ODU Innovation Lab

The ODU Innovation Lab (iLab), a key initiative of the Old Dominion University Center for Educational Innovation & Opportunity (CEIO), is excited to announce its upcoming relocation to the ODU Peninsula Higher Education Center at 600 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666. Scheduled for June 2025, this move marks a major milestone in the iLab’s growth, allowing for expanded programming, enhanced facilities, and greater community access to high-quality STEM and hands-on learning experiences.

Housed under the CEIO umbrella, the iLab will build on its proven track record of delivering creative, skill-based educational programming for students, families, and educators across the Hampton Roads region. With increased space and resources, the iLab will offer expanded STEM workshops, makerspace experiences, and a new micro-credential program designed to equip educators with the tools to lead innovation in their schools and classrooms.
The relocation also reinforces the strong and ongoing partnership between the iLab and Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) in the development and implementation of the Maritime Engineering & Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA). While MEESA will be located at the Oyster Point campus in Newport News, the iLab will remain a vital collaborator in supporting its mission. Together, the iLab and NNPS are advancing forward-focused, hands-on learning that connects students to real-world opportunities in maritime and environmental fields. This collaboration serves as a model for how strategic partnerships between universities and public schools can expand access, deepen engagement, and prepare students for future workforce needs.

During the relocation, full programming will pause temporarily, with a full relaunch expected in Spring 2026. When it reopens, the iLab will offer its expanded slate of student workshops, educator training, makerspace programs, and other engaging opportunities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

"We are excited about the potential this new space will offer," said Kaitlyn McCoy, Program Manager at the ODU Innovation Lab. "With the expanded facilities, we look forward to continuing our partnership with NNPS and engaging new collaborators—providing even more opportunities for youth and educators to explore, design, and innovate."
For more information about the Innovation Lab, the upcoming move, and programming, please visit odu.edu/innovation-lab or contact Kaitlyn McCoy at [email protected].

Spring break starts next week! Are you looking for something for your child to do? Join our FREE GO TEC robotics Camp while spots are available! Email [email protected] with questions. Register here: bit.ly/GOTECrobots

Thank you for your interest in visiting the Innovation Lab! We’ve had some recent changes.

Please note that we will not be offering field trip experiences, bookings, or summer camps after April 28th through the summer months. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

As we pause summer programming, we are also taking this time to reimagine our makerspace experiences—exploring new ways to inspire creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. Stay tuned for exciting updates on how we are evolving our approach to makerspace education!

We will be sharing more details about future opportunities and programming in the coming months. To stay updated, we invite you to register for our email list: https://loom.ly/zTvd6wo

🎉 Exciting Spring Programs at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab! 🎉

Spring is just around the corner, and we’ve got some fantastic events lined up for families and community members alike! 🌸

🚀 Family Makerspace Program
Bring the whole family to our quarterly hands-on Family Makerspace events! From 10 AM to 2 PM on select Saturdays, families will explore STEM activities, work together, and create amazing projects in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you're building, designing, or learning new tech skills, everyone will have a great time.
Upcoming Dates:
🗓️ Saturday, February 8
🗓️ Saturday, May 31

🔧 Open Makerspace
Have a project in mind? Bring it to our Open Makerspace sessions! Use our high-tech tools (like 3D printers, laser engravers, and more) to bring your creative ideas to life. This is a great opportunity to work on personal projects in a collaborative space!
Spring Dates:
🗓️ February 5 & 19, March 26, and April 16 (4-7 PM)

🤖 GO TEC Spring Break Robotics Camp
Calling all 4th-6th graders! Join us for a FREE robotics camp during spring break and learn how to build, code, and drive robots! This fun and educational camp will challenge campers to solve tasks using robotics, while fostering teamwork and problem-solving. Spots are limited—register early!
When: April 7-10, 9 AM-2 PM

We can’t wait to see you this spring!

Join us this Monday to learn more about our exciting new lab school!

Is your sophomore interested in maritime engineering and environmental studies? MEESA (Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy) may be the right fit! ⚓🌊

MEESA is a partnership program with NNPS and Old Dominion University designed to develop future leaders in the maritime industries through hands-on, experiential learning.

Join us for a virtual parent interest meeting Monday, January 13 6:30 - 7:30 p.m! Visit bit.ly/4hdoEbz for more information or bit.ly/diveinMEESA to register today.

📢 Attention Parents of Future Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy Students! 🌊⚓

Join us for a Parent Information Session to learn more about MEESA and how your student can dive into an exciting career path in maritime engineering and environmental studies!

🗓 When: Thursday, December 12th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
💻 Where: Zoom (Link will be sent after registration)

🔗 Register now to save your spot: bit.ly/diveinMEESA

We can’t wait to share more about the amazing opportunities MEESA offers! 🌟