Students at Lena Shaw Elementary are getting hands-on access to creativity, problem-solving, and emerging technology following the official launch of a new Innovation Lab this week in Surrey.
The lab was unveiled during a visit by Brenda Locke, who joined educators, students, and community partners to celebrate the opening of the space designed to encourage experiential learning and real-world skill development.
The Innovation Lab, created in partnership with The Cmolik Foundation and Surrey Schools, offers students a dedicated environment to explore science, technology, engineering, creativity, and collaborative learning through project-based activities.
Speaking at the school, Mayor Locke highlighted the importance of investing in early education spaces that prepare children for a rapidly changing world.
“When students are given the tools to explore, create, and solve problems, we’re not just teaching curriculum — we’re building confidence, curiosity, and opportunity,” she said.
Educators say the lab will support hands-on learning across grade levels, allowing students to experiment, prototype, and work together in ways that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. The space is expected to be used for science exploration, design challenges, digital literacy projects, and teamwork-focused activities.
Representatives from The Cmolik Foundation noted that the goal of the program is to reduce barriers to innovation by bringing modern learning tools directly into public schools, particularly at the elementary level.
The launch reflects Surrey’s broader focus on education, skills development, and youth engagement, as the city continues to grow as one of Canada’s youngest and most diverse communities.
School staff say students have already shown excitement about using the lab — a response that organizers hope will translate into long-term curiosity and a love of learning.
The opening of the Innovation Lab at Lena Shaw Elementary is a reminder that meaningful change in education doesn’t always start with policy — sometimes it starts with a room, the right tools, and a sense of possibility.
By bringing students into spaces where experimentation is encouraged and mistakes are part of the process, schools help children develop skills that matter far beyond report cards. Creativity, collaboration, and confidence are increasingly essential in a world shaped by rapid technological change.
Partnerships between schools, local government, and community foundations show what’s possible when investment is focused where it matters most — at the start of a child’s learning journey.
