Inspiring Students and Sparking Innovation

“Science is so cool,” exclaimed Jordyn Simpson, a fifth-grade student at Lockheed Elementary School in Marietta, Georgia.  Jordyn shared this sentiment while demonstrating Ozobots, one of several student-led technologies showcased on Feb. 25, 2020, at the grand opening of the school’s Innovation Laboratory, or iLab.

The brand new 1,100 square-foot innovation lab, or iLab, is a kid-friendly version of the iLabs engineers at Lockheed Martin use and is designed to foster creativity and innovation. The iLab contains the latest in interactive technologies including 3-D printers, robotics equipment, interactive screens and virtual reality.

Lockheed Martin and its namesake school have a 30-year partnership history. Approximately 18 years ago the company began an after-school STEM program that focused on the top performing fifth grade students. But recently a new strategy emerged to have a larger impact both at the district and school levels, resulting in the iLab concept — provide a space for  all students at the school.

The opening of the iLab is a culmination of a two-year project between Lockheed Martin and Lockheed Elementary and emphasizes STEM learning as well as Lockheed Martin’s commitment to the communities where our employees live and work.

Some of these inspired students include Jordyn and her classmates. Many have already expressed their desire to pursue STEM careers and work for Lockheed Martin.