"The world doesn't need more compliant workers; it needs more innovative thinkers."

For the latest episode of The Genius Hour: Voices of Indianapolis, we are honored to sit down with a true trailblazer in the world of education: Don Wettrick.

Don is the founder of the STARTed UP Foundation and a world-renowned advocate for student-led innovation. In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy that transformed a high school classroom into a global movement. Don shares why it is vital for students to stop waiting for permission to be great and start taking ownership of their own learning today.

This episode is a milestone for our program. As part of a multi-week intensive project, the students of our PPHS Audio/Visual program handled every aspect of this production: from researching Don’s extensive career in entrepreneurship to building our first professional multi-camera video set and managing the final edit.

In this conversation, we discuss:

- The origin of the "Genius Hour" and how it empowers student voice.

- The mission of the STARTed UP Foundation to foster an "Innovator's Mindset."

- Why Indianapolis is a unique hub for young entrepreneurs and creators.

- Advice for teachers and students on navigating failure and building resilience.

Whether you are an educator looking to spark innovation in your classroom or a student ready to build your own future, this conversation with Don Wettrick is your roadmap.

Student Production Credits:

Lead Researchers: Luke Knutson

Audio Engineer: Natalie Neri Toledo

Camera Ops & Set Design: Annie Trent, Jayden Crowe, Jacob Johnson

Post-Production/Editing: Luke Knutson & Natalie Neri Toledo

Learn more about Don’s work at: startedupfoundation.org Subscribe to support student-run media and join the conversation about the future of Indy!

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