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Empowering Tomorrow’s Problem-Solvers: FVSU Hosts 2026 REP4 Southeast Design Thinking Summer Summit

Posted on Oct 08, 2026

Fort Valley, Ga. – Fort Valley State University (FVSU) recently concluded the 2026 REP4 (Rapid Education Prototyping) Southeast Design Thinking Summer Summit on Saturday, June 27, marking the end of a dynamic and transformative week. Over several days, participants were immersed in a range of engaging learning experiences that not only honed their leadership abilities but also inspired a spirit of student-driven innovation. The central aim of the summit was to cultivate the next generation of leaders by providing them with the critical resources and insights necessary to tackle pressing challenges in their communities. Participants gained practical skills and valuable knowledge to address urgent issues such as food insecurity, financial literacy, and mental health, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact where it is needed most. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, students were empowered to devise practical solutions with direct relevance to challenges faced in their own communities.

This year, the summit brought together 49 high school and college-bound students from across Georgia, offering them a unique opportunity to delve into the principles of design thinking, teamwork, and critical analysis. The central theme focused on improving access to healthy and affordable food—an ongoing concern in many communities. Students were encouraged to examine and deconstruct barriers such as cost, geographical limitations, food availability, and public awareness, all while developing actionable, community-informed strategies.

Throughout the week, participants took part in a variety of workshops and small-group discussions facilitated by FVSU REP4 Scholars, faculty members, student leaders, high school representatives, and community partners. These sessions emphasized the importance of empathy, thorough research, creative ideation, and polished presentation skills as tools for transforming innovative concepts into actionable plans. As Christian Simpson of Grovetown High School reflected, “This program increased my understanding of how cost, location, and opportunity affect access to healthy food and highlighted the importance of addressing these challenges.”

Leadership development and personal growth were woven into the fabric of the summit experience. Participants engaged in reflective exercises aimed at building self-awareness, strengthening accountability, and enhancing communication skills. Charles Woods of Houston County High School noted, “This experience helped me develop a stronger sense of responsibility and increased my confidence in my future goals.”

The summit was packed with impactful activities: students applied design thinking techniques to real-life community problems, collaborated with peers to generate effective, solution-oriented strategies, and sharpened their communication, teamwork, and presentation abilities. Guided reflection and experiential learning opportunities enabled students to further develop their leadership potential in meaningful, lasting ways.

Haneefat Adanijo, Summit Student Lead, described the journey from discussion to tangible concepts as truly inspiring, observing, “Watching students move from conversation to concept was inspiring. They listened to one another, challenged their assumptions, and worked as teams to design ideas that could make a difference in their communities.” Summit organizers and FVSU leadership underscored the vital importance of preparing students to lead in an ever-evolving, complex world.

Dr. Paul Jones, president of Fort Valley State University, opened the summit by affirming, “At Fort Valley State University, we are committed to creating opportunities that help students develop as innovative thinkers, responsible leaders, and engaged citizens. Programs like the REP4 Summer Summit reflect our mission to prepare students to address real-world challenges while making a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., dean, FVSU REP4 administrator, and national REP4 fellow, reinforced the crucial role of experiential learning in shaping future success. They explained, “The REP4 Summer Summit Initiative showcases just how powerful hands-on experiences can be for nurturing critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. By participating in this program, students confront real-world community challenges head-on, building both the confidence and the practical skills needed to turn their knowledge into meaningful action.”

The summit culminated in student presentations, where participants showcased their proposed solutions and demonstrated how they had applied newly acquired knowledge, strategies, and leadership skills throughout the week. As FVSU continues to expand its initiatives for experiential learning and student-led innovation, the REP4 Summer Summit stands as a vital platform for empowering emerging leaders to think critically, collaborate effectively, and contribute real solutions to the communities they serve.

The FVSU REP4 (Rapid Education Prototyping) Southeast Design Thinking Summer Summit is dedicated to providing transformational learning experiences by integrating research, outreach, and public engagement. This initiative immerses students in dynamic, hands-on activities that foster collaboration, stimulate innovation, and build the competencies needed to confront real-world challenges. Through a blend of creativity, teamwork, leadership training, and community-centered problem-solving, the program empowers students to make meaningful, lasting contributions within their communities.

For more information, contact Travis Edwards, Project Coordinator for Student Success and Community Engagement, College of Education and Professional Studies, at travis.edwards@fvsu.edu or 478-825-6633.

 

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