Innovate Albion receives its
largest funding to date to make upgrades that will significantly
improve accessibility to its programs and facilities.
ALBION,
Mich., July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
Innovate Albion
(innovatealbion.org), the largest STEM training nonprofit for kids
grades K-12 in southwest Michigan,
has been awarded a $250,000 grant by
state lawmakers. This vital funding, the largest grant Innovate
Albion has ever received, will help build an elevator in its
100-year-old headquarters, significantly improving accessibility
for all students and visitors.
"This funding ensures our students and
their families have access to all program offerings," said
Shane Williamson, a development
consultant. "It's a major step forward in making our facility
inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community."
"This elevator is not just a structural enhancement; it's a
symbol of our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all
children to explore and excel in STEM fields," said Caroline Hurteau, executive director of Innovate
Albion.
Since its inception in 2019, Innovate Albion has emerged as a
premier hub for students passionate about coding and robotics.
Housed in a meticulously refurbished 15,000-square-foot,
three-story masonic temple, the tech education center boasts a
machine shop, classrooms, and a regulation-size high school FIRST
Robotics field. By June 2025, the
installation of a new elevator will ensure that all students,
regardless of physical ability, can fully access the programs at
Innovate Albion.
The $250,000 grant will be
combined with additional funds from the Albion Community Foundation
($150,000) and Consumers Energy
($50,000), bringing the total project
cost to over $450,000. The elevator
will be installed on the northwest side of the building; the site
was chosen to circumvent the high costs associated with internally
modifying the century-old structure.
"This funding ensures our students and their families have
access to all program offerings," said Shane Williamson, a development consultant for
Innovate Albion and executive director of the Albion Community
Foundation. "It's a major step forward in making our facility
inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community."
The funding was secured thanks to the support of Rep.
Jim Haadsma. (D- Battle Creek), who sponsored the
initiative.
"I'm pleased we were able to help fund an elevator at Innovate
Albion. Innovate Albion has built
partnerships across Calhoun County
in pursuit of its mission to spread STEM skills and resources to
kids, educators life-long learners in southwest Michigan," Haadsma said. "The money included
in the budget will help make sure these programs are accessible to
everyone."
Innovate Albion focuses on
delivering hands-on STEM education to children through different
programs and initiatives. Key programs include:
- Coding, Robotics, and Computer-Aided Design Classes: Engaging
students in practical and advanced technology skills.
- Curriculum Development: Creating STEM modules for Marshall
public schools to integrate into their curriculum.
- FIRST Robotics Teams & Support: Community-based FIRST teams
from students K-12 at Innovate Albion and supporting robotics teams
in every elementary and middle school in Marshall Public School
District.
- STEM Saturdays: Free open house events where families can learn
more about the programs and engage in interactive STEM activities.
Upcoming dates: Sept. 21 &
Nov. 16.
To learn more about Innovate Albion programs, visit
InnovateAlbion.org.
About Innovate Albion
Innovate Albion is a teaching and
training center for STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math) and robotics in southwest Michigan. A nonprofit organization founded in
collaboration with Caster Concepts, Inc. and Conceptual
Innovations, we bring together students, educators and
professionals to build the next generation of skilled talent in our
region. Visit InnovateAlbion.org.
Media Contact
Caroline Hurteau, Innovate
Albion, 305-490-8831, news@innovatealbion.org,
https://innovatealbion.org/
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SOURCE Innovate Albion