Cornerstones Program

Unlocking Potential

The Cornerstones Program offers Grade 9 and 10 students 15 hours of real-world experience, integrating one work-related experience into the Stamford high school diploma while the second semester will be focused on Research Readiness and Sophomore project. Students work with industry experts for project-based learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a showcased project each year and quarterly progress reports, giving students skills and confidence for university applications and future careers.

This transformative program challenges students to think critically and creatively, gain a unique perspective on their passions and interests, and develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, unlocking their full potential for success in Grades 11 and 12.

Stamford Cornerstones Program

2025/26 Cornerstones Program Information

Stamford proudly presents 9 projects with distinct focuses that reflect student voice and ambitions: Art Curation, 3D World-building and Virtual Experience Design, Digital Experience Innovation and Product Engineering, Global Sustainability Strategist and Leadership, Film Making and Storytelling, Data Science and AI, Law and Legal, Hospitality, Food & Beverage.

Art Curation

Explore how art galleries and museums tell unique stories through curation!
Art curation is a fascinating process that connects the artists and the audience, translating the artists’ inspirations and intentions into bespoke visitor experiences that create stories and impact. Join this program and learn to curate your own exhibition, playing with space and time! You will meet real-life curators and hear their experience in exhibition planning, commercial art management, gallery operations, and propose your own curation. You will also be introduced to digital drawing in the process.

3D World-building and Virtual Experience Design

As the metaverse continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can design and create immersive virtual worlds and experiences. This program equips students with the knowledge and tools to become metaverse architects, combining 3D modeling, design thinking, and virtual reality technologies.

Digital Experience Innovation and Product Engineering

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, successful products must deeply connect with human needs and experiences. This program bridges design thinking methodologies with advanced software engineering skills, enabling students to identify user challenges, collect meaningful data, and transform insights into sophisticated interactive prototypes. Through hands-on projects culminating in AR models and experiences, students will develop both the analytical mindset and technical capabilities needed to design products that truly resonate with users.

Global Sustainability Strategist and Leadership

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges represent some of the most pressing issues of our time. This program offers students a unique opportunity to explore how communities worldwide are addressing critical challenges such as climate change and demographic shifts. By studying global approaches and solutions, students will develop the analytical skills needed to assess ESG initiatives and propose tailored solutions for their local communities, guided by principles of sustainability and social responsibility.

Film Making and Storytelling

This program immerses students in the world of video production, offering a real-world creative challenge: working as a team to craft compelling stories that bring a client’s brand to life. Through hands-on workshops in storytelling, character development, cinematography, sound design, editing, acting, and improvisation, students will develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. In addition to practical filmmaking experience, participants will explore career opportunities in the media and entertainment industries, including roles in directing, producing, writing, cinematography, editing, acting, and advertising. They will also gain insight into how video production is shaping industries like marketing, social media, television, and film. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students will collaborate to create a hi-quality advertisement for a real or fictional client. The final projects will be showcased at the end of the program, providing an opportunity to present their work to peers, mentors, and industry professionals.

Data Science and AI

This program immerses students in the dynamic and rapidly evolving realm of AI startups, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on artificial intelligence as an emerging technology. Students will explore AI ethics, machine learning, and venture building through the lenses of founders, researchers, users, and investors. The program provides a unique opportunity to investigate both the philosophical and technical aspects of generative AI, while also addressing the challenges and uncertainties faced by entrepreneurs and users within the field. In addition to foundational knowledge, participants will gain insights into the career opportunities and industry applications of AI, including roles in AI research, product development, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. They will learn how AI is transforming industries such as healthcare, education, finance, entertainment, and more. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students will apply their knowledge to design and pitch their own AI startup concept, incorporating ethical considerations, technical feasibility, and business strategy.

Law and Legal

This program offers an immersive workshop series designed to explore the legal system, legal careers, and essential skills for success in the field of law. Students will delve into the foundations of the legal system, analyze landmark cases, and examine the diverse roles within the legal profession, including lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and policymakers. In addition to developing critical thinking, research, communication, and persuasion skills, participants will gain insights into career opportunities within law, such as corporate law, criminal law, human rights advocacy, environmental law, and legal consulting. They will also explore how the legal profession intersects with industries like business, government, and international relations. The program includes interactive activities such as legal research exercises, debates, and mock trials, as well as field trips to law firms, chambers, courts, and historical legal sites.

Hospitality, Food & Beverage

The Beyond the Plate program immerses students in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry. Over the course of 10 weeks, students will combine theoretical insights, hands-on site visits, and interactive challenges to gain a comprehensive understanding of this vibrant sector. They will explore critical aspects of the industry, including marketing, operations, entrepreneurship, customer relationship management, and sustainability. In addition to learning about the inner workings of the F&B world, participants will also gain insights into a broad range of career opportunities, such as restaurant management, culinary arts, event planning, food marketing, product development, and hospitality consulting. The program highlights how the F&B industry intersects with other fields, such as tourism, supply chain management, and sustainability. The journey culminates in a capstone project, Hell’s Kitchen, where students will take on the role of food and beverage business strategists to help a fictional struggling restaurant overcome its challenges.

Biotechnology

This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of biotechnology, focusing on its history, fundamental principles, and diverse applications across various sectors. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to explore biomolecules, DNA, cell structures, and microorganisms while developing critical thinking and communication abilities. Additionally, the program offers insights into the wide array of career opportunities in biotechnology, such as research and development, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental science, and bioinformatics. Students will also explore how biotechnology is driving innovation in industries like healthcare, sustainable farming, and renewable energy. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students apply their knowledge and skills to design biotechnology-based solutions for real-world challenges, preparing them for future studies or careers in this rapidly growing field.

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