The Challenge: Design, Develop, Model and Market a product or service in the field of Information Technology

The Connecticut Innovation Academy is a leader in the development of student activities and curriculum materials for the study of information technology. It is also a model for the utilization of community resources to promote the intellectual, social and emotional growth of all young adults through partnerships with business, community and educational organizations in the study of Information Technology.

The Connecticut Innovation Academy provides students from Northwestern Connecticut and the city of Waterbury with a diverse learning environment and opportunities in the field of information technology to assure an effective transition from the classroom to post secondary education and career opportunities in the IT industry.

EDUCATION CONNECTION, in collaboration with Waterbury and several rural/suburban districts including; Terryville, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Thomaston, Bethel, Newtown, Pomperaug and Gateways Education has been awarded a grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education to implement the Information technology (IT) Leadership Academy: A Program to Prepare Students for Leadership Opportunities in the Information Technology Industry. This inter-district initiative is designed to prepare 9th- 11th grade students for the multitude of careers in IT industries and to develop the skills that will make them a valuable resource in their local school. Projects will include web site development, digital audio/video, digital photography, multimedia production, network architecture, video conferencing, computer OS management, animation and industry tours. In addition, the project will provide two teachers from each participating school the opportunity to interact with industry personnel and develop IT curriculum materials for use in their respective schools. In addition to promoting meaningful student work in partnership with businesses, the IT Leadership Academy creates an avenue for student interaction. Throughout the year, urban and suburban participants of diverse racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds will come together for training institutes, seminars and exhibitions in which students and business partners collaborate and present their work. Students, teachers and IT industry personnel will also continue communication throughout the year long project through the use of various internet technologies such as, video conferencing, email, chat, bulletin board and streaming video.

The 2002-2003 Project: Digital Matrix Communications - Tyrell Adamson, Eric Leone, Farhan Elahi. Marrissa Leone and Mike Batista.

The 2003-2004 Projects: Redlyne Studios & Surreel Studios

The 2004-2005 Project: Octutis

The 2007-2008 Project: OnXx Gaming