Innovation Center

A Unique Path for Tomorrow’s Makers, Storytellers, Worshipers, & Leaders

Innovate Academy’s Innovation Center is the hub of Upper School creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning. Scholars gain hands-on experience, use professional tools, and undergo multi-year iLab coursework to prepare them for meaningful vocations and ambitious Culture-Maker Capstones.

A Campus with Real-World Workspaces

Innovate Academy is uniquely positioned on a shared campus with a thriving church, creative teams, a cafe, bookstore, and production departments—giving scholars unparalleled access to professional environments they can actually work in.

Children performing on stage in costumes during a school play titled 'The Pilgrim's Progress' with audience members watching.

The Theatre and Production Booth

A fully equipped theater with professional sound, lighting, and live-streaming technology.


Upper School scholars may apprentice in:

  • Audio engineering

  • Lights & staging design

  • Live broadcast production

  • Acting and directing

  • Stage management

  • Event production

Scholars may serve on the Moment production team, gaining real industry-level experience in a mentored environment.

Two women in a bookstore or library, one is kneeling and handing a book to the other who is standing and reading. They are in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with various books.

The Shelf Bookstore & Creative Retail Space

A dynamic environment where scholars may explore entrepreneurship through:

  • Merchandising

  • Brand storytelling

  • Point-of-sale systems

  • Customer experience

  • Product development

  • Inventory management

A perfect lab for business-minded scholars and those launching retail-based Capstones.

Two boys are having a conversation during an interview, with one boy smiling and speaking into a microphone, in an indoor setting with acoustic panels on the wall and a floor lamp nearby.

The Recording and Podcast Studio

A state-of-the-art studio used weekly by the church—open to scholars through internships and iLab.

Scholars may:

  • Produce podcasts

  • Record music or voiceovers with Moment Worship staff

  • Learn mixing & mastering

  • Work alongside creative professionals

  • Create content for their Capstone project

This is where storytellers, musicians, journalists, and creators develop real-world portfolios.

A smiling woman completes a transaction at a cafe counter, exchanging a number card '13' with a customer. Behind her are shelves with bottles of syrup and a digital menu screen overhead.

The Table Cafe & Hospitality Hub

A living classroom for:

  • Barista training

  • Customer service

  • Hospitality leadership

  • Culinary innovation

  • Event hosting

Scholars interested in culinary arts, nutrition, entrepreneurship, or hospitality gain hands-on practice—sometimes even selling their own products created in iLab.

Makers in Motion

Browse through innovative projects created by Innovate Academy scholars that demonstrate our core value of entrepreneurial leaders of culture.

Meet the Mentor

INNOVATE ACADEMY SPOTLIGHT

The Innovation Center is where Upper School scholars dream, design, build, and test their most ambitious ideas—and Dr. Mark Slider is the mentor who guides them along the way. With experience in creative development, project design, and mentorship, Dr. Slider is adept at providing expert training and coaching through each stage of the iLab discovery process: imagine, investigate, implement, and improve.

Whether your scholar is exploring early passions in grade 9 or refining a senior capstone, Dr. Slider provides a steady presence within the studios, workspaces, and professional environments across campus.

Meet with Dr. Slider to:

  • Brainstorm Culture-Maker Capstone ideas or refine a Culture-Maker Profile

  • Explore pathways in storytelling, , entrepreneurship, media, or design

  • Get feedback on prototypes, scripts, business plans, or creative work

  • Connect with internship partners or professional mentors

  • Plan next steps within the iLab four-year framework

  • Receive guidance for turning passion into meaningful impact

Scholars don’t just think about ideas—they build them. And Dr. Slider ensures they have the support they need at every stage.

Inspired by what you see? Help shape the next generation by becoming an Innovate Investor.