Entrepreneurial spirit means you could, you can, you are. Learning through our career exploration labs means you will!
As a high school student, our innovative, hands-on programming is not just for you to learn, but for empowering you to become all that you want to be.
Throughout TPZ’s programs, you’ll build a strong entrepreneurial spirit and in-demand skills such as Continuous Learning, Problem Solving, STEAM Agency, Teamwork, and Communication. You’ll learn design thinking and you’ll implement universal design principles to create low-fidelity prototypes. You’ll explore careers that are driving the economy and can put you on a path toward the successful future that you desire. When you take part in our work-based learning activities, you’ll have the opportunity to experience on-the-job skill-building through internships and relationships with local businesses.
Along your journey at TPZ, you will have the opportunity to explore in-demand careers in Technology, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, and Construction, Infrastructure and Energy. You’ll learn about robotics and AI, graphic design, 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and more. And throughout your time with us, you will receive support to promote your well-being—from daily stipends and meals, to enrichment experiences and resources for you or your family.
- Career exploration LaunchLabs are offered twice each week, from 4:00-6:30 at the Innovation Center in Jamaica Plain for Boston-area high school students in Grade 10, and beginning Winter 2026 at Lawrence High School (LSH) for 10th graders.
- Courses are generally ten weeks long.
Boston Spring 2026 Programming
Cooking For Humanity (M/W AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Cooking For Humanity
Educators: Yari & Kahmal (M/W AND T/TH)
Description: How can culturally responsive, therapeutic cooking empower families to use food as medicine and improve health outcomes in their communities? In this Lab, you’re here to do more than cook; you’re here to heal. You’ll work with local businesses and families to develop culturally responsive recipes, and publish a community cookbook that addresses real health disparities in our neighborhoods.
Project: Create “Cooking for Humanity,” a community cookbook featuring culturally diverse recipes that help fight diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure through food science principles.
Related Industry: Healthcare
Podcasting (M/W AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Podcasting
Educators: Tori & John (M/W AND T/TH)
Description: What does it mean to grow up in 2025? In this Lab, you’ll use the power of podcasting and audio engineering to explore what it’s like to be a young person in today’s world. You’ll choose themes that matter to you, like technology, climate change, identity, or justice, and learn to transform interviews, sound, and storytelling into compelling audio narratives. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in recording, editing, and sound engineering using professional production tools. Working in small production teams, you’ll write, produce, and debut your own podcast episode to amplify youth voices and perspectives on the future.
Project: Produce and present an original podcast episode exploring what it means to be a young person in 2026.
Technology & UX Design for Escape Rooms (M/W AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Technology & UX Design for Escape Rooms
Educators: Evan & Miles (M/W AND T/TH)
Description: How can we design smarter, more intuitive experiences using code and sensors? In this Lab, you’ll design and build interactive themed puzzles that respond to players’ actions using coding, breadboarding, and sensor technology. You will practice the UX design process by testing and iterating on your puzzles. And you’ll explore how digital systems communicate with the physical world as you wire circuits and program inputs and outputs to build your escape room.
Project: Design and run an interactive escape room featuring puzzles powered by coded systems, breadboard wiring, and sensor technology that responds to user input.
Related Industry: Information Technology
Partners: Trapology
Restyle Studio: Sustainable Fashion (M/W AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
ReStyle Studio: Sustainable Fashion
Educators: Zo & Chris (M/W AND T/TH)
Description: What if you could give new life to your old textiles and help address climate challenges? In this Lab, you’ll explore the environmental and social impacts of textile waste while blending sustainability with personal style. You’ll learn to sew, upcycle, and use design thinking to transform old textiles into new pieces. Along the way, you’ll develop technical skills in material use, construction, and sustainable design. You’ll debut your final collection in a student-run showcase where you highlight your vision for a more sustainable fashion future.
Project: Present your collection of upcycled garments in a final exhibition that highlights your sustainable fashion vision.
Related Industry: Construction, Infrastructure & Energy
Harvard MedScience Partnership Lab (M/W, T, AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Harvard MedScience Partnership Lab (NEW)
Educators: Sabrina & Meyling (M/W), Sabrina & Meyling-ONLY on Tuesday, Grace on Thursdays (T/TH)
Description: How can we better prepare communities to respond effectively to medical emergencies and save more lives? In this Lab, you’ll tackle the critical challenge of improving emergency response in underserved communities. Using Harvard Medical School’s advanced simulation technology, you’ll learn life-saving trauma care skills while exploring how to make emergency medical training more accessible and effective for everyday people who could be first responders in their neighborhoods.
Special notes about this Lab:
- This highly immersive, hands-on lab uses life-like manikins and specialized clinical simulation equipment that resemble a hospital environment. One session per week will be hosted directly at the Harvard Med School (HMS) campus, and students will arrive and leave directly from HMS on those dates.
- Students in this lab will also receive certified training for the Stop the Bleed Course, where they will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control it using techniques to tackle bleeding emergencies.
- This lab is best suited for students who have not previously received Harvard MedScience training through their high school.
Project: Students will complete intensive emergency medical training using professional-grade medical simulators and high-fidelity manikins. In groups of 4-5, students will select a simulation from HMS MedScience to re-enact during presentations of learning. Some students will be the patient showcasing symptoms while others are the team of medical doctors to showcase their ability to take vital signs, assess trauma, select an emergency procedure, and communicate on a medical team.
Related Industry: Healthcare
Pathways: Decide (M AND TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Pathways: Decide Class
Educators: Shira/Joanna (M), Meyling/David (TH)
Description: TPZ’s DECIDE class works with seniors to compare their postsecondary options, analyze financial aid offers, commit to a program and map out a post-high school transition plan with support in place. In this Lab, you’ll work with Pathways Advisors to make your decision about what program to pursue after high school. In addition, you’ll apply to scholarships and be matched with a support program, such as Bottom Line, Let’s get Ready or YuPro.
Project: Commit to a college or career training program, and submit any deposits or enrollment forms needed. Apply to scholarships.
Related Industries: All
Work-based Learning Intern Prep Class (T/W 4/6-6/18/26)
Work-based Learning Intern Prep Class
Educators: Shira (T/W)
Description: In this workshop-based lab, students will prepare for their internships in the Spring. To do so, they will refine their resumes, set specific goals for their time in internships and practice their interviewing skills. They will also apply to relevant internships for them and have time in class to edit and adjust their applications. Students do not need to attend more than five classes during the term and should emerge from the class with a secured internship.
Project: Polishing their templated resumes and submitting at least two edited and completed applications to internships.
Related Industries: All
Work-based Learning Intern Support Class (M 4/6-6/18/26)
Work-based Learning Intern Support Class
Educators: David (M)
Description: In this support/ check-in based lab, students will be participating in their internships concurrently with the class. Students will check in with their TPZ Internship Advisor (David or Shira) at least bi-weekly to assess progress of goals and fit of internship. Students will also come to TPZ at least three times during the term for check in, support, and celebrations as they are one step closer to completing their TPZ journey.
Project: Each student will have a separate project in their prospective internships.
Related Industries: All
Lawrence High School Spring Programming
Cardboard Architects: Build and Play (M/W AND T/TH 4/6-6/18/26)
Cardboard Architects: Build and Play
Educators: Luke + Grace (M/W), Luke & LHS Educator (Tu/Th)
Description: How can you use cardboard, circuits, 3D printers, and creativity to create an engaging and playable game? In this Lab, you’ll work in teams to sketch ideas, prototype mechanics, and integrate circuits and sensors to bring your game to life. You’ll develop skills in engineering, game design, and user testing as you turn simple materials into playable experiences.
Project: Design and construct a playable game using cardboard engineering and basic circuits. Showcase your creation at TPZ’s student exhibition, where real players will test and enjoy your design.
Related Industry: Advanced Manufacturing
Health Assisting CTE Class (ongoing, school-day)
Health Assisting CTE Class (ongoing, school-day)
The Possible Zone with consultants who have expertise in Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Health Care, and in close consultation with industry partners, designed a novel CTE class that looks and feels very different from a traditional CTE class. Class instruction is competency-based, rooted in standards, and integrates TPZ’s signature competencies of continuous learning, communication, and problem solving. Students don’t sit through lectures; they engage in hands-on experiences and interact with industry professionals to demonstrate mastery of durable skills and technical competencies. Students began the program in September 2025 and the first course in this program runs through the end of June 2026.