon at the NCCEP GEAR UP Annual Conference. We can't wait to connect, share our latest updates, and hook you up with some really cool swag. See you there!
#GEARUPworks #DesignThinking #Teachers @AlefiyaEdu @edpartnerships
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See you next week at NCCEP! Join our session, Lighting the Way through Student Voice, then stop by our booth to see our latest design thinking platform updates. Scan the QR code to book a 10minute meeting about our Design Labs & Camps and get a free conference shirt! #GEARUPworks
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It's finally here! 🎉
The all-new MAD-learn is live! We've reimagined the app-building experience to help students solve real-world problems, think creatively, and turn ideas into impact.
Got 10 minutes? Book a quick demo and see what's new: calendly.com/chrissy-mad-lea…
#GEARUPworks
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Heading to DC for the NCCEP GU Annual Conference? Stop by the MAD-learn booth to experience our newest platform, discover fresh ideas for student engagement, and grab a free T-shirt! Also, see you on July 20 for our "Lighting the Way through Student Voice" session! #GEARUPworks
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Writing a #GEARUPworks grant? Save time with MAD-learn's ready-to-use proposal language that you can plug right into your application. Plus, our STEM, design thinking, career exploration, and summer camp programs can help support your goals. Learn more: calendly.com/chrissy-mad-lea…
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We're excited to have Tricia Umhafer representing MAD-learn at #ISTE! She even had a fan girl moment meeting @farmerfaubs, who gave MAD-learn a special "Yee Haw!" Thanks for all you're doing to share the excitement with educators!💙
#ISTELive26 #ISTELive #ISTE26 #educators #STEM
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Big things take time and we're getting close 🎊
We've been working behind the scenes on something new that will make creating, learning, and bringing ideas to life with MAD-learn even more exciting.
We're almost ready to pull back the curtain. Stay tuned!
#Teachers #educators
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Working on a GEAR UP grant? We'd be happy to help with language that includes hands-on STEM, design thinking, career exploration, or summer camps in your proposal and show where MAD-learn fits.
Schedule a brief meeting to learn more: calendly.com/chrissy-mad-lea…
#GEARUPworks #TEACHers
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The best part of MAD-learn Intern Insights? Hearing directly from students. There's nothing better than listening to them reflect on their experiences, what they learned, and how their internships helped shape their next steps.
Watch the full recording: youtu.be/rIBTBKPeSxM
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We couldn't be prouder of our former interns.💙
Watching them reflect on their experiences and growth reminds us why this work matters. It has been an honor to play a part in their success through our virtual internship program.
Catch the full recording: youtu.be/rIBTBKPeSxM
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A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Intern Insights last week! Our former interns shared honest stories, lessons learned, and the impact of their virtual internship experiences.
Missed it or want to watch again? Catch the full recording here: youtu.be/rIBTBKPeSxM
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Something exciting is on the way!
We've been working behind the scenes on something designed to help students think bigger, create with purpose, and bring their ideas to life in new ways.
We're not quite ready to share all the details yet... but trust us, it's worth the wait💙
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Lots of creativity and great ideas in the room today at the UVU GEAR UP @alpineschools App Camp! Students are learning how to turn their ideas into mobile apps using MAD-learn's design thinking program, and it's exciting to see their projects start to take shape.
#GEARUPworks
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“Once we realize we are all members of humanity, we will want to compete in the spirit of love.” ~Muhammad Ali
#Juneteenth #Juneteenth2026 #HonorThePast #EqualityForAll #CelebrateFreedom
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TODAY at 4 PM Eastern! Hear from former MAD-learn interns about the projects they worked on, the skills they gained, how the experience prepared them for future opportunities, & how your students can participate in our virtual internship program.
Register: forms.gle/k4RD2yCLvkrghs837
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UVU GEAR UP @NeboDistrict App Camp highlights! Students are using MAD-learn's Design Thinking program to turn their ideas into amazing apps.
Tomorrow we'll share how students become eligible for virtual internship opportunities with our team.
Register: forms.gle/k4RD2yCLvkrghs837
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Happening this Thursday!
