This past September marked an important milestone for us at Flashpoint. After months of reflection, feedback, and redesign, we relaunched all of certifications to better align with SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) requirements—and restructured each one to be more Experiential Learning and activity based–less talking by our Facilitators and more interaction for students.
At first glance, that might sound like a simple operational update. In reality, it represents a deeper shift in how we think about learning, accessibility, and student success.
So why did we do it?
Let’s start with a question:
What should the focus of training be?
Flashpoint’s in-school activities are intentionally designed to be hands-on and activity-based, rooted in the principles of experiential learning that are central to SHSM programming. We believe students learn best by doing—by engaging directly with real-world scenarios, problem-solving in teams, and applying skills in meaningful contexts rather than passively receiving information. These interactive experiences not only deepen understanding, but also help students build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and see clear connections between what they’re learning and future career pathways. By creating opportunities for active participation, we ensure that every student can engage in a way that is practical, inclusive, and impactful.We believe that training needs to be hands on. It needs to create
Aligning with SHSM—But Going Beyond It
SHSM programs are designed to give students focused, real-world experience in specific sectors while they’re still in high school. They’re practical, career-connected, and increasingly important in helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
Aligning our certifications with SHSM requirements was a natural step—but we didn’t want to stop at simply “checking the boxes.”
We asked ourselves:
- Are these certifications meaningful for all learners?
- Do they reflect diverse pathways and experiences?
- Are we making it easier—or harder—for students to succeed?
That lens led us to redesign not just the structure, but also the content itself.
The Focus Shift Away from Facilitators to Student Led Learning
We focused on:
- Delivering essential, high-impact knowledge
- Removing unnecessary repetition
- Creating clearer learning outcomes
- Building in moments for reflection and interaction
What does that look like in practice?
- Shorter, more engaging modules
- Real-world scenarios instead of abstract theory
- Interactive elements that invite students to think, respond, and apply
- Flexible pacing to support different learning styles
Making Students Uncomfortable…
At a session last week, one of the teachers present, chuckled and said, “you guys sure make them uncomfortable” and it is true. We do. We believe, where possible, students need to get out of their routines and comfort zones. We believe growth is only possible, when students are uncomfortable. We ask them to participate. We ask them to think critically. We ask them to present–often in a time constrained and competitive manner.
Why?
First of all, who does not like a little friendly competition?
Second, in world, where these students spend a large part of their day online, interacting with other students, whom they may not know well, is guaranteed to be uncomfortable, but enriching if done properly.
Third, we took steps to ensure that all along the way, there are “wins”. First small, then bigger. These students are able to feel like they accomplished something. They worked in groups together. They achieved a goal. They got to know someone better. Those are all “wins” in our book.
Supporting in School Learning
This shift wasn’t just about students—it was also about supporting the work educators are already doing.
The themes we teach are not new. Teachers teach these day in and day out, but sometimes hearing them from someone “new” helps the message to absorb. In the same way, our own children may not always listen to everything we tell them, but if they hear the same message from someone else, it may “land” more effectively, we believe, that if we support in school learning with activities and lessons that mirror key takeaways, we are working toward the same goals as our educators.
Looking Ahead
This redesign is not the end—it’s the beginning of an ongoing process. We plan to add another 10-15 courses in the coming year.
We’re continuing to listen, learn, and evolve based on feedback from educators, students, and partners. Education is not static, and neither are we.
So we’ll leave you with one final question:
What should modern learning feel like?
At Flashpoint, we believe it should be:
- Purposeful
- Inclusive
- Engaging
And most importantly—something students feel empowered to do.
If you’re an educator, SHSM coordinator, or partner interested in bringing these updated certifications into your program, we’d love to connect and hear how we can support your students.
By Carmen Reis, CPA, MA
Carmen is the CEO of Flashpoint Training, Inc. and looks forward to your feedback, comments and questions. She can be reached at hello@flashpointtraining.com or salut@flashpointtraining.com