Program Details
Participating in the RBC Design Thinking Program enables students to further their expertise in design thinking and sharpen their technical skills. With faculty mentorship support, students will learn design thinking principles and develop actionable proposals that address design thinking challenges.
Undergraduate students who will be in their third year of any program at Western or affiliate colleges (excluding HBA1) or fourth year HBA double degree of study in the fall 2026 term are invited to apply for the program. Students do not need a background in design thinking to be selected for participation in the program. However, self-motivation, the ability to learn autonomously, and a curiosity about AI and emerging technology will be important factors that will set up the participants for success in the program.
Application does not guarantee admittance into the program - it is a highly competitive recruitment process.
Participants will be selected to enter the program based on academic achievement (normally 80% or higher), extracurricular involvement, participation in creative, entrepreneurial, or technology-focused activities, and the quality of their program application.
Students who are admitted into and successfully participate in the program will receive a $3,500 CAD stipend.
The program takes place on Western campus during the fall 2026 term. Students must be available to participate in sessions taking place Tuesdays from 5-7pm during the fall term, and select Saturdays for full day-long sessions (September 19 and November 7). Students should not have conflicting class time during the program.
