Acera School Unveils Plans to Build "Community Innovation Lab"

Winchester, MA -- Acera School is nearing the final phase of fundraising to build an Innovation Lab slated to open in fall 2014 as part of a long term strategy to improve education for children both locally and nationally - http://www.razoo.com/story/Building-A-Community-Innovation-Lab.  

The Acera Education Innovation Hub will house a state-of-the-art science lab, engineering zones, creative arts and construction / woodworking space, and will function as an interdisciplinary lab for creation of projects.  The space will also be used to freely train public-school teachers on Acera’s inquiry-based approach to STEM education. Opening the Innovation Lab is the first step in launching its Education Innovation Hub. Acera will host workshops for public school teachers to help them implement STEM-focused, inquiry-based curriculum modules in their own classrooms and is currently seeking partnership with public school districts to define and design workshops which fit school districts' professional development goals.  

“Inspiring students to consider big questions and engage with passion is what we are all about. Collaborative community and meaningful inquiry are values we believe should be present in all schools.  We are enthusiastic about sharing our Innovation Lab community-wide through teacher training programs and creative partnerships,” said Acera Founder and Co-Director Courtney Dickinson.

Acera's permanent location in Winchester, purchased last spring, contains a large warehouse space.  Acera will use this first $250,000 to kick off conversion of the warehouse into the Acera Innovation Lab. An anonymous supporter has issued a challenge grant: if Acera can raise $125,000 by March 30, 2014, the supporter will donate the other $125,000. Presently, Acera has raised $100,000 and is soliciting help in a final outreach to the general public to raise the remaining $25,000 in order to win the challenge grant and launch the Acera Education Innovation Hub.  Any money raised beyond this initial challenge grant goal will be used to support Acera's mission of catalyzing educational reform and innovation- particularly in areas of inquiry, STEM, and creative problem solving. 

Acera’s mission is to equip the next generation of innovators and leaders with the 21st century skills necessary to overcome the significant national and global challenges that lie ahead. Acera’s larger mission is to transform STEM education in America through dissemination of this model beyond the borders of Acera. Located in Winchester, MA, Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership provides hands-on, STEM focused and creative problem solving learning to high potential students in grades K-8.  Founded in 2010, Acera currently serves children from seventeen communities around Boston. 

Acera strives to develop the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders who can make a positive impact in the world. By offering accelerated students opportunities according to their abilities, rather than their age, Acera provides boundless access to learning. In addition, Acera offers a wide range of after school enrichment programs open to the public including filmmaking and computer programming.  For more information, please visit www.aceraschool.org or call 781-729-3489.  Please visit the fundraising site at http://www.razoo.com/story/Building-A-Community-Innovation-Lab for details and to make a donation before the March 30 deadline.