E.P.I.C. D4Y

(efficient, precise, innoVATIVE, Collaborative design for youth)

“I would recommend EPIC D4Y Symposium to a friend because I feel it introduced interesting and beneficial methods of problem understanding and solving that can be applied to a wide range of issues. I also had fun, made some new friends, and now have a way to try and make an impact in my community, all things that I believe others would enjoy experiencing.”

2025 E.P.I.C. D4Y Participant, Age 17

About This Program

E.P.I.C. D4Y (Efficient, Precise, Innovative, Collaborative Design for Youth) is a three-day design thinking symposium for high school students focused on improving youth access to nature.

Launched in July 2025 by EcoLogik interns Lucinda A. and Mayumi L., along with EcoLogik Youth Apprentices and facilitators Sam and Paul Wynns, the symposium brings students together to explore community challenges and develop innovative solutions. By the end of the experience, teams present ideas aimed at increasing access to nature, environmental education, and community connection for youth across San Diego.

THE FUTURE IS E.P.I.C.

Why this matters

Young people have powerful ideas for improving their communities, but they don’t always have opportunities to turn those ideas into action. The E.P.I.C. D4Y symposium empowers high school students to build real-world design skills, collaborate with peers, and develop solutions that address challenges in their own communities. By giving youth the tools to innovate and lead, the program helps inspire the next generation of environmental problem-solvers.

The Symposium Experience

Day 1: Discover

Students begin the symposium by exploring challenges related to youth access to nature in their communities. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, participants learn the foundations of design thinking while identifying barriers that prevent young people from connecting with the outdoors.

Day 2: Design

Building on their discoveries, students collaborate in teams to brainstorm and develop creative solutions. Using design-thinking strategies, participants refine their ideas, explore different perspectives, and begin shaping innovative concepts that address the challenges they identified.

Day 3: Prototype and present

On the final day, teams bring their ideas to life by developing prototypes and preparing presentations. Students share their solutions and showcase how their designs could help improve access to nature, environmental education, and community connection for youth across San Diego.