Newport News-鶹 Lab School
Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy
The Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) is a specialized lab school focused on preparing students for successful futures in the maritime industry through hands-on, experiential learning. By integrating STEM concepts with Career and Technical Education, the Academy provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can explore both traditional and emerging maritime careers. Through partnerships with local industries, students have access to internships, job shadowing opportunities, and cutting-edge resources that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for college and career success in the maritime field.
Opening in the Fall of 2025, MEESA will welcome its first cohort of 50 juniors to its new location in the Oyster Point area of Newport News. Students will attend school at this location, with transportation to and from Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) students' home schools provided by NNPS. There is no tuition for NNPS students, making this opportunity accessible to a wide range of learners in the region. Learn more about MEESA here:
GO TEC
鶹 has been awarded funding to facilitate the expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework into additional Hampton Roads schools and school divisions.
鶹 is the In-Region Coordinating Entity (IRCE) for GO TEC in GO Virginia Region 5, which includes Hampton Roads. The University is working with staff from Danville’s to build the infrastructure and administrative capacity to support middle school Career Connections labs and teachers at selected schools in Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Norfolk.
The Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity in the 鶹 Peninsula Center in Hampton houses the GO TEC Demonstration Lab. Our Demo Lab trains educators and serves as a demonstration site for school districts and other interested workforce and businesses. Karen Sanzo, Executive Director for the Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity, is the local In-Region coordinator. “We are thrilled about the opportunity to help expand the GO TEC program in our local public school systems,” Sanzo said. “This will enhance the skills of our region’s young, emerging workforce and prepare them to step into technical and engineering jobs throughout the Hampton Roads area.”GO TEC delivers workforce training and talent development through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K-12 school systems, higher education, economic development professionals, and industry. Starting in middle school Career Connections labs and continuing through high school, dual-enrollment, and post-secondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics and advanced materials.“Reaching students in the middle school years enables us to spark an interest in career and technical career pathways.”
Summer Camps
The iLab offers a variety of engaging and educational summer camps, completely free and open to all students in the area. Learn about the camps.