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Ford College Network 
TEST TRACK
2024-25

This program unites teams of students from invited FCN member institutions for a two-semester student competition addressing a pressing community challenge while partnering with a local community host organization.
Format

Virtual Competition

Session Dates
Virtual Launch: October 18th

Virtual Session: Week of January 20th

Virtual Session: Week of Feburary 17th

Virtual Session: Week of March 10th

Virtual Session: Week of March 24th

Pitch: Week of April 14th
Challenge Sponsored By:

Ford Philanthropy

Available Certificate

HFLI Design Thinking Level 2

What you are going to learn
Student teams will build skills with and apply design thinking tools and methods, as well as utilize an entrepreneurial approach, to develop an actionable solution response to their identified challenge, generating ideas and action plans that have the potential to create broad social and economic positive impact.  
Throughout this experience, you will:

  • Become fluent with design thinking tools and methods
  • Create broad social and economic positive impact
  • Interact with Ford Fund leadership,Ford Motor Company employees

INSTRUCTORS

Theodore 
LEARNING DESIGN SPECIALIST 
Theodore Kozerski guides the strategic growth of HFLI’s learning programs, while developing unique resources and experiences that help learners to think creatively, work collaboratively with others, and implement innovations. He brings a unique perspective to the role that blends a passion for socio-cultural anthropology, formal study and application of human-centered-design methods, experience as an entrepreneur, and a lens for inclusion and access. Theodore earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from Wayne State University and identifies as a committed lifelong learner.
Deborah Parizek
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Deborah Parizek drives HFLI’s efforts to provide workshops, programs and site coaching that pair effective education and human-centered design approaches, empowering learners to lead transformational change in, with and for their community. She is known for cultivating the conversations, empathy, and capacity critical to addressing complex challenges. Prior to joining HFLI in 2005, Deborah designed and directed extensive teacher leadership development programs for multiple school systems.
Gary Tubbs
DESIGN FELLOW
Gary Tubbs joined HFLI in mid-August as our newest Design Fellow. In this role, Gary works closely with the programs team to acquire design thinking mindsets, skills, knowledge, and tools, especially as they apply to innovative use in social innovation, K-20 and youth programming. Over time, Gary will bring his education and experience in the design field to bear in the effective development, administration, and coordination of multiple major engagement series for HFLI.