Entrepreneurial spirit means you could, you can, you are. Learning through our career exploration labs means you will!
As a high school student, our innovative, hands-on programming is not just for you to learn, but for empowering you to become all that you want to be.
Throughout TPZ’s programs, you’ll build a strong entrepreneurial spirit and in-demand skills such as Continuous Learning, Problem Solving, STEAM Agency, Teamwork, and Communication. You’ll learn design thinking and you’ll implement universal design principles to create low-fidelity prototypes. You’ll explore careers that are driving the economy and can put you on a path toward the successful future that you desire. When you take part in our work-based learning activities, you’ll have the opportunity to experience on-the-job skill-building through internships and relationships with local businesses.
Along your journey at TPZ, you will have the opportunity to explore in-demand careers in Technology, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, and Construction, Infrastructure and Energy. You’ll learn about robotics and AI, graphic design, 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and more. And throughout your time with us, you will receive support to promote your well-being—from daily stipends and meals, to enrichment experiences and resources for you or your family.
- Career exploration LaunchLabs are offered twice each week, from 4:00-6:30 at the Innovation Center in Jamaica Plain for Boston-area high school students in Grade 10, and beginning Winter 2026 at Lawrence High School (LSH) for 10th graders.
- Courses are generally ten weeks long.
Boston Winter 2026 Programming
Cooking For Humanity (NEW) (M&W or Tu & Th, 1/12-3/26)
Cooking For Humanity (NEW)
Description: How can culturally responsive, therapeutic cooking empower families to use food as medicine and improve health outcomes in their communities? In this Lab, you’re here to do more than cook; you’re here to heal. You’ll work with local businesses and families to develop culturally responsive recipes, and publish a community cookbook that addresses real health disparities in our neighborhoods.
Project: Create “Cooking for Humanity,” a community cookbook featuring culturally diverse recipes that help fight diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure through food science principles.
Related Industry: Healthcare
Podcasting (M&W or Tu & Th, 1/12-3/26)
Podcasting
Description: What does it mean to grow up in 2025? In this Lab, you’ll use the power of podcasting and audio engineering to explore what it’s like to be a young person in today’s world. You’ll choose themes that matter to you, like technology, climate change, identity, or justice, and learn to transform interviews, sound, and storytelling into compelling audio narratives. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in recording, editing, and sound engineering using professional production tools. Working in small production teams, you’ll write, produce, and debut your own podcast episode to amplify youth voices and perspectives on the future.
Project: Produce and present an original podcast episode exploring what it means to be a young person in 2025.
Technology & UX Design for Escape Rooms (M&W or Tu & Th, 1/12-3/26)
Technology & UX Design for Escape Rooms
Description: How can we design smarter, more intuitive experiences using code and sensors? In this Lab, you’ll design and build interactive themed puzzles that respond to players’ actions using coding, breadboarding, and sensor technology. You will practice the UX design process by testing and iterating on your puzzles. And you’ll explore how digital systems communicate with the physical world as you wire circuits and program inputs and outputs to build your escape room.
Project: Design and run an interactive escape room featuring puzzles powered by coded systems, breadboard wiring, and sensor technology that responds to user input.
Related Industry: Information Technology
Cardboard Architects: Build and Play (M&W, 1/12-3/26)
Cardboard Architects: Build and Play
Description: How can you use cardboard, circuits, and creativity to create an engaging and playable game? In this Lab, you’ll work in teams to sketch ideas, prototype mechanics, and integrate circuits and sensors to bring your game to life. You’ll develop skills in engineering, game design, and user testing as you turn simple materials into playable experiences.
Project: Design and construct a playable game using cardboard engineering and basic circuits. Showcase your creation at TPZ’s student exhibition, where real players will test and enjoy your design.
CoF Connection: Advanced Manufacturing
ReStyle Studio: Sustainable Fashion (M&W or Tu & Th, 1/12-3/26)
ReStyle Studio: Sustainable Fashion
Description: What if you could give new life to your old textiles and help address climate challenges? In this Lab, you’ll explore the environmental and social impacts of textile waste while blending sustainability with personal style. You’ll learn to sew, upcycle, and use design thinking to transform old textiles into new pieces. Along the way, you’ll develop technical skills in material use, construction, and sustainable design. You’ll debut your final collection in a student-run showcase where you highlight your vision for a more sustainable fashion future.
