AIM-HI FY2025 Cohort 7
We are currently accepting applications for the FY25 AIM-HI Cohort 7. This opportunity is open to all ranks and AFSCs. Selection to AIM-HI is competitive and supports inclusion of the most diverse group of professionals possible.
This year, the course is 15-weeks long and includes a mandatory 2 hour virtual orientation TBD, 3 in-residence weeks and 12 virtual weeks. In-residence weeks are 13-17 January (Tucson, AZ), 24-28 February (San Antonio, TX), and 23 April – 1 May (Crystal City, VA) with course completion on 1 May (TBD). In-between in-residence weeks, the virtual weeks will take about 8-10 hours of work per week. This includes individual work requirements and assigned team requirements.
Overview, schedule and time commitment
AIM-HI places significant emphasis on supervisor/commander “buy in” for AIM-HI cohort applicants to model and exemplify the leadership acceptance of innovation for the future. All applicants should ensure their leadership team is willing to allow attendance and understands that this opportunity is unit funded. Although ARCWERX pays for the seat in the course, the days and travel funds are unit funded. Participants should have their commander’s support as they devote 3 weeks of concentrated in-residence TDY sessions for instruction as well as 8-10 hours per week during the remainder of the program for virtual team events, personal study, and team innovation projects.
As part of the application process, supervisors will be asked for their support and endorsement as well as funding for up to 3 TDY’s for in-residence participation for each member. We believe that developing innovation through select individuals in AIM-HI is a critical investment for a Wing or Squadron to develop its innovation capability.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The FY2025 AIM-HI Cohort 7 will accept up to TBD participants who will be divided into innovation teams of 5-6 individuals on each team. Team composition is designed with a diversity of perspectives to encourage constructive conflict in the pursuit of greater outcomes. Be prepared to leave rank – and pretense – at the door. AIM-HI is dedicated to providing a growth experience designed to discover the individual strength of your ideas and the team’s ability to think big, together.
(a) Prework (Mid/late December): Self-paced readings and videos (innovation fundamentals), iGenome analysis, and platform familiarization.
(b) Mandatory Virtual Zoom Orientation (TBD): This 2-4 hour teams-and-tools orientation session will set up teams for hybrid work.
(c) In-Residence Jumpstart Week (13-17 January) Tucson, AZ: Concentrated week of instruction, team formation, breakout sessions, creative exercises, and industry engagements.
(d) Acceleration (20 January-21 February): Virtual participation for 4 weeks in the discovery phase of innovation conception. Asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Estimated commitment is 8-10 hours per week. Participants will complete online course work while simultaneously working on an experiential project with their remote teammates. Coaching and mentorship is provided throughout the course.
(e) In-Residence Midpoint Week (24-28 February) San Antonio, TX: Concentrated week of instruction, team development, guided project advances, breakout sessions, creative exercises, and industry engagements.
(f) Acceleration (3 March-22 April): Virtual participation for 4 weeks in the development phase of team innovation. Asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Estimated commitment is 8-10 hours per week. Participants will complete online course work while simultaneously working on an experiential project with their remote teammates. Coaching and mentorship is provided throughout the course.
(g) In-Residence Innovation Showcase and Pitch Week (23 April – 1 May TBD) Crystal City, VA: Each team will surge during the final week and pitch their solution for adoption or further development. The capstone pitch event, which is viewable on Zoom, is broadcast for the widest dissemination to sponsor organizations, senior leaders, MAJCOMs and COCOMs, as well as industry partners.
The successful completion of this course will result in a Certified Professional Innovator credential earned through the University of Michigan, College of Engineering.