Mission junior high students recently received a taste of innovation and technology thanks to a partnership between SEAD (Science, Engineering, Art and Design) Academy, Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Texas A&M University Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution.

Together, the collaborators participated in the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program. After holding the first Smart Home Competition in June 2017 in Bryan, Texas, SEAD Academy extended its reach to Mission. Here, students received the opportunity to engage in authentic engineering design activities related to building automation. Two sessions of The Smart Home Competition were held at Mission Center for Education and Economic Development.

The SEAD Academy is a community and economic development project by Advent GX. It develops immersive, interdisciplinary programs as well as classes for students ages 6-16. Through these classes, Advent GX seeks to inspire students to become life-long, self-learners who lead while also producing lasting change in their community.

Over the course of the week, students met the challenge of building a 1:10 scale house. The house included automatic parts and complies with a specific budget and building codes. This comprehensive track encourages students to be creative and develop problem-solving skills.

The ITEST program aims at promoting interest and knowledge in STEM careers through the use of building automation applications, connected devices and additive manufacturing. The project combines teacher training, community outreach, industry support, community college partnership and summer camp programs hosted by SEAD Academy.

SEAD Academy intends to return to Mission in 2019.