Built real apps.
Turned an idea into something functional, tested, and usable.
Vana Lab gives teens meaningful real-world projects where they practice taking responsibility, solving problems, following through, and producing work that matters — with guidance and feedback along the way.
Turned an idea into something functional, tested, and usable.
Worked through ambiguity, constraints, and competing stakeholder needs.
Explained their thinking, responded to questions, and learned from feedback.
Each project gives teens repeated chances to handle more of the real world themselves.
Take initiative, make decisions, and take responsibility for the work.
Research unfamiliar problems, make sense of what they find, and decide what to do next.
Plan the work, manage commitments, adapt when things change, and finish.
Ask good questions, explain ideas clearly, collaborate, and use feedback.
The right project gives them something meaningful to own now — and room to take on more as they’re ready.
Scope a real project around the teen with the right level of stretch.
They learn to ask what’s working, what isn’t, and what to try next.
Finish, reflect, and use what they learned to take on more responsibility.
A personalized 12-week experience where teens own a real project from start to finish, with guidance and feedback along the way.
Explore the Signature Experience →
Short, focused workshops where teens practice practical skills they can use right away.
Explore Intensives →
School-based programs that build practical life skills and student leadership.
Learn More →Vana Lab’s approach was shaped by Robert Chen’s experience coaching executives and teaching Leadership and Managerial Communication at Wharton — and by a simple question: What would be different if young people had the chance to practice these skills earlier?
Teens learn by taking real responsibility, working through challenges, and receiving guidance without having the work done for them.
Explore Our Approach →Start with a few of our videos for supporting your teen without taking over.
Sign up for free access to full-length webinars, videos, book and podcast recommendations, and practical resources for supporting your teen.
Tell us a little about your teen, what they’re working on, and what kind of support would be most useful.