Innovation Hub is Ready for the Future, Today

The world moves fast, and a new space in Grand Erie is designed to keep pace. 

On November 21, students, staff, families and Trustees cut a ribbon to officially open the Innovation Hub, a first-of-its-kind space for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning in Grand Erie. Housed at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, the purpose of the multifunctional space is to cultivate an ecosystem of exploration, imagination and future-ready skills development for learners in grades 7 through 12. 

"STEAM is a great way to get students excited about learning — it allows them to be creative, and it touches on all of the transferrable skills that they're going to need," said Miriam LaPeare, STEAM education consultant in Grand Erie, and one of the masterminds behind the Hub. "The jobs they'll have one day haven't been invented yet, but a learning space like this can ensure they have the problem-solving skills, the communication skills, the creativity and the teamwork to be successful in whatever fields they choose to pursue." 

LaPeare, who began with a few sketches on a piece of paper envisioning what the space could be, has been able to connect with others in the field to build it from the ground up (or rather, retrofit a large available space at NPC) to maximize its efficiency and flexibility. Since few spaces like it exist in the region, in addition to being open to students across the board, it will also partner with organizations, educators, entrepreneurs and community partners to support the development of innovative educational tools and research. It will work hard, but play hard too — the education team behind the Hub are looking at drone soccer as a possibility, in addition to summer camps, speakers series and school-level activities and projects that will animate the space on a regular basis. 

"The Innovation Hub is more than just a physical learning space; it's a bold step forward in thinking and preparing students for the future," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "It's been made possible by dedicated staff members in Grand Erie whose passion and creativity has helped fill the Hub with life and purpose, and will ensure it evolves in a meaningful way." 

The Hub supports the Board’s multi-year strategic plan, prioritizing learning, well-being and belonging by providing students with opportunities to advance their global competencies in critical thinking, communication and collaboration, and equip them with the life skills to optimize achievement.