About Mount vernon institute for innovation
Mount Vernon Institute for Innovation: Building Capacity in Others
Mount Vernon Institute for Innovation (MVIFI) is a non-profit organization that aims to build capacity in individuals and organizations through innovation, design thinking, and experiential learning. As current practitioners in their respective areas of expertise, the team at MVIFI explores, researches, and expands their own capabilities to help others do the same.
Founded in 2013 by Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (MVPS), MVIFI has since grown into a leading educational consultancy that partners with schools, businesses, and non-profits to create innovative solutions to complex challenges. The institute's work is grounded in the belief that everyone has the potential to be an innovator and change-maker.
At MVIFI, innovation is not just about technology or gadgets; it's about creating new ways of thinking and doing things. The institute uses design thinking as a framework for problem-solving and encourages individuals to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failure. Through workshops, coaching sessions, and immersive experiences like Design Thinking Bootcamps or Innovation Academies , MVIFI helps individuals develop skills such as empathy , creativity , collaboration , critical thinking , communication , resilience , adaptability , curiosity .
One of the unique aspects of MVIFI's approach is its emphasis on experiential learning . Rather than simply teaching theory or concepts through lectures or textbooks,MVIFI creates opportunities for learners to engage with real-world problems through hands-on projects . This approach allows learners to apply what they have learned in meaningful ways while also developing important skills such as problem-solving,collaboration,and communication.
MVIFI works with a wide range of clients including K-12 schools,colleges/universities,businesses,and non-profits. For example,MVPS partnered with Delta Air Lines' Flight Operations division on an innovation project aimed at improving safety procedures . Through this partnership,Deltapilots worked alongside students from MVPS to develop new ideas and solutions. The project resulted in several innovations that were implemented by Delta,including a new safety checklist and a mobile app for pilots.
Another example of MVIFI's work is its partnership with the Lovett School in Atlanta. Together,they created the iWonder Lab ,a space where students can explore their passions and interests through hands-on projects . The lab features state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D printers,laser cutters,and virtual reality headsets,and is staffed by MVIFI coaches who help students develop their ideas into tangible products or prototypes.
MVIFI also offers professional development opportunities for educators and leaders who want to incorporate innovation and design thinking into their work. Through workshops,coaching sessions,and online courses,MVIFI helps educators develop the skills they need to create engaging learning experiences that prepare students for success in the 21st century.
In conclusion,MVIFI is an innovative educational consultancy that helps individuals and organizations build capacity through design thinking,experiential learning,and innovation. With a focus on developing important skills such as empathy,creativity,collaboration,critical thinking,resilience,adaptability,and curiosity,MVIFI empowers learners to become change-makers who can tackle complex challenges with confidence and creativity. Whether working with K-12 schools,colleges/universities,businesses,or non-profits,MVIFI's approach is grounded in the belief that everyone has the potential to be an innovator-and that by working together,we can create a better future for all.