Grant helps fund learning lab at iAcademy

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Students at iAcademy at Athens Elementary could soon be the coding superstars of tomorrow, thanks to an $18,000 grant.

The funds, provided by WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone, are being used to develop the WOW! Innovation Lab and Makerspace. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the lab is set for 8 a.m. Friday. The community is invited to attend.

WOW! has committed to a five-year partnership with Athens Elementary School with the purpose of working together to maintain and evolve the lab.

“We are thrilled to support innovative technologies in the classroom,” said Shae Herren, marketing manager for WOW!. “We believe it’s important to support the communities in which our employees and our customers live, work and play.”

iAcademy’s focus is innovation and computer science. The money will provide educational tools and supplies to support programs related to innovation, such as robotics and coding tools, Legos, science kits and multimedia studio presentation equipment. The lab will serve all AES students from pre-kindergarten through third grade.

“Through this generous donation from WOW!, the addition of our Innovation Lab provides our students with a designated space to collaborate, create and experience computer science principles and technology,” said Cindy Davis, Athens Elementary principal. “I hope our students will be inspired as they cultivate an innovator’s mindset and explore their passions. I can’t wait to see what they learn and how they grow.”

WOW! was impressed by the school’s passion to take learning to the next level through technology, according to a press release from Athens City Schools about the grant. As a new innovation academy, AES wanted to create a fun, engaging and thoughtful atmosphere to inspire and nurture student creativity through problem solving and computer science activities.

WOW! understood this was a unique opportunity to support the school as AES transitioned from a traditional elementary school to an innovation and computer science academy.

“Community and business partnerships can be instrumental in the success of a major initiative such as this,” the release said. “With this grant, WOW! has demonstrated their commitment to the Athens community through their investment in the education and development of AES students.”