About the Program
Design n’ Challenge is Thirt13n’s flagship innovation program
A hands-on, project-driven pathway where students explore the intersection of arts, technology, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Through real-world challenges, mentorship, and creative design work, students learn to think critically, innovate boldly, and bring their ideas to life. Design n’ Challenge is delivered through two integrated tracks:
- Create13 – Focus: creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, media, and design.
- Code13 – Focus: coding, gaming, robotics, app and digital innovation.
Why It Matters
Design n’ Challenge builds the foundation for future-ready learners by providing:
- Engagement through hands-on creation and real-world problem solving
- Access to creative, digital, and STEM career pathways
- Exposure to mentors, industry professionals, and modern tools
- Confidence through design thinking, prototyping, pitching, and collaboration
- Community connection by linking schools, families, and industry partners
Pathway Impact
Students quickly see that creativity and technology are not separate worlds:
- A gamer becomes a developer
- An artist becomes a UI/UX designer
- A fashion lover becomes a digital illustrator
- A storyteller becomes a content creator
- A maker becomes a robotics engineer
Design n’ Challenge helps students realize that ideas can become innovations — and passions can become careers.
Create13 + Code13 shows students how creativity + technology = opportunity.
Students gain digital literacy, creative confidence, coding and media-production skills, teamwork, and exposure to modern careers that reflect today’s economy.
A Close Look at Code13 and Create13
Code13
Code13 introduces students to the world of technology, gaming, and digital innovation — transforming curiosity into creation. The pathway blends computer science, coding, robotics, and game development with creativity and entrepreneurship, showing young people how to design, build, and launch digital solutions that matter.
Aligned with Virginia’s Computer Science and STEM Standards of Learning (SOLs), Code13 emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency. Students progress from early coding logic in elementary school to advanced programming, cybersecurity basics, app development, and e-sports design in high school.
Through mentorship from industry professionals, hands-on challenges, and real-world digital projects, Code13 helps students understand how innovation drives today’s workforce. Graduates emerge with confidence, technical readiness, and the mindset to pursue careers in software development, gaming, cybersecurity, digital media, and technology entrepreneurship.
Through Code13, students:
- Learn the fundamentals of coding and design thinking
- Build digital games, apps, and prototypes that solve real problems
- Strengthen critical thinking, communication, and teamwork
- Explore careers in software development, gaming, AI, and digital media
- Gain essential 21st-century workforce skills that transfer into any field
Create13
Create13 is a comprehensive career exploration pathway designed to equip young people with the creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive beyond high school. The program bridges art, music, fashion, media, game design, and coding with leadership and entrepreneurship—giving students the power to turn imagination into measurable impact.
Create13 serves K–12 students who are curious about creative careers and who seek mentorship, skill-building, and exposure to real professionals. Through creative learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience, students build artistic mastery, digital fluency, and foundational business skills—preparing them for college, apprenticeships, or launching their own creative ventures.
Students explore:
- Art, fashion, design
- Music and digital media
- Photography, filmmaking, content creation
- Creative storytelling and digital illustration
- Creative entrepreneurship
The Innovation Experience
Design n' Challenge
Originally known as ‘Design & Challenge,’ now reimagined as Design n’ Challenge, this initiative serves as the capstone experience for both Create13 and Code13. It brings students from every tier together to test their creativity, problem-solving, and leadership through a real-world design and innovation competition.
What Students Learn:
Design n’ Challenge is more than a project—it’s the heartbeat of the Thirt13n Creative Pathway. It represents the moment where students transform from learners into creators, applying everything they’ve learned across the six-week rotations and five-tier system.
Why It Matters:
- Culminating Experience: Students use the skills from Create13 and Code13 to develop a tangible innovation—an art collection, digital product, fashion line, community design, or video game.
- Collaboration: Students from different schools and districts form cross-functional teams combining artists, coders, marketers, and storytellers.
- Career Exposure: Industry mentors, educators, and corporate sponsors act as judges, offering feedback and networking opportunities.
- Confidence Building: Students see their work validated by professionals, which boosts motivation and retention.
- Pathway Continuity: Winners or standout participants advance to the Thirt13n Innovation Reactor or earn mentorship placements through the P4ct Network.
Program Structure:
The challenge runs as a six-week cumulative rotation at the end of the school year:
- Week 1 – Brainstorm: Problem-solving & idea generation workshops (Team concept proposals)
- Week 2 – Design: Develop prototypes, storyboards, or wireframes (Initial review)
- Week 3 – Build: Create project deliverables (artwork, games, products) (Midpoint mentor critique)
- Week 4 – Refine: Improve design or code based on feedback (Final polish)
- Week 5 – Present: Rehearse presentations & visuals (Ready for showcase)
- Week 6 – Showcase: Public competition & exhibition (Recognition & awards)
Event Details:
- Title: Thirt13n Design n’ Challenge – End-of-Year Innovation Showcase
- Participants: Students from Create13 and Code13 (Grades 7–12, select postsecondary apprentices)
- Format: Hybrid – in-person regional events with digital submissions
- Judges: Industry leaders, sponsors, educators, and alumni
- Awards: Scholarships, internships, innovation grants, and media features
Importance for Schools:
- Demonstrates the success and scalability of the Thirt13n model
- Encourages creative thinking, presentation skills, and cross-discipline teamwork
- Provides authentic evidence of student learning for grants and accreditation
- Attracts local sponsors, families, and community partners to celebrate youth innovation
Legacy:
Design n’ Challenge honors Thirt13n’s origins as 'Design & Challenge,' the founding creative concept that inspired the vision for Create13 and Code13. By evolving the original name, the initiative preserves its roots while expanding its purpose—showing that design and innovation are not just classroom experiences, but lifelong tools for social and economic empowerment.
Get Involved In The Challenge
To learn more about the event or sign up, please contact us.
Get Involved in Program
Ways for Schools and Colleges to Get Involved
- In-School Events: Host career fairs, mini-markets, or 'Guess My Role' activities where industry guests share props or demos from their jobs.
- Workplace Visits: Arrange half-day trips to studios, design firms, or media companies so students can see creative work in action.
- Hybrid & Online Models: Use virtual meet-ups, livestreamed panels, and Thirt13n’s Chat with a Champion to connect rural or underserved learners with professionals.
- Creative Challenges: Schools can run short Design n’ Challenge projects leading to an end-of-year showcase.
- Curriculum Links: Thirt13n provides lesson-plan templates aligned with core subjects and Gatsby Benchmarks for career guidance.
How Industry and Corporations Can Support
- Host a Lunch N’ Learn or workplace open day to inspire students about creative roles.
- Sponsor a Challenge—fund materials or prizes for a school’s Design n’ Challenge event.
- Provide Mentorship & Apprenticeships through the Thirt13n P4ct Network.
- Participate in Career Panels or Speed Networking to expose students to varied creative pathways.
- Offer Internships or Shadow Days—short placements where students learn real workplace expectations.
- Join the Creative Round Table—corporate partners meet quarterly to co-design programs and identify talent pipelines.