The Year 11 House Leaders from Parramatta Marist High School have recently showcased their innovation and entrepreneurial skills through their participation in the HEX High Accelerator Program.
This program, designed for students, offers a unique six-week online learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, immersing students in the dynamic world of innovation, technology, startups, and social impact.
The HEX High Accelerator Program has received widespread recognition for its innovative approach to education. The program aims to equip students with high-demand skills, foster connections with like-minded peers, provide access to mentors from leading companies, and offer formal academic credentials recognised by universities and private colleges worldwide.
One of the key aspects that sets the HEX High Accelerator Program apart is its focus on impact learning and action. The program is designed to be engaging and interactive, featuring high-production videos, workshops, mentoring sessions, and interactive learning materials that resonate with Gen Z learners. Students are encouraged to identify an impact mission and take meaningful actions, turning their creative ideas into tangible projects with real-world applications.
The curriculum of the HEX High Accelerator Program covers a wide range of topics over the six-week duration, including:
- Understanding innovation and cultivating an innovator mindset
- Conducting market research and identifying real-world problems
- Mapping value propositions and exploring business structures
- Prototyping, branding, and developing marketing strategies
- Crafting compelling startup pitches and honing communication skills
- Delivering confident and customer-focused presentations
Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to work alongside industry mentors who are leaders in their respective fields. Mentors include professionals from companies like Google, Atlassian, UpBank, Seek, Nike, Rolex, HEX itself and many more, providing students with invaluable insights and guidance as they navigate the program and develop their projects.
The success stories of students who have participated in the HEX High Accelerator Program speak volumes about its impact. Anthony Baaini, a HEX Ed Alumni and House Leader, conveyed his deep enthusiasm for the program, highlighting how it enabled him to transform his ideas into promising business opportunities whilst collaborating with industry mentors.
I would like to congratulate the 11 PMHS students who embarked on this transformative educational experience which was an added workload on top of their Preliminary HSC studies for the past 6 weeks. These students have all been awarded an official microcredential issued by the University of Sydney and will receive a Certificate of Completion from HEX. The HEX High Accelerator program will also count towards recognition of prior learning with students receiving an academic credit at their chosen university in their post-school career.
I would like to thank Mr Joshua Bryers, our Head of STEM and Industry Partnerships for his guidance, mentoring and support of the students over the six week course, as well as Mr Michael Menniti, our Year 11 Coordinator for his support of the boys during this program.
With its focus on fostering innovation, developing practical skills, and building a supportive network, the HEX High Accelerator Program continues to empower students to shape a brighter future for themselves and society as a whole and we look forward to having more students on board in 2025!
