Innovation in Action: Students Can Explore Their Futures in a New Career Lab
An Elevate 215 grantee, Middle Years Alternative (MYA) School, reached an amazing milestone this month. It became the first middle school in the Philadelphia region to launch an Innovation and Career Exploration Lab—a bold step toward connecting learning with the skills students need to succeed in future careers.
The lab—featuring 3D printers, multimedia production tools, and a 360-degree immersive environment—will bring classroom lessons to life through design, engineering, and digital storytelling. MYA will incorporate the use of the space across all subjects and daily instruction, ensuring that the lab enhances every student’s experience by making learning experiential and relevant.
This investment builds on MYA’s strong academic momentum. The school’s students improved their reading skills faster than those at any other school in the district—gaining about a full grade level in just three months.
Principal Dr. Toni Damon emphasized that the lab is more than a new space on campus—it’s a launchpad for creativity, exploration, and skill-building that will be integrated into everyday learning. An additional benefit is that this technology space will be shared with Parkway West High School, which is co-located in the building. This means the reach of the new space will extend even further—expanding access to innovative, hands-on learning for more Philadelphia students. The celebration was joined by Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Board Chair Reginald Streater, Vice Chair Sarah-Ashley Andrews, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, and Senator Vincent Hughes.
As one of Elevate 215’s Beat the Odds (BTO) K-8 School grantees, MYA continues to show how strong leadership and a clear vision can redefine what’s possible for students. Building on its record academic growth, the new lab—supported by a $600,000 Elevate 215 grant—demonstrates what’s achievable when schools are given the resources and trust to innovate on behalf of their students.
By creating environments that engage curiosity, build confidence, and develop real-world skills, schools like MYA are helping shape the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Join us as we continue to champion schools that dream boldly and design learning spaces that inspire what’s next for Philadelphia’s students—and our city’s future.
