First Cox Innovation Lab for Teachers Opens at Arizona Educational Foundation
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November 20, 2024
State-of-the-Art features include robotics, 3D printing, coding and circuit boards,
virtual reality, computers, and more.
Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) unveiled the first Cox Innovation Lab in the nation dedicated solely to training and supporting teachers at its new facility in Phoenix, thanks to a $25,000 donation from Cox Communications.
The Cox Innovation Lab at AEF is designed around Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing; robotics and virtual reality; microelectronics with coding and circuits; and, creative making with graphic design and vinyl cutting. These four instructional areas align with Arizona State Standards in Science, Computer Science, Educational Technology, Literacy, and Math.
“This is an exciting addition to our new educator-training space,” said AEF CEO Kim Graham. “It allows us to provide hands-on experience with leading technologies and then support the products of that training. Teachers will be able to develop inspiring projects, knowing they can return to the lab during “library hours” to utilize resources, like the 3D printer or die-cutters, to bring their students’ ideas to life.”
AEF Board President Dr. Pam Roggeman agreed: “We know teachers struggle to afford classroom supplies and that can affect the lessons they plan. The Cox Innovation Lab encourages knowledge-based creativity without the worry of having to pay out-of-pocket for consumable items.”
Many of the Cox Innovation Labs are located in Boys & Girls Clubs or nonprofit organizations serving youth. This new initiative means that teachers will be able to meaningfully dedicate class time to exploring technologies such as virtual reality and digital programming.
“Cox is committed to closing the digital divide,” said Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President of Cox Communications. “One of the ways we do this is by giving students access to technology they wouldn’t otherwise have. Now that we’ve created a space specifically geared towards those who teach, we’re not only getting kids excited for the careers of the future, we’re also ensuring they have an educational path to follow to make their dreams a reality.”
This isn’t the first time the two organizations have teamed up for the benefit of Arizona’s students. Cox Charities is a supporter of AEF’s revolutionary teachSTEM program, which provides skills-based training to middle- and high-school students through the lens of career exploration.
About Cox Communications Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. As the largest private telecom company in America, Cox serves 7 million homes and businesses across 18 states. In metro Phoenix, Cox serves approximately 2.5 million product subscribers, and in Southern Arizona, approximately 400,000 product subscribers, with residential and business digital television, multi-gig high-speed internet, home automation systems, and digital telephone service. In Arizona, Cox generates nearly $5.5 billion in total economic impact annually. For more information visit www.cox.com.