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What is IRPD?

This research course is a unique opportunity for students to engage in an interdisciplinary, equity-centered independent research project to initiate positive change in their community.

  • These projects may span across STEM, humanities, arts, and athletics. 

  • Students will use Stanford Design School’s Empathy Design Framework to approach their projects with a designer’s mindset.

Why take IRPD?

IRPD!

  • Unique learning and an experience many only get in college

  • Gain skills that are applicable across disciplines in high school and beyond- research, self-management, public speaking, public policy

  • Depth of experience in personal insight questions, from doing authentic research, engaging in community event

  • Dual enrollment credits from Foothill College (10 quarter units)

Our Timeline

  • Milestone 1: Understanding the Research Process and Choosing a Topic, Introduction and Literature Review: Due Sept. 6, 2022

  • Milestone 2: Empathy Interviews: Due Sept. 2022

  • Milestone 3: Research Plan: Due Oct. 2022

  • Milestone 4: MV Community Input Gathering: Oct. 2022

  • Milestone 5: Journey Map for Research Nov.- Dec. 2022

  • Milestone 6: MV Community Showcase, Jan 2023

  • Milestone 7: Thinglink for your research, Feb 2023 

  • Milestone 8: Community Showcase: Research, Advocacy, March 2023

  • Presenting at Conferences (STEAM Conference)

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