Equipped with Virtual Reality goggles, jam boards, an impressive digital whiteboard, several drones, high-grade photography equipment and several rover kits that can be easily programmed, Maui Preparatory Academy students are benefitting from the new Graham Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on campus. The center was built in 2019 and is now being utilized by students, faculty and staff. PHOTO BY RAY CHIN.

NAPILI — Maui Preparatory Academy is excited to announce the opening of its Graham Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on its Napili campus.

The center was built in 2019 and is now eagerly being utilized by students, faculty and staff.

The 992-square-foot innovative space cost nearly $250,000 to build and was graciously funded by the Graham Family Foundation, Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation, Atherton Foundation, Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Bozich Ohana and additional Maui Prep families.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the latest in technology and innovation to our students through our Graham Center,” said Head of School Miguel Solis.

Equipped with Virtual Reality goggles, jam boards, an impressive digital whiteboard, several drones, high-grade photography equipment and several rover kits that can be easily programmed, the students can reach their potential like never before.

In addition, the Graham Center has new ChromeBooks and specialized coding kits for younger children that stimulate creativity and imagination, as well as develop computational thinking skills.

“This wonderful new technology is being utilized in ways we hadn’t anticipated. For instance, our science students are unable to take field trips right now due to the pandemic, so our high school science teacher, Rob Lloyd, is making use of the Virtual Reality goggles by bringing the coral reef to his students! The Virtual Reality goggles are a valuable educational tool right now, as we are able to bring students to the Great Wall of China, on an underwater exploration or to Ancient Greece, all with a click of a button. This interactive equipment can be used across all grades and academic disciplines,” said Director of Technology Christopher VanDyke.

The Graham Center is part of a campus-wide initiative at Maui Preparatory Academy to expand creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship programs, giving students the opportunity to learn and engage in problem solving and hands-on innovation.

Visit mauiprep.org to learn more.