As a student have you ever felt held back, and wanted to expand your creativity to your community? The PSI (Problem Solving Incubator), located in the Seminole High School’s (SHS) 9th Grade Center (NGC), was founded by XQ Institute in 2016. XQ is an organization that funds high schools around the country so students can get a better understanding of college, careers and the real world. Through PSI High, students have the opportunity to apply themselves to real-world scenarios, as well as take part in business and design related programs. As part of the Humanities, STEM and Innovation blocks, students explore problem-based classes. Students participate in these blocks across a wide range of grade levels where they have the opportunity to experience project-based learning that is tied to the needs of the workforce. Among the main courses that make up PSI are the Design and Business curriculums, both of which allow students to become familiar with design thinking, while utilizing the latest technological advances. PSI’s technology is open to all students. Students are given an iPad to use in their classes with full access to educational materials, along with access to 3D printers and iMac computers for projects. Besides technology, PSI also offers musical instruments and podcast equipment located in the AV Room, as well as in their Garage Studio, with open space with tables and organized selection of wood planks/tiles and tools for student’s to use for their projects. As a student in PSI, you become a part of a small community. Student’s have 1-7 periods during the week, including 6 PSI Classes, and one elective class on the NGC and main campus so the students can feel more connected. Along with main campus students, PSI students are able to attend all held events on the main campus and join extracurriculars and clubs. But what is the difference between PSI and main campus classrooms? Classrooms in PSI are designed for students to move around, and have access to lab spaces with designated lab teachers on your side, compared to the smaller main campus classrooms. With PSI being based in the NGC, students are exposed to a smaller campus and class. One of PSI’s values for students is to achieve and succeed in their ability to learn at a pace that’s easy for students to follow and making sure they are understood. As part of PSI, students can also visit a College and Career Center in case they have any questions, and to find out information about their futures. 

Seeing eye through PSI as a student, Avanish Putti, Vice President Student Government Association (SGA) member and junior student, says: “As a hands-on learner I have been able to implement this through PSI, and feel this program has given me a better learning experience than other traditional schools. The stress of homework is one of the many challenges students face after school. With PSI we implement projects with such hand on technology provided such as sewing machines, laser cutters, and 3D printers. After implementing PSI’s technology, I use laser cutter for the majority of my projects including making timelines for history. PSI also provides an AV studio, with musical instruments and equipment, which I have implemented in my design projects. In my opinion, PSI has a lot to offer students who are passionate about Business and Design.” 

Another PSI student, Mercedes Newland, President of SGA and senior student says: “as a student attending PSI for three years now, the majority of my classes have been on PSI. The only trouble I have is the walking commute between PSI and the main campus in unpredictable weather. Positively, I believe my experience at PSI has been enhanced from my middle school experience because of its uniqueness and comfort it brings to my environment. As opposed to a traditional school system, I feel valued and productive during my educational experience. I wanted to show my care for my school by running as PSI president of SGA to fix minor issues and create student culture that the program may need from a student body initiative.”

Just like Mercedes, many students are welcomed by PSI who are seeking innovation in design and business. Along with the support of XQ technology and materials have allowed students to solve real world problems as a student body. That allows students to prepare themselves for real word problems. If you want more information about this amazing program, visit the SHS website or call the front office!