Grow and Thrive– Applications are open now!
Starting Fall of 2024!
The ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation lab invites youth groups to participate in this new, free program! Youth groups will participate in monthly educational workshops where they will learn the basics of growing food, hydroponics and vertical gardening, and business basics. Youth groups will grow and maintain their own crop of greens and veggies at the Innovation Lab and receive their own mini-growing system to maintain at home. This program is funded by Coastal Virginia STEM Ecosystem.
More Details:
When?
Monthly meetings will begin in October. The exact dates and times will be coordinated between the youth group leader and the Innovation Lab.
Who?
Youth groups with members aged 6 and up are welcome to apply. All groups must be accompanied by a representative from their organization.
Where?
The monthly meetings will be held at the ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, located at 550 30th St, Suite 101, Newport News. Participating organizations are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the Innovation Lab.
Questions?
For more information or to determine if this program is a good fit for your group, please contact Kaitlyn McCoy at k1mccoy@odu.edu or 757-975-5323.
Newport News-ODU Lab School
Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy
The Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) is a specialized lab school focused on preparing students for successful futures in the maritime industry through hands-on, experiential learning. By integrating STEM concepts with Career and Technical Education, the Academy provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can explore traditional and emerging maritime careers. Through partnerships with local industries, students have access to internships, job shadowing opportunities, and cutting-edge resources that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for college and career success in the maritime field.
Students will attend classes both at their home schools and at the ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. Transportation to and from NNPS students’ home schools will be provided by NNPS. There is no tuition for NNPS students.
- Engineering Explorations: Engage in projects that apply engineering fundamentals to solve real-world problems.
- Renewable Energy: Explore and design renewable energy technologies through hands-on experiences.
- Marine Biology: Study the oceans, marine life, and the ecological impact of humans.
- Global Logistics: Learn about logistics management, enterprise resource planning, and supply chain operations.
- AP Environmental Science: Analyze environmental problems and evaluate solutions, preparing for the AP exam.
MEESA is a college-prep school that will prepare you to pursue careers such as:
- Environmental Engineer: Design and implement solutions for environmental challenges.
- Marine Biologist: Study and analyze marine organisms and ecosystems.
- Logistics Manager: Oversee the movement and storage of goods.
- Renewable Energy Specialist: Develop and manage renewable energy projects.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect maritime and supply chain systems from cyber threats.
GO TEC
Old Dominion University has been awarded funding to facilitate the expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework into additional Hampton Roads schools and school divisions.
ODU is the In-Region Coordinating Entity (IRCE) for GO TEC in GO Virginia Region 5, which includes Hampton Roads. The University is working with staff from Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to build the infrastructure and administrative capacity to support middle school Career Connections labs and teachers at selected schools in Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Norfolk.
The Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab in Newport News houses the GO TEC Demonstration Lab. Our Demo Lab trains educators and serves as a demonstration site for school districts and other interested workforce and businesses.
“Reaching students in the middle school years enables us to spark an interest in career and technical career pathways.”
Karen Sanzo, professor of educational leadership and graduate program director for the educational leadership services program at ODU’s Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, is the local In-Region coordinator.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to help expand the GO TEC program in our local public school systems,” Sanzo said. “This will enhance the skills of our region’s young, emerging workforce and prepare them to step into technical and engineering jobs throughout the Hampton Roads area.”
GO TEC delivers workforce training and talent development through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K-12 school systems, higher education, economic development professionals, and industry. Starting in middle school Career Connections labs and continuing through high school, dual-enrollment, and post-secondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics and advanced materials.
“Reaching students in the middle school years enables us to spark an interest in career and technical career pathways.”
Summer Camps
The iLab offers a variety of engaging and educational summer camps, completely free and open to all students in the area. Learn about the camps.