Owensboro Innovation Academy is again gaining national recognition — this time for its commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers through a dynamic and evolving engineering program. OIA is one of only 20 schools nationwide this year to earn the Program of Excellence award, given by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.
OIA’s engineering pathway earned them the honor, and the school was also the only on in Kentucky to receive the award.
John and Stephanie Gray, facilitators in OIA’s engineering program, recently traveled to St. Louis to accept the award on behalf of the school.
“It is an honor to be chosen to represent Kentucky as ITEEA’s Program of Excellence,” said Stephanie Gray, PLTW Engineering Facilitator. “OIA has an engineering program that tries to serve each student and prepare them for jobs that are in high demand in our community.”
That local focus is a key part of what sets OIA apart. Gray said the school’s engineering pathway has expanded over the years to meet the evolving needs of students and employers alike. One of the most recent additions is an automation engineering pathway, developed in partnership with the Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, GOFAME, and Owensboro Community & Technical College.
“OIA’s junior engineering pathway students take the course and can earn the AMTEC Emerging Technician Electrical Certification upon completion,” Gray said. “Those who want to continue in industrial maintenance can continue their studies at OCTC during their senior year and beyond.”
Meanwhile, students on a more traditional engineering track can complete a senior capstone and earn college credit through one of Kentucky’s four major engineering universities: the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, Murray State University, or Western Kentucky University.
In addition to automation engineering, OIA continues to offer pathways in civil engineering and mechanical engineering, giving students multiple entry points based on their career goals.
As the program has evolved, so has its impact.
“The most rewarding part of teaching is having students come back and thank you for teaching them a specific skill that helped them get a job,” Gray said. “Exposing students to the opportunities around them is the biggest impact we can make as educators.”
Students also play an active role in shaping the program’s future. OIA includes student representatives on its engineering advisory council and encourages involvement in organizations such as the Technology Student Association, VEX Robotics, STLP, OCTC Trade Wars, and TEAMS — all areas where OIA students have earned accolades.
Gray said a recent project that embodies the spirit of the program took place over the summer, when VEX Robotics students mentored younger students at the Western Academy at the Neblett Center during a robotics camp. The initiative will continue this year, with OIA students hosting a drone camp for elementary and middle school scholars.
“It is very rewarding for our students to be able to give back to the community, and they learn how to be leaders in the process,” Gray said.