Project: Present your collection of upcycled garments in a final exhibition that highlights your sustainable fashion vision.
Related Industry: Construction, Infrastructure & Energy
Open Studio (T or W, 1/12-3/26)
Open Studio
Description: How can you explore new technologies and tools to bring your creative visions to life? In this course you will get the chance to experiment across the Fablab, using tools such as the UV printer, zund, laser cutters, embroidery machine, DTG and more. Each week you will switch between Careers of the Future workshops, where you try new skills and technologies, and Independent project time, where you grow your own ideas with support from TPZ Mentors. This Lab is all about you! A chance to dive deep into your passions and emerge with advanced skills across many exciting new tools.
Project: You will take part in and give feedback on a number of guided hands-on workshops connected to our Careers of the Future. Alternating weeks, take ownership of your learning by getting skilled up on equipment and diving deeper into your own independent study projects.
Related Industries: All
Pathways: Apply Class (Th, 1/12-3/26)
Pathways: Apply Class
Description: TPZ’s Apply class works with seniors who are planning to apply to 2-year colleges, career training programs, or who are unsure what to do after high school. In this Lab, you’ll identify long-term goals, research options and visit 4-5 different programs from the various CoFs, including a community college. After visiting, you’ll reflect on your preferences and apply to programs. You’ll also create your FSA ID for financial aid and work on submitting your FAFSA if needed.
Project: Draft and finalize written responses, submit at least 2 program applications
Related Industries: All
Work-based Learning Intern Prep Class (school-day) (T&W, 1/12-3/26)
Work-based Learning Intern Prep Class
Description: In this workshop-based lab, students will prepare for their internships in the Spring. To do so, they will refine their resumes, set specific goals for their time in internships and practice their interviewing skills. They will also apply to relevant internships for them and have time in class to edit and adjust their applications. Students do not need to attend more than five classes during the term and should emerge from the class with a secured internship.
Project: Polishing their templated resumes and submitting at least two edited and completed applications to internships.
Related Industries: All
Lawrence High School Winter Programming
Artificial Intelligence for Global Health Challenge (In Partnership with NAF/KnoPro) (M&W, 1/12-3/26)
Artificial Intelligence for Global Health Challenge (In Partnership with NAF/KnoPro)
Description: How can we use AI to save lives and improve health outcomes around the world? In this Lab, you’ll dive into real-world health challenges and explore how artificial intelligence can be used for global good. You’ll work with community partners to research pressing issues in healthcare, learn how AI tools are being applied in the field, and develop skills in problem solving, storytelling, and digital design. By the end of the Lab, you’ll design an AI-powered solution, such as a prototype, business strategy, or marketing campaign, to improve health outcomes and expand access to care worldwide.
Project: Create a technology prototype, business strategy, or awareness campaign that uses AI to address a real-world health challenge.
Related Industry: Healthcare
Lab Exploration Studio (Tu & Th, 1/12-3/26)
Lab Exploration Studio
Description: How can hands-on exploration help you imagine a future that fits you? In this course, you will explore a series of hands-on mini experiences drawn from TPZ’s Labs. From coding and clean energy to sewing, healthcare simulations, and 3D Design, you will get to try a little bit of everything. Each experience is designed to help you discover interests, build new skills, and understand what opportunities exist across different Careers of the Future industries. By the end of the course, you will have a clearer sense of what excites you most and which Lab you want to dive deeper into next semester.
Project: Create a presentation of your learning that showcases your completed Lab mini projects and CoF exploration
Related Industry: All
Health Assisting CTE Class (ongoing, school-day)
The Possible Zone with consultants who have expertise in Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Health Care, and in close consultation with industry partners, designed a novel CTE class that looks and feels very different from a traditional CTE class. Class instruction is competency-based, rooted in standards, and integrates TPZ’s signature competencies of continuous learning, communication, and problem solving. Students don’t sit through lectures; they engage in hands-on experiences and interact with industry professionals to demonstrate mastery of durable skills and technical competencies. Students began the program in September 2025 and the first course in this program runs through the end of June 2026.