Gifford Faculty Innovation Awards

Digital Art Technology. The Visual Arts Department has been awarded funds to purchase 18 iPad Air tablets (with protective cases), 18 Apple pencils, a mobile charging rack, and an educational license for the digital drawing program Procreate. Drawing, sketching, photographing, and editing with the ease of the iPads and software will allow students to get started on projects quicker, dive deeper, give them broader access, and ultimately have them gain a stronger visual vocabulary.

History Department Speakers’ Series. The Albany Academies’ History Department has been awarded funds for a speakers’ series on historical topics.  The funding pays for an honorarium and a stipend for the faculty member who organizes the speaker’s event.  Outside speakers provide students the opportunity to learn about topics that go beyond the normal history curriculum.  This applies particularly to underrepresented groups or topics that connect to current events.

Engineering Teacher and Robotics Team coach
Laser Cutter. The Engineering program has been awarded funds to purchase a laser cutter. A laser cutter uses a laser to cut cuts and engrave various material, including wood, fabric, and paper. The purchased machine is low-powered and safe for classroom use. Students use the cutter to create more precise, professional-grade models of their computer-generated designs.