Atlantis received an Innovation Pathways (IP) Planning Grant of $25,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the Arts, Culture and Design Academy. Atlantis is in the process of applying for an Information IP designation for the academy. If approved, this will be Atlantis’s fourth IP designation. It received the first three in Spring 2019 for Manufacturing, Business & Finance, and Healthcare and Social Assistance which are integrated into the STEM, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Health, Med-Tech and Sports Medicine Academies, respectively.
The Arts, Culture, and Design Academy is placing an emphasis on product design to satisfy DESE’s requirements for an Information IP designation. The academy offers a personalized introduction to the integrated product design process based in part off MIT’s Integrated Design Management (IDM) program. Students in grades 11 and 12 will complete courses centered around project-based, real-world problem solving, and product innovation. Atlantis is seeking to place students in senior internships which will extend their learning and result in earning professional certifications.
The Innovation Pathways aim to prepare students for college and careers by giving them experience in specific high-demand industries through college level coursework and internships at local businesses.
Atlantis has partnered with the MassHire Bristol Workforce Board to offer career development education activities that support college and career readiness for students. The grant will provide funds for staffing, student supplies and materials, computer design software and program licensing as Atlantis moves forward with the application process.