Reimagining Academic Growth as a Living System
South Fayette School District partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to reimagine how students explore interests, make decisions, and plan meaningful next steps. Our solution is a student-centered planning system designed to help high schoolers navigate their non-linear growth journeys.
Role
Co-Design Lead
Team
1 Product Manager
1 Co-Design Lead
1 Researcher Lead
1 Tech Lead
Timeline
Jan 25 - Jul 25
Problem
Many high school students feel stuck in rigid academic tracks that don't reflect their passions or goals.
“I feel like I can’t afford to do something different if it might mess up my GPA.”
– 9th Grade Student (P05)
“I occasionally want to try new things but never know where to start”
– 10th Grade Student (P12)
Opportunity
How might we empower students to take ownership of their academic journey and nurture their curiosity?
Students want to explore, but with pressure to "check the right boxes," it often feels safer to stay on “proven” tracks and many miss out on opportunities that could shape their truly desired paths. South Fayette challenged us to imagine a new model of guidance, one where students can "stack" meaningful experiences based on their interests and evolving goals.
Solution
Turning Key Experience Reflections Into Growth Signals.
STACK. a dashboard that maps all past student experiences (courses, club activities, extracurriculars, other events) into a dynamic timeline of reflection cards and clusters potential growing interest to provide personalize recommendation for future steps. Our solution shifts academic planning from static course selection to a living system that connects students, faculty, and families around evolving student identity and growth signals, not simply grades and credits.
