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Empowering Minds: A FVSU Rep4 Southeast Design Thinking Workshop-Designed by Students. Led by Students.

Posted on Apr 03, 2025

On March 29, 2025, the College of Education and Professional Studies hosted a groundbreaking REP4 (Rapid Education Prototyping) Design Thinking Workshop where students led the way in tackling real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Focused on food insecurity and financial literacy, this dynamic, student-driven session empowered participants to explore solutions using the REP4 design thinking framework—a method centered on empathy, ideation, and innovation.

The workshop opened with an interactive design thinking exercise led by Haneefat Adanijo‘26 a Computer Science major, setting the stage for a day of problem-solving. To understand the first level of design thinking, students partnered to design a product that was created using the wants of their peer. This experience emphasized the importance of listening, understanding needs, and thinking critically, the fundamentals of empathy. “Design thinking is more than creativity—it is about empathy. It allows us to build solutions that truly serve others,” Adanijo explained.
 
The conversation then transitioned to food insecurity, led by REP4 alumna Blanche McCluskey '27 a Plant Science major, who facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on the causes and solutions of food scarcity. Students brainstormed community-driven initiatives, such as hydroponic farming, food-sharing programs, and educational outreach. “Food insecurity is a multi-layered issue,” McCluskey emphasized. “It’s not just about access—it’s about sustainability and education.”tered on empathy, ideation, and innovation.


 Expanding on that theme, the hydroponics session showcased how technology-driven agricultural methods can combat food scarcity. Students explored soil-free farming, developing prototypes of urban farming systems tailored for low-resource communities.
 
During the afternoon, the workshop transitioned to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, led by Jaylin Phillips '28 also a Computer Science major, and Xavier Ward '25, a Marketing major. Their interactive session covered essential topics such as identifying target audiences, developing business strategies, and understanding economic decision-making. Students participated in engaging activities that made financial concepts more accessible and actionable.
 
“Learning about financial literacy in a hands-on way makes all the difference,” Phillips reflected. “When students can actively apply these principles, they not only understand them better but also see how they can shape their own futures.”  
 
Ward echoed this sentiment, adding, “Building a business is not just about having an idea—it is about understanding the financial foundation that makes it successful. We wanted students to walk away with practical tools they can use immediately.”  

Throughout the day, REP4 Project Coordinator Sierra Robinson emphasized the importance of student-led innovation. “This workshop proves that students are not just learners—they’re problem-solvers,” she stated. “They have the capacity to drive meaningful change in their communities.”
 
Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, REP4 Administrator, and a REP4 National Fellow, praised the participants’ ingenuity and determination. “This initiative exemplifies the core values of REP4—empowering students to think critically, innovate boldly, and shape the future,” she remarked.

The success of this workshop marks the beginning of student-driven research projects, where participants will refine their ideas and pilot real-world solutions. Future sessions will integrate IoT applications into agriculture and business, further bridging technology and sustainability.
 
At FVSU, students are not just learning about change—they are leading it. The REP4 Design Thinking Workshop was a testament to the power of student innovation, proving that the next generation is ready to tackle global challenges with vision and purpose.  
 
UPCOMING FVSU REP4 2025 SUMMER SUMMIT
Looking ahead, we invite everyone to join us at the 2025 FVSU REP4 Southeast Design Thinking Summer Summit, June 8-13, 2025. This 5-day summit for high school and college-bound students will provide opportunities to build rapport, enhance self-advocacy, strengthen public speaking skills, and introduce the elements of design thinking. Registration and nominations from high schools and community organizations are now open for the 2025 Summer Summit. Students can click here to access the student interest form: Fort Valley State University 2025 REP4 Southeast Summit Student Interest Form.
 
For more information and to participate, please visit the FVSU REP4 website or contact Sierra Robinson directly at 478-825-6633 or email sierra.robinson@fvsu.edu.

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