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The Future is Now - Mobile Innovation Lab Launches at Official Ceremony

A ceremonial ribbon cutting on Monday, August 19 marked the official launch of the St. Vrain Valley Schools Future-Ready Innovation Lab at the Innovation Center.

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting on Monday, August 19 marked the official launch of the St. Vrain Valley Schools Future-Ready Innovation Lab at the Innovation Center. School officials, students, and curious onlookers were treated to a tour of the Lab, which is mobile and fully equipped with hands-on STEM-based technology.

SVVSD Mobile Lab (Photo by Jennifer McCarthy/ Longmont Observer)

The lab offers students the chance to use virtual reality to go into a coral reef, to enter a human heart, or to interact with simulated problems to solve. It showcases major technological advances under glossy lights and modern design.

The lab is not just a showroom. It has the potential to change how public school students in St. Vrain Valley Schools learn.

Over 33,000 students attend SVVD public schools in a 411 square mile area. Being mobile allows education to move around as needed - whether it parks at a County Fair or at a middle school parking lot. The lab's mobility brings equal access to science and technology to all students. Students who may be under-represented in the science and technology career path will have a chance for industry experience.

SVVSD Mobile Lab (Photo by Jennifer McCarthy/ Longmont Observer)

Bella Mendoza who was a volunteer on the mobile lab and senior in high school stated, "I'm really excited about going to other schools with the lab, to show off how incredible the lab is. With this being mobile, someone who might not usually get to do technology will have a 15 minutes hands-on experience. That's really valuable."

Calvin Tran, who is also a local student, was manning the outside of the mobile unit during the event. He was inspired by a teacher to get involved with the mobile lab. "I plan on getting a position in the mobile unit and in the Innovation Center," Tran said.

SVVSD Mobile Lab (Photo by Jennifer McCarthy/Longmont Observer)

Corporate and nonprofit sponsors include Stapp Toyota, UCHealth, IBM, United Power, and Crestone Peak Resources, among others. Representatives of these sponsors were recognized at the event. Attendees filled the stadium seats inside the permanent on-site structure - the Innovation Lab, while the program's hosts introduced speakers and sponsors.