Health Innovation for Underrepresented Populations
This summer camp gives high school students a foundation in biomedical innovation by creating solutions that address health inequities
This interdisciplinary program empowers students to use bioengineering concepts to explore chronic diseases that disproportionately affect underserved populations. Students explore biological, social and economic dimensions of diseases like diabetes and hypertension, to gain a deep understanding of health disparities. Then, working in teams, students use human-centered design techniques to develop solutions and create prototypes.
Health Innovation for Underrepresented Populations was offered as a half-day summer camp that ran for three weeks in 2025. The course was open to rising sophomores through recently graduated seniors from around the San Francisco Bay Area. Held at St. Francis High School, students had access to tools including 3D printers, CNC Routers and laser cutters, along with other household materials to develop their prototypes.
The summer program culminated with team presentations about a health disparity and how their prototype helped address it. Professionals from the health tech industry attended, offering feedback and granting awards for best team presentation and most empathetic design.
“Kudos to Diversity by Doing (DxD) HealthTech for putting together such a meaningful and impactful program! Opportunities like this that give high school students real exposure to health innovation are rare but absolutely critical. It was a pleasure to volunteer as an instructor and work with Rene Canady. The creativity, empathy, and drive these students brought to the table left me deeply inspired. This next generation is sharp, passionate, and full of promise. Can’t wait to see where they go from here!”
— Kavita Bouknight, CEO, Match Health Collective
“[This program] made me realize just how inaccessible the world we currently live in today is, and provided me with a new lens to consider when I am innovating. …. I learned so much, working with professionals was awesome and gave me so much insight into career options and technical skills. + Rene is the BEST!!!”
— Anoushka Pandya, student participant
“Programs like this empower the next generation of changemakers with the tools to build with empathy and impact. Hats off to the DxD and Saint Francis High School teams (along with a great group of smart students) for making this happen!”
— Tim Curley, VP, Leap AI
Interested in Participating?
This high school program was made possible through grant funding. Interested in bringing it to your high school? Contact Ingrid Ellerbe.