Empowering Innovation. Supporting Futures. Creating Connections.
Supporting the educational mission for Innovation Academy (IA)
ABOUT
Empowering Students with Career Pathways in Healthcare, IT and Engineering
Innovation Academy Foundation (IAF) was founded to provide resources and financial support to Innovation Academy’s magnet STEM initiatives. We are a group of community and business partners who recognize the importance of developing the next generation of leaders through an authentic and rigorous course of study. Our students complete an educational pathway while applying their academic knowledge in real world, practical and complex situations.
ABOUT
Empowering Students with Career Pathways in Healthcare, IT and Engineering
Innovation Academy Foundation (IAF) was founded to provide resources and financial support to Innovation Academy’s magnet STEM initiatives. We are a group of community and business partners who recognize the importance of developing the next generation of leaders through an authentic and rigorous course of study. Our students complete an educational pathway while applying their academic knowledge in real world, practical and complex situations.
Mission
The IAF is dedicated to evolving STEM education, equipping students to thrive in a rapidly advancing world. Our focus is on developing enhanced resources, forging strong partnerships with businesses, and identifying valuable training opportunities. These efforts are aimed at ensuring Innovation Academy offers an education that is not only relevant and rigorous, but also grounded in practical application. We are committed to empowering Innovation Academy’s students with the skills and knowledge they need for future success.
Vision
The IAF was established to continuously strengthen Innovation Academy’s mission of educating the visionaries of today and tomorrow through advanced STEM education.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Life at Innovation academy
Senior Spotlight
DJ Bassett
What has your experience at IA been like?
My experience at IA has been eye opening. From further exploring my desired career path to developing anatomical, physiological, and practical knowledge, IA has prepared me for discussing complex career-oriented questions and adding my own thoughts in scholarly conversations. The opportunities offered also allowed me to partake in advanced research including oncological and psychological as well as develop my leadership skills where was a vice president to a 14,000+ member organization and public speaking I front of 4,000-5,000.
How has IA prepared you for your future?
IA has given me applicable, career-oriented experience that would be difficult to find elsewhere. Where most of my future peers will be starting to learn advanced skills like intubation or developing a differential diagnosis from scratch, I will have exposure and aptitude. These experiences come from both classroom education such as EMR, Allied Health, or a general intracurricular approach to education as well as pathway events such as Flex Fridays. Beyond CTAE, every class gives a comprehensive education. For example, math classes with Mr. Brown (Accelerated Precalculus Honors and AP Calculus BC) have fully prepared me to take math classes through Georgia Tech including linear algebra and multivariable calculus.
What was your best experience at IA?
It’s difficult to choose one best experience so instead I’ll say the best overall thing to come from IA is the friends and connections I have made. In this environment, I learn alongside likeminded peers and because of this it was easy to bond and build a community. These are the kinds of friends that last and help you with growth, motivation, and building the future you can see for yourself.
Did you engage with any Business Partners while you were here? If so, who? What did you learn from them?
I have engaged with several business partners while at IA. While I can’t remember the exact institutions they represent, I do remember the thought provoking and intellectual conversations we had while I gave tours or after speaking in front of them. From advancements in minimally invasive treatment methods to surgical research, the conversations were an inspiration to continue my education in the field.
Did you engage with any Business Partners while you were here? If so, who? What did you learn from them?
I have engaged with several business partners while at IA. While I can’t remember the exact institutions they represent, I do remember the thought provoking and intellectual conversations we had while I gave tours or after speaking in front of them. From advancements in minimally invasive treatment methods to surgical research, the conversations were an inspiration to continue my education in the field.
Internship Spotlight
Kieran Whittstuck
In my job for Vital Air Services, Integrity is a significant core value that guides both our company and my website development. Integrity is crucial in the workplace because it builds trust between team members, clients, and the company. My job as a web developer connects to integrity as I must develop a website that accurately reflects the company’s values and services. If I did not use integrity as part of my skills, I could create a website that is misleading to customers and ultimately damages the company’s reputation. Not only does integrity build trust, but it also promotes a positive work environment. When our team is honest and transparent with each other, it creates a sense of cohesion and teamwork. It allows for open communication and problem-solving, which promotes efficiency and productivity. This was seen when we were developing The Comfort Portal, as it required accurate, transparent, and ethical communication between team members to meet Lance’s needs and expectations. Overall, integrity is an essential standard for any workplace, especially as a web developer for Vital Air Services. It sets the foundation for trust, teamwork, and a positive work environment, allowing me and our company to do our job.
