Designing Futures: Taiwo Togun's Venture into Next-Gen Education with Project Invent

Educators like Taiwo Togun illuminate the path towards the future of education. His journey, deeply rooted in the belief that technology and empathy can transform learning, has reshaped learning for his students at Pierrepont School in Westport, CT. We asked Taiwo to share his story, and it became clear that his venture into next-gen education with Project Invent is not just about teaching new skills. It's about inspiring a new generation of innovators ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with empathy and ingenuity.

Taiwo Togun, Project Invent Fellow & 2023 Fellow of the Year

From Computational Biology to Transformative Education

For Taiwo, one moment in particular stands out as a turning point that reshaped his educational ethos. "It was while looking at genomic data, trying to ask questions of that data, that I truly understood the power of computer science. It wasn't just about coding or programming but about using these tools to solve real problems. This insight transformed my teaching philosophy. I saw computer science not just as a subject, but as a lens through which my students could engage with and solve the complex issues facing our society."

From that point forward Taiwo embarked on a mission to transcend the conventional boundaries of computer science education. He aspired to cultivate a culture of creativity and empathy within his classroom. "For my class, computer science became that critical tool," he notes, emphasizing the shift towards a problem-solving and critical thinking centered curriculum..

This moment underscored the essence of Taiwo's innovative teaching approach, one that positions critical thinking and empathy as its core pillars. Another key moment in defining Tawio’s teaching philosophy came from a conversation with a former student deeply immersed in design thinking at MIT. "The allure of design thinking and its potential to inspire change captivated me. I needed to get into design thinking because I appreciated it so much," he says, reflecting on his inspiration for the transformative potential of design thinking. With this motivation, Taiwo was drawn to Project Invent, a community and program reimagining the educational landscape that aligned with his aspirations to redefine education.

Through this journey, Taiwo's pedagogical philosophy evolved, firmly rooted in the belief that education should empower students to become innovators and problem solvers. His story is a testament to the transformative impact of integrating design thinking with education, inspiring a new generation of learners to approach challenges with empathy and innovation.

The Project Invent Fellowship: Catalyzing Educational Change

Around this time, Taiwo discovered the Project Invent fellowship. This provided the opportunity to bring all the innovative approaches to teaching Tawio was eager to explore with resource and support necessary to transform his classroom.."The allure of design thinking was undeniable. It promised a way to teach, inspire, and enact real change. Project Invent stood out as a beacon for this mission." Fellowship offered him the resources, support, and network needed to bring his vision to life in the classroom. Within this nurturing environment, Taiwo transformed a data storytelling class into one centered on design thinking, empathy, and problem solving for social good.

Taiwo Togun and student team Adapt-a-Brella at DDx (NYC)

Adapt-a-Brella: Innovation Born from Empathy

During his first year as a Project Invent fellow, one of the student teams Taiwo mentored created Adapt-a-Brella, an inventive solution designed to aid individuals in wheelchairs in managing umbrellas during inclement weather.

Adapt-a-Brella Prototype

He explains the inception of Adapt-a-brella, sparked by the everyday struggles of Crystal, a Community Partner with spina bifida, "one of the things [Crystal] expressed was during inclement weather, an umbrella is a very tough thing to use on the wheelchair." This insight inspired his students and symbolized the broader impact of Taiwo's mission: solving real-world problems through empathy and innovation. It exemplifies how students can create meaningful innovations that address overlooked societal needs.

Student Team: Adapt-a-Brella (Pierrepont School in Westport, CT)

Reflective Insights on Growth and Empowerment

Taiwo's reflections on the journey with Project Invent reveal profound insights into the educational impact and personal growth he and his students experienced. Through his guidance and the support of Project Invent, Taiwo's students were not just learning to code or design but to listen, empathize, and create with purpose. A moment of introspection during the Adapt-a-Brella project was a critical learning point. 

"My students and I, all alike, just made assumptions about our [Community] Partner... We realized our assumptions about Crystal's needs were misplaced. This moment of reflection was pivotal, reinforcing the importance of empathy and listening in the design process," he recalls. This epiphany highlights the transformative learning that occurs when educators and students engage deeply with the principles of design thinking and empathy. 

Envisioning the Future

Looking ahead, Taiwo's anticipation for future projects with Project Invent is filled with optimism and excitement for the unknown. Each year brings new students, challenges, and opportunities to make a lasting difference. "Every year it's different…the beauty of Project Invent lies in its consistent purpose-driven experience," he notes, capturing the dynamic and impactful nature of the fellowship. His work continues to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators to make a real difference.

Taiwo Togun accepting the award for Fellow of the Year at Project Invent’s FutureFest 2023.

Pictured left to right: Jillian Harmon, Taiwo Togun, Jax Chaudhry, Aragon Burlingham.

Taiwo Togun's journey is more than a story of individual achievement; it's a compelling call to educators and innovators everywhere. It underscores the transformative power of combining design thinking with education to address complex societal issues, inspire students, and foster a culture of empathy and innovation.

Taiwo Togun with student team, Adapt-a-Brella at FutureFest 2023