Linder Launches at Microsoft!

Microsoft’s Reston headquarters recently welcomed Linder students for the inaugural outing of See. Believe. Become. our new experiential learning program designed to connect academic learning to real-world careers.

Upper School students kicked off the day in Microsoft's "Garage" — a tinker space for employees that includes everything from 3-D resin printers to sublimation machines. Students used AI tools to design sublimation projects for tumblers, coasters, and buttons — blending technology with imagination.

Students met six Microsoft professionals whose roles ranged from satellite technology supporting missions to Mars to large-scale project management. They toured the server room, explored collaborative office spaces, visited the arcade and other recreation areas, and even saw the workspace where the father of one of our students works! 

One of the most impactful parts of the day was hearing directly from employees about their personal journeys. Several speakers shared openly about living with ADHD and dyscalculia, as well as navigating tech as women in the STEM. They estimated that a significant portion of Microsoft’s workforce identifies as neurodiverse — a powerful message for our community. 

Students asked thoughtful, forward-thinking questions about the risks and ethics of AI, how to overcome obstacles, and what it takes to build resilience. Microsoft employees were impressed by their insight and curiosity.

The day ended with a "Garage" Hall of Fame — 6-10 businesses on the wall featuring Microsoft, Apple, Google and Disney that all started with tinkering in someone's garage.  A compelling lesson that big businesses come from small ideas.

We are proud of how respectfully and professionally our students represented the school. Most importantly, we hope they returned home with a broader vision of what a “tech job” can look like and a deeper belief that they belong in jobs they "want," not just jobs they "need.”

Learn more about See. Believe. Become. and check out more photos from this amazing trip here.