Representatives from all over the region attended the celebration.
For MVI
Intermediate Unit 1 (IU1) recently celebrated a milestone event with the official launch of the innovative Carrier Mobile Lab at the IU1 Central Office at the Coal Center. The event, which brought together leaders from across the region, marked the beginning of a new chapter in providing hands-on career education and opportunities to students throughout Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.
Representatives from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, WQED Pittsburgh, the Public Education Consortium, and several local school districts attended, along with elected officials and other key stakeholders from across the tri-county area.
The launch of Career Mobile Lab was made possible with funding from EQT, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, and other community partners.
The rain managed to hold off just enough for guests to stay outside and participate in the day’s activities, which featured networking, interactive learning experiences, exploring the new mobile lab, and more. Virtual reality (VR) headsets were also displayed outside the lab, providing an opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology first-hand.
Attendees were welcomed with lunch from the Greene County Career & Technology Center’s CTC Eats food truck.
Guests had the opportunity to explore vendor tables, interact with representatives from various partner organizations, and learn more about the extensive programs and career readiness opportunities offered by Mobile Lab.
Several IU1 leaders spoke, including Jenny Lent, Assistant Executive Director of Educational Programs, Dr. Donald Martin, IU1 Executive Director, and Elizabeth Meld, Career Readiness Coordinator. Each speaker will highlight the collaborative effort behind the creation of Career Mobile Lab and its pivotal role in preparing students for the workforce by providing hands-on experience in a variety of careers. emphasized the role.
“It’s been a long time since we sat down and started having conversations like knocking mud off the wall and seeing what sticks,” Martin said. “Obviously this is a dead end and today is a very special day for us.”
The IU1 Career Mobile Lab will visit schools across the region, giving students the opportunity to explore different career fields through cutting-edge technology and interactive activities. With a focus on STEM education, career preparation, and post-secondary planning, the lab serves as an important resource to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce. Due to our proximity to southwestern Pennsylvania and IU1’s strong ties to that educational system, we can also make mobile labs available in the northern panhandle of West Virginia if requested.
For more information about the IU1 Career Mobile Lab and upcoming schedules, visit the Career Readiness page on the IU1 Curriculum Support Google site or contact IU1 at 724-938-3241.
IU1 is one of 29 Intermediate Units throughout Pennsylvania, established to provide programs and services to students and their families within designated geographic areas.
