The InspireCamp Program
What is the InspireCamp?
An InspireCamp is a free, virtual learning program that introduces a new subject or topic to learners.
InspireCamps vary in subject–across design, code, productivity, lifestyle–but tend to center around topics that are not commonly found in high school curriculum today. During Summer, they run for 4-6 hours a week across 6-8 weeks. In total, they last for about 24-30 hours–sufficient to deliver an introduction to a new subject or topic.
InspireCamps are primarily designed and delivered by our high school and early college teammates. This builds a unique, peer-to-peer learning experience that enables learning and development for both the student who is learning and the student who is instructing. We take pride and commit to helping our volunteers build effective InspireCamps that promote engagement and improve learning outcomes.
Why is our program named InspireCamp?
Our programs at LanLearning are similar to a bootcamp experience. Despite being short in length, our programs enable learners to gain well-rounded understanding and skills that empowers them to build upon the newfound understanding. During the process, our learners routinely work with peers who have been there before and are still learning themselves. The unique peer setting naturally inspires learners to find the courage to continue learning a unique topic despite the difficulty and rigor.
Combining inspiration and bootcamp we came up with InspireCamp.
Three Goals of an InspireCamp:
1. Learn a new topic.
Most of the subjects taught at LanLearning are not commonly found in traditional high school curriculum. For example, Data Science or SQL is not core to high school Computer Science curriculum today. As a result, our learners will have the opportunity to learn something unique that they likely wouldn't be able to learn in a traditional classroom setting.
The InspireCamp's first goal is to simply support our learners through understanding a new topic.
2. Build a project.
We believe the best way to learn is by application, and a lot more is retained while in the process of building during learning. As a result, we have developed the InspireCamp as a project-based learning model.
The project development journey is filled with problem-solving, creativity, and independence. These are important skillsets for students to develop as they enter today's professional world. Our hope is that these projects and soft-skills developed can better position our learners to access opportunity and find success in the internship market.
3. Enable continued learning.
Learning never stops, but in order to keep learning there are a few key tips, tricks, and resources necessary along the way. We accomplish the goal of making learning a forever-long process by equipping our learners with the resources and knowhow to seek resources that can support their learning even after the programs end.
An InspireCamp program will often teach learners up to the intermediates of a subject–sufficient for a well-rounded introduction and the capacity to add value using the skills learned. However, there will often be concepts our programs won't touch and new innovations in the field that add new topics to learn about. The InspireCamp's third goal is to support our learners in taking their journey beyond our programs so they can continue expanding their understanding and future learning.
By participating, our learners can:
1. Further their network.
During the length of an InspireCamp, learners get to meet individuals from a variety of backgrounds–some students, some college graduates, and some year-long industry professionals.
Through invitation and collaboration, learners have the unique opportunity to build their friendships and grow their personal and professional network.
2. Add to their resume.
Our programs are designed to add a professional touch to each learner's skillset and resume. With constant communication and project presentations, learners develop industry relevant soft-skills.
Of course, by completing a project, learners have a piece of work they can utilize as they navigate their journeys ahead to access opportunity.
3. Build with us!
We will always open opportunities and welcome our learners to come build with us and contribute to the community.
In fact, this is how we organically pass down InspireCamp programs and onboard new leaders to deliver a new learning experience. Our programs fuel confidence in our learners and excite them to lead one of their own.
Since Summer 2020, LanLearning has:
