We are excited to announce that for the 2026–2027 school year, Oregon MESA students will be working on the annual invention theme “Designing for Your Neighborhood.” This theme centers the design process around human connection, community, and the role technology can play in bringing people together. Students will look closely at the people, systems, and places that make up their neighborhoods and discover ways to leverage technology to strengthen human connection.
Designing for Your Neighborhood encourages students to explore how technology can respond to everyday challenges while helping people feel more supported, included, and connected to one another. MESA middle and high school student teams will partner with a real client from their local community who has lived experience with a challenge they want to understand and address. Clients may include a family member, neighbor, or classmate; people working in civic spaces such as libraries and schools; or members of community support services, including food banks, animal shelters, and housing organizations.
Using the human centered design process, students will work alongside their client to identify a challenge, develop ideas, and build and test a prototype in response. Projects can take many forms, but teams will begin by thinking about how technology might help people communicate, access resources, participate in their communities, or build stronger relationships.
MESA students will explore the human side of innovation by asking how their designs can help people connect, communicate, collaborate, and feel a greater sense of belonging. A successful solution might make it easier for neighbors to share resources, help students connect with their school community, improve access to support services, or help people find the information and relationships they need.
Equity Above All
MESA’s mission to bridge the equity gap in STEM fields is reflected in the way we select our annual themes. We know that historically underrepresented students bring perspectives, experiences, and ideas that STEM fields urgently need.
Designing for Your Neighborhood asks students to recognize that innovation does not happen in isolation. The people who experience a challenge every day are often the people best equipped to help define what a meaningful solution should look like. By working directly with community members, students will learn to listen first, understand different perspectives, and design solutions grounded in real needs.
This approach also invites students to think critically about who technology serves and who may be left out. By centering accessibility, inclusion, and lived experience, students can imagine technologies that solve problems and help create stronger and more connected communities.
How You Can Get Involved
The best way to support MESA students with this year’s theme is to sign up to volunteer as a STEAM Coach. Industry professionals, university students, and community members can support students virtually or in person throughout the design process, sharing their knowledge and helping students bring their ideas to life.
To learn more about STEAM Coaches and fill out the interest form email ormesa@pdx.edu.