Launching in the Spring of 2025
Innovative Minds Academy stands as a beacon of progressive education, embodying a commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability in its students. With a curriculum designed to ignite curiosity and inspire innovation, the academy provides a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely. Led by a team of dedicated educators who are passionate about cultivating the next generation of innovators, the academy utilizes cutting-edge teaching methods and technology to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and inquiry, Innovative Minds Academy empowers students to embrace challenges, think outside the box, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them!
“As we embarked on this endeavor 4 years ago we were happy to offer our community a Makerspace. As we have grown and accessed the needs of our community and surrounding area we realized we were becoming so much more. We have noticed that we need to focus more on our communities educational needs, to offer classes, camps, and clubs that focus on emerging technologies and specialized jobs like Drone Piloting. We need to focus more on technology and how its exponential growth is affecting the jobs of tomorrow while also offering the “old” trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.”
From the Director's Desk - Jason R. Allen
At The Core
Welcome to the dawn of a new era in education, where the pursuit of knowledge meets the boundless horizon of imagination. In a world characterized by rapid technological advancement, societal transformation, and global interconnectedness, the need for innovative thinking has never been more pressing.
Tech Centers, both shared-time and full-time, serve as dynamic engines for economic growth within their states and communities. These centers are instrumental in addressing the ever-evolving demands of the technology-driven landscape by providing specialized training programs. These programs are meticulously designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required in high-tech, high-demand fields.
The Plan
The Innovative Minds Academy is a cutting-edge educational institution dedicated to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation among its students.
At the Innovative Minds Academy, we believe that the ideal student is anyone with a genuine thirst for knowledge and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
In an increasingly technology-driven world, Kentucky and our nation continue to face a crisis in our student's performance and participation in STEM.
"In the last four years, the journey of establishing a Makerspace for our community has been nothing short of transformative. As I reflect on this endeavor ..."
Campus Culture
At Innovative Minds Academy, the campus culture thrives on creativity, collaboration, and exploration. Students and faculty alike are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional thinking and explore innovative solutions to real-world problems. The atmosphere is dynamic and inclusive, fostering a sense of community where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. Whether engaging in hands-on projects, participating in thought-provoking discussions, or attending inspiring guest lectures, there's always an emphasis on pushing the envelope and thinking outside the box. The campus buzzes with energy, fueled by the passion of individuals driven to make a positive impact on the world. Innovation isn't just a buzzword here; it's a way of life that permeates every aspect of campus culture, creating an environment where creativity flourishes and dreams are turned into reality.
Follow and Join
Following Innovative Minds Academy on social media is a gateway to a treasure trove of inspiration and cutting-edge ideas. As a beacon of innovation, this academy constantly shares insights, breakthroughs, ...
Are you passionate about supporting education and empowering students to reach new heights? The Innovative Minds Academy Boosters Club invites you to be a driving force behind innovation and excellence in our community!
Getting behind the Innovative Minds Academy is like being the cool kid in the classroom of education supporters! Picture this: you're not just making a donation; you're becoming a superhero for innovation. In a world full of brain teasers, supporting innovative minds is the ultimate power move. Your awesome contribution doesn't just buy educational tools; it's a ticket to the carnival of futuristic thinking.
The playful vibe here isn't just for show; it's about infusing a burst of creativity into the serious business of education. So, let's add some sparkles to the learning journey and make the Innovative Minds Academy the coolest clubhouse for shaping the future. Get ready to high-five yourself for being the secret sauce in this recipe for educational awesomeness!
The four Colleges (College of Inquiry, College of Innovation, College of Presentation, College of Sustainability) identify the purpose of the skill sets acquired in each College, and the constituent divisions identify the skill sets themselves. Each course is identified by a division within a College. E.g. Video Game Production is in the Division of Automation in the College of Innovation, and faculty members will be associated with the divisions and Colleges of the courses they teach.
Community Impact
Four seniors from Frankfort High School, namely Austin Wellman, Dawson Pearl, Thiago Pires, and Ella Luking, have embarked on a unique journey as interns at the Innovation Center under the guidance of Allen since August. While their primary focus has been on harnessing the power of 3D printing, their engagement with various facets of the center has been expansive. The initiative stemmed from their participation in dual credit courses at Somerset Community College, where they honed their skills in software crucial for 3D modeling. Arlene Crabtree, their teacher, recognized the symbiotic potential between the students' aspirations and the Innovation Center's resources, particularly in 3D printing, which their school lacked due to budget constraints.
Our board is made up of educators in several different capacities. There are P-12 educators, educators at the collegiate level, and educators of alternative instruction. Each member is representative of our STEM forward mission. Their specializations include Engineering, Math, Science, Technical and Cultural Innovations, Communications, Marketing and Branding, Gaming, Music and Writing, Sociology, Service, and Citizenship. The board strives to provide a hands on and problem based learning experience to promote excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The Franklin Center For Innovation - IMA Tech Center is happy to announce our partnership with the Thorn Hill Education Center and CommonWealth Garden. This partnership has formed the Frankfort Community Garden Team.
This Team will create a Community Education Garden growing on the grounds at Thorn Hill Education Center and offer a collaborative learning environment for teaching sustainable gardening.
What is Sustainable gardening? – one of the most important and effective sustainability practices that we can follow – is the concept of using gardening techniques that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to actually enhance it.
Community Partners
Innovative Minds Academy exemplifies the transformative power of community partnerships in driving forward-thinking initiatives within our educational landscape. By forging collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, Innovative Minds Academy harnesses a diverse range of expertise and resources to revolutionize learning experiences for students. Through innovative programs, cutting-edge technologies, and hands-on projects, these partnerships not only enhance academic outcomes but also cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills essential for success in the modern world. By embracing the collective wisdom and ingenuity of its partners, Innovative Minds Academy fosters a dynamic educational environment that empowers students to become tomorrow's leaders and change-makers.
