Educator Workshop – Purpose by Design: Inspiring Student Exploration and Discovery

In a dynamic, changing labor market, students can sometimes struggle to name what they truly want for their lives. Without that awareness, it becomes a challenge to design meaningful next steps. In an interactive workshop inspired by research on purpose development and leveraging the impact of design thinking, Dustin Liu from NYU’s Stern Center  will present on how educators can play a critical role in supporting students to develop a strong sense of purpose. Through practical exercises we’ll consider how we can act as guides and co-designers for young people to experiment, reflect, and take courageous steps toward lives that are meaningful, fulfilling, and uniquely their own. Attendees will leave experiencing five activities that can be used inside or outside of the classroom to unlock creativity and support students in building language around their values and goals.

Dustin is visiting UWM for two-days as a part of an effort to incorporate new ways of engaging students in career exploration and purpose discernment in UWM classes and through co-curricular activities. His visit will include:

• November 12th from 1:00-3:30pm — Interactive educator workshop on activities that can be used with students.
• November 13th from 11:30am-12:45pm — Faculty will observe and participate in a combined class session from two courses (Communications Dept and Art and Design Dept) where Dustin Liu will engage facilitate the activities. Lunch will be provided.
• Spring 2026 — Three faculty members who attend both sessions and incorporate at least one of the activities into a course in spring 2026 will receive a $250 S&E stipend.

All attendees will be provided a copy of Designing Your Life, and three faculty who attend the November 13 session, and work the exercises into a course in spring 2026 will be giving a $250 S&E stipend.