About IAM
History:
In the fall of 2015, IAM was established with the goal of better preparing students living in the Eastside community for successful experiences at high school, college, and beyond. The first cohort started in 6th grade with 25 students, and those students are now enrolled as seniors at the Innovation Academy at Eastside Early College High School. IAM has currently grown to over 200 students across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the 2021-2022 school year.
How IAM Works:
IAM students collaborate with a cohort of fellow Eagles to explore problem-based and cross-curricular learning with the opportunity to enroll in Advanced and High School Career Technology Education classes. Overall, coursework is more rigorous and provides enriching opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
Partnerships:
The Innovation Academy was created through a partnership between Martin Middle School, Austin ISD, and Austin Voices for Education and Youth. IAM continuously seeks out and welcomes new community and private partnerships to support the program. IAM has numerous essential partnerships throughout the business and educational community, including the following:
In the fall of 2015, IAM was established with the goal of better preparing students living in the Eastside community for successful experiences at high school, college, and beyond. The first cohort started in 6th grade with 25 students, and those students are now enrolled as seniors at the Innovation Academy at Eastside Early College High School. IAM has currently grown to over 200 students across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the 2021-2022 school year.
How IAM Works:
IAM students collaborate with a cohort of fellow Eagles to explore problem-based and cross-curricular learning with the opportunity to enroll in Advanced and High School Career Technology Education classes. Overall, coursework is more rigorous and provides enriching opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
- Advanced coursework that leads to earning high school credit in Algebra 1
- Audio/Visual Media CTE pathway to learn photography, podcasting, and videography
- Robotics/Computer Science CTE pathway to learn problem-solving, engineering, and coding
- Makerspace to support STEAM collaboration
- Engineering design challenges
- STEAM-specific guest speakers and industry professional mentors
- Field trips to STEAM-related organizations
- Visits to experience local college partnerships
Partnerships:
The Innovation Academy was created through a partnership between Martin Middle School, Austin ISD, and Austin Voices for Education and Youth. IAM continuously seeks out and welcomes new community and private partnerships to support the program. IAM has numerous essential partnerships throughout the business and educational community, including the following:
- Austin Community College
- Austin Energy
- Breakthrough Central TX
- Huston-Tillotson University
- KMFA Classical 89.5
- LULAC
- National Wildlife Federation
- Silicon Labs
- Texas Folklife
- Texas Performing Arts
- University of Texas Mexican-American & Latino/a Studies (UT MALS)