IDEA Lab Phase II
A GREAT SUCCESS
O
CS junior Ian Ross got his first taste of the IDEA Lab as a sophomore when the 10,000 square foot creative and collaborative space first opened in fall of 2019. Unique among California high schools, the classroom and workspace for students interested in innovation, design, engineering and aeronautics was exactly what a prospective engineering college major like Ian needed to solidify his interest in advanced placement physics and aerospace engineering. When it first opened as the home of the Institute of Engineering with two classrooms and a lab floor for mechanical, electrical, software, and aeronautical engineering, the space was wonderful but lacking. With classrooms meeting on the lab floor, it soon became evident there was a need for classroom instruction away from the noise of Bridgeport mills, CNC machines, 3-D printers, and other tools and equipment. Ian’s parents Paul and Emily Ross share that when they first saw the vision for the IDEA Lab nearly two years ago, they were impressed by all the cool and exciting computers, tools, and machines. “We soon saw that the heart of the project is really much more profound. The IDEA Lab offers a dedicated creative and expressive space for students with math, engineering, and science passions, along with teachers committed to teaching the discipline and skills required for students to turn their dreams into reality. And the Lord knows we need brilliant engineering minds imagining new ways to solve the world’s problems,” they said. OCS students are doing great work in the IDEA Lab, not only building on knowledge and skills, but also taking on projects that make a difference in the world. One of the projects that Ian was able to work on was building his rocket, over two feet long, and set to launch over 7,000 feet for The American Rocketry Challenge. The program began with just under 200 students but with the growth in the last year, it soon became apparent that increased financial gifts were needed to complete Phase II and provide additional classroom space, offices and upgrades.
Engineering teacher Greg Gillis-Smith with his students in the IDEA Lab.
The advancement department began reaching out to parents of engineering students, offering personal family tours, meetings to discuss the architectural plans, and hosting an IDEA Lab Open House in February 2020. Those efforts raised over $700,000 in gifts and pledges from OCS families and Amgen’s Employee Gift Matching Program, including Ian’s own parents. Thanks to generous supporters like the Ross Family and others, the Phase II improvements have now allowed the Institute of Engineering to admit up to 350 students. Ian thinks that the mezzanine is one of the most important spaces in the IDEA Lab, as it provides space for students to work together on projects. “The extra classrooms allow for more students to take classes in the IDEA Lab and creates a space for students to relax. I can’t wait to get back in the IDEA Lab to see and use all the new improvements!” said Ian, who has his sights set on earning his master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering to become a test pilot for high-speed jet aircraft. The Rosses speak to the missional aspect of the program: “Most importantly, all of this learning and dreaming are in a context with God at its center, and which trains and encourages our children to positively impact the world for Christ. We are grateful to be able to partner with Oaks Christian to provide these opportunities for our own children and their peers, but also for generations of students to come.”
PHASE II IMPROVEMENTS Many thanks to our generous donors who helped us complete Phase II of Oaks Christian’s IDEA Lab! Through the ingenuity of the design team and the generosity of several key donors, the Phase II improvements included: • Two dedicated second story classrooms on the north side of the building • Addition of 1,200 square feet second story mezzanine for group instruction and collaborative projects, staircases and a mechanical lift for safe flow throughout the building • Upgraded lighting, furniture, and equipment to make the space a wonderful learning environment (CAD computers, Vivitek displays, 360-degree OWL cameras, etc.) Plans are underway for Phase III to be built summer 2021, including an extension of the mezzanine and a second floor of the south side of the building for additional classrooms. 20 | OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2019-2020
