Back to school. Back to S.T.E.M The school buses are rolling again and so are we. Fall enrollment is officially open for INNOVATE Albion's FIRST Robotics Teams and we'd love your student to be part of it. What's Running This Fall FIRST Robotics Teams Community-based FIRST Robotics teams for students grades K - 8th grade. FIRST Robotics builds technical skills in programming, drafting, design, and teamwork alongside peers, whether at INNOVATE Albion or in Marshall Public Schools. [Confirm: which teams have open roster spots, tryout/join process, build season start timing.] STEM Saturdays: After a summer break our monthly open houses are back for fall fun. Join us the 2nd Saturdays of September, October and November for hands-on fun for the whole family. These events are a wonderful way to get to know INNOVATE Albion, explore new STEM technology and enjoy a Saturday together as a family. Why Fall Is a Great Time to Start Unlike a summer camp, our fall programs run for months, not weeks — plenty of time for a student to go from curious beginner to confident builder. Students won’t just build with LEGOs or tools, they will also build their confidence, team work and problem solving skills (but don’t tell them that). How to Enroll Registration for FIRST Robotics teams is open through Friday, September 4. FIRST LEGO League Explore (K - 3rd Grade Students) : This team will meet once per week for about 1-hour and explore the world of problem solving, creativity and robotics. Their season will culminate with a showcase in early December. Cost per student is $50 and partial scholarships are available. Register here FIRST LEGO League Challenge (4th - 5th Grade Students): This team will meet twice per week for 90 minutes. Students will design and build a lego robot and then write computer code for the robot to complete missions on the game board. In addition to that students will research a problem they identify in our ecosystem and develop a prototyped solution. Their season will culminate with a day-long competition in early December. Cost per student is $75 and partial scholarships are available. Register here
New ADA Compliant Elevator Opens New Doors at INNOVATE Albion. Since moving into the historic Masonic Temple in 2019, INNOVATE Albion has become a premier hub for students exploring coding, robotics, and STEM education. But like many century-old buildings, its historic character came with a modern challenge: accessibility. Built before World War I, the 15,000-square-foot, three-story building reflected the craftsmanship of its era. Like many buildings of its time, however, this attention to detail didn’t take into account modern accessibility standards. This oversight conflicted with Innovate Albion’s core belief: that every student should have the opportunity to explore STEM fields, regardless of their background or physical ability. Making Special Moments, And Memories, Accessible. Thanks to a collaborative investment from the State of Michigan, the Albion Community Foundation, Consumers Energy and community partners, Innovate Albion's historic headquarters is now fully accessible with a new ADA-compliant elevator. For Executive Director Caroline Hurteau, the elevator represents much more than improved accessibility: "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." Today, students, families, educators, volunteers, and community members can fully access every level of the innovation center — whether attending a robotics competition, visiting a coding class, volunteering, or simply cheering on the next generation of innovators. Removing Barriers with Remarkable Results. The impact of the elevator can already be seen throughout the community. For Staci Stuart, owner of Sterling Books & Brew, visiting multi-story buildings has often meant facing physical barriers. When her grandson Hobbes enrolled in a robotics class on INNOVATE Albion's third floor, the new elevator allowed her to be there to watch him demonstrate everything he had worked so hard to create. "I remember seeing the excitement in his eyes when he knew we were watching. It was a big deal," Staci said. "If we hadn't been there, it would have been a big disappointment for him." By removing physical barriers and creating new community opportunities, INNOVATE Albion has invested in something even more important than accessibility: It’s created a place where everyone can learn, participate, and feel a part of something bigger.