How did Innovate Dayton start?
Innovate Oregon is a strategic initiative launched by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) focused on re-imagining how we can develop the talent needed to build an inclusive, innovation-based economy. This initiative recognizes that every aspect of our economy is being rapidly transformed by new digital technologies and that it is essential that we develop a workforce that has the skills and mindsets of innovation.
In the summer of 2014, a team from Innovate Oregon was invited to Dayton to launch an Innovation Academy.
Since that initial engagement, the impact of this partnership has been transformative for the school and the community. Not only has Dayton established its own Innovate initiative, the school has become a pioneer in develop new teaching methodologies utilizing an agile learning approach, modeled after leading industry practices. It has developed a set of classes on innovation and is in the process of building a new i3 Center where students will have the opportunity to be inspired, innovate and invent.
We are building this Center in partnership with local businesses, notably OnlineNW, a local Internet service provider. As part of this partnership, OnlineNW is constructing in Dayton a gigabit fiber-optic network that includes a revenue sharing agreement with the school district that will provide ongoing financial support for Dayton’s i3 Center.
How can I help?
We want to provide the students at Dayton Junior High & High School with the most opportunities to learn and grow in the i3 center. This involves not only monetary support, but also mentorship and skill support. If you, or someone you know has a special skill that you think it would be beneficial for students to know, please contact our CTE team or reach out to the main office.