bright bold next campaign

Innovation

The goal of the Innovation iniative of the campaign is to support both student and faculty creativity by bringing bold ideas alive that expand future-focused learning opportunities, through a permanent Innovation Endowment that accelerates innovation initiatives.

where innovation meets education

Empowering Our Community to Turn Ideas Into Impact

Innovation at BB&N is both a responsibility and an opportunity. In a place like Cambridge, surrounded by leading ideas, research, and institutions, we have a unique chance to think differently about how students learn and how schools evolve.

It is not a standalone initiative. Innovation at BB&N is embedded in how we teach, collaborate, and grow. Through faculty-driven work, student-led initiatives, and opportunities to engage with ideas shaping the future, our community is constantly exploring what is possible in education.

This work prepares students not just to keep up with a changing world, but to actively shape it, developing the curiosity, confidence, and adaptability to engage with complex challenges and new ideas.

The Waypoint Adventures Innovation Grant (pictured left) is currently in progress. The third-grade teaching team is partnering with Waypoint Adventure to provide hands-on learning experiences focused on disability awareness. Through outdoor and adventure activities like rock climbing and hiking, students will engage in experiential education that builds understanding and inclusion.

Driving Innovation at BB&N: Key Initiatives and Goals

Innovation Grants
Provide funding and support for educators and students to develop and implement innovative projects and curricula within their classrooms and across the community.
Visiting Innovators
Bring leading experts and thought leaders to BB&N to share cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and practices with our community.
Educator Preparation Programs
Focus on attracting, nurturing, and retaining talented educators, equipping them with the skills to drive future innovation in learning.
Annual Teaching & Learning Conferences
Host a yearly event dedicated to exploring new trends in education, fostering collaboration, and showcasing innovative teaching methods.

Innovation in Action

Innovation has been essential to BB&N’s storied past and now serves as a guiding framework for its future. First awarded in Spring 2022, BB&N’s Innovation Grants empower faculty, staff, and students to pursue bold ideas that aim to disrupt, evolve, or enhance existing teaching and learning practices. A structured program plan guides the grant process, from proposal to implementation, ensuring clarity and support for each project. 

Grant-supported initiatives span a wide range of interests and disciplines and continue to fuel creative thinking, student engagement, and collaborative problem-solving—strengthening the BB&N community while shaping the future of education.

The Visiting Innovators Program was established in 2023 by parents in the Class of 2023 through their Senior Parents Gift. 

2025/2026: Eric Hudson is a facilitator and strategic advisor who supports schools in making sense of what’s changing in education. Eric’s primary objective is to promote AI literacy across the BB&N community. Learn more about Eric’s work with BB&N.

2024/2025: Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs is a visual artist, organizer, and community builder who has transformed the cultural landscape of Boston through his powerful art and commitment to youth education.

2023/2024: Dr. Liza Talusan is an educator, facilitator, and strategic change partner for organizations, corporations, leadership teams, schools, and individuals who are looking to build their skills in areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and leadership. She leads with compassion and connection, even when conversations are difficult and challenging.

BB&N’s Teaching & Learning Conferences are professional gatherings where educators share ideas, explore educational practices, and connect with others to support different areas of teaching and learning.

2025/2026: The AI Exchange: A Sharing of Practices Among Educators

2024/2025: Human-Centered AI in Education: Insights, Discussions, and Hands-On Applications with Eric Hudson

2023/2024: Depolarizing Our Classrooms and School Communities

2022/2023: AI in K-12 Education

BB&N’s Teaching & Learning Conferences are professional gatherings where educators share ideas, explore educational practices, and connect with others to support different areas of teaching and learning.

2025/2026: The AI Exchange: A Sharing of Practices Among Educators

2024/2025: Human-Centered AI in Education: Insights, Discussions, and Hands-On Applications with Eric Hudson

2023/2024: Depolarizing Our Classrooms and School Communities

2022/2023: AI in K-12 Education

I enjoyed how rhe podcasting class provided an opportunity to creatively express ideas and thoughts through a different medium. By learning the craft behind a good podcast as well as the technical aspects, I think we all walked away with very useful skills.

As a teacher, I am amazed at the ways that these new tools and materials [funded by an Innovation Grant] engage children in creative innovation. The outdoor space is reinvented again and again through opportunities created by these open-ended tools.  We are so grateful for the opportunities these materials offer, as well as the ways they engage the diverse range of learners in the Beginner classrooms.

Before I came to BB&N I worked in science education, so I’ve known about the Miniboat project for at least ten years. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do here because it aligns perfectly with the fifth-grade science immigration/migration curriculum (how and why things move, including people), so it felt like a natural fit. 

Explore the campaign and join us in building what’s next

Overview

The Bright Bold Next Campaign is a transformative investment that will elevate the student experience from pre-K through grade 12. This campaign will ensure our students are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a changing world. Your support brings transformative programs and spaces to life.

Financial Aid

Financial aid ensures talented, curious, mission-aligned students can attend BB&N regardless of financial circumstance. Our community of students with diverse backgrounds & perspectives cultivates deeper learning. Your support expands access while strengthening the experience for every student.

Lower School Renovation

The Lower School renovation provides our youngest students with a modern learning environment, designed entirely through the lens of pedagogy. Your support will ensure our spaces align with how students learn today.

BB&N Fund

The BB&N Fund is the most vital source of flexible support, closing the gap between tuition and the true cost of a BB&N education. Your support sustains exceptional faculty, classroom resources, and critical programs that impact every student.

Grove Street Campus

Thanks to early donor support, the Grove Street Athletic Campus is fully operational, improving daily life for student-athletes and strengthening school spirit. Continued support expands its impact for the entire BB&N and Watertown public community.

Our Progress to Date

The Bright Bold Next Campaign reinforces our commitment to elevating student experience, creating inspiring spaces, expanding opportunities, and driving innovation. We continue to move forward in the public phase of our fundraising.