Join us for a conversation with former MAD-learn interns and hear firsthand what it's like to intern virtually with a global team, the skills students gain, and how they can get involved.
Register here: forms.gle/k4RD2yCLvkrghs837
#teachers #educators #STEM
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We're having a great time at #GACTE2026 and sharing what's new at MAD-learn!
Visit our booth to explore our latest updates, grab a CTE t-shirt, and enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. We'd love to meet you and hear about the great work you're doing with students.
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If you're attending #GACTE, we'd love to see you at tomorrow's Roundtable Sessions! Come chat with the MAD-learn team and see how our design thinking platform helps students build the problem-solving, creativity, and workforce skills that make CTE pathways even more impactful.
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Hello #GACTE2026!
Stop by the MAD-learn booth to see how we've evolved into a full design thinking platform, meet our new CEO, grab a CTE t-shirt, and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Want to learn more? Book a 20-minute meeting with our team: calendly.com/conferences-mad… #CTE
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Last week's design thinking App Camp with Greeley GEAR UP was full of creativity and big ideas!
Students collaborated with their peers, tackled real-world challenges and turned their ideas into apps.
Here are a few highlights from the amazing camp!
#GEARUPworks #TEACHers #STEM
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What do students really gain from a virtual internship?
Hear directly from former MAD-learn interns as they share the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shaped their academic and career journeys.
See you on June 18 at 4 PM Eastern!
Register: forms.gle/k4RD2yCLvkrghs837
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Back with another 2026 MAD-app Contest winner!
Congrats to Maya from DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA) for My Hair Exploration, an app inspired by her hair business that helps clients track styles, document their hair journey & stay connected. Turning passion into innovation!
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Attending STEMapalooza 2026? Join MAD-learn on June 4 at 12 PM or 1 PM to discover a fresh approach to design thinking that meets students where they are and teachers where they teach. Get a first look at exciting updates coming this summer, and stop by our booth to say hello!
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Another 2026 MAD-app Contest winner spotlight!
Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Angelica & Kameron from Bennett's Mill MS, @fcboe, creators of Too Good to Go; an app designed to reduce food waste by connecting nonprofits with food donors.
Real problem. Real solution. Real winners.
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Hear directly from students across the country as they share how their MAD-learn Virtual Internship experiences with a global company impacted their lives, skills & future goals. Bring your questions and learn how your students can participate!
Register: forms.gle/k4RD2yCLvkrghs837
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It’s happening today! Join Erin Keith at the @nwgaresa STEM Forum as she shares how introducing computer science early helps students build skills that last a lifetime. Erin is a K–5 CS Teacher at Kedron Elementary & the 2025 Computational Thinking Award recipient. See you there!
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Big congratulations to Hediyeh S., a 6th grader in Saundra Watt’s CS class at Barber MS, for winning this year’s MAD-app Contest!
Her app, AI Bias and What’s Behind It, rose to the top in a record-breaking year of submissions. Scan the QR code to explore!
#TEACHers @CobbSchools
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Thank you, Utah Valley University GEAR UP, for trusting us once again! We’re excited to continue this partnership and can’t wait for our upcoming Design Thinking App Camps. Looking forward to inspiring, creating, and building together with your students!
#GEARUPworks #TEACHers
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Don’t miss Erin Keith at the NWGA RESA STEM Forum on May 27, 2026! Erin, a K–5 Computer Science Teacher at Kedron Elementary and 2025 Computational Thinking Award recipient, will share how early CS learning builds valuable lifelong skills. See you there!
#TEACHers #educators
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Honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and service will never be forgotten. #MemorialDay #MemorialDay2026
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Big things are happening at MAD-learn! We’re excited to officially introduce our new CEO, Chrissy Rebert- Long. Her passion for innovation, education, and empowering future changemakers makes this an exciting new chapter for MAD-learn.
#EdTech #DesignThinking @AlefiyaEdu
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Shoutout to the teachers who go beyond lessons and leave lasting impact; shaping confidence, sparking curiosity, and inspiring the next generation every single day.
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #teachers #educators
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