Public Education Foundation (PEF), in partnership with Hamilton County Schools (HCS) and sponsored by Volkswagen Group of America, will host the 7th Annual Chattanooga Fab Institute from July 9–11. This nationally recognized and sold-out educator retreat will welcome over 200 teachers and school leaders from nine states, offering a unique professional learning experience focused on advanced technology and innovative teaching methods.
The institute will kick off on July 9th at the Construction Career Center with opening remarks from officials at Volkswagen, Hamilton County Schools, and the Public Education Foundation. The first morning will also feature a keynote address by Daryl Williams Jr., a dynamic educator. Programming on July 10th and 11th will also begin at the Construction Career Center.
This year’s keynote will be delivered by Daryl Williams Jr., an administrator, speaker, and author, whose mission is “to help one million students live their chosen lives, not the ones they settle for.” A two-time Teacher of the Year with dual master’s degrees, Daryl is recognized for his practical and passionate approach to empowering new teachers with character-driven strategies that transform classrooms into environments of excellence and impact.
Following the morning kickoff, attendees will travel to six Hamilton County Schools equipped with VW eLabs, where they’ll engage in hands-on learning with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, robotics systems, and more.
“In the coming school year, students from across nine states will have the opportunity to engage with the unique learning model that’s helping students in Hamilton County prepare for their futures—thanks to the 200+ teachers from across the U.S. attending PEF’s seventh annual Fab Institute,” said Dan Challener, president of Public Education Foundation. “These teachers are spending the week inside state-of-the-art VW eLabs, experiencing the model for themselves—learning how to guide students through challenges using hands-on technology, creative problem-solving, teamwork, and persistence. If you want to see that kind of learning in action, come to the July 10th Lookouts game and watch a mechanism built by Hamilton County students throw out the night’s first pitch.”
This year’s Fab Institute features a special highlight: the First Pitch Challenge. In this one-of-a-kind competition, Hamilton County Schools students designed and built original devices to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Chattanooga Lookouts game, sponsored by the Public Education Foundation and Volkswagen. The winning student-built machine will debut live on July 10th at AT&T Field, in front of an audience of educators, school leaders, and Volkswagen officials attending the Fab Institute. The First Pitch Challenge is proudly sponsored by Volkswagen, underscoring their commitment to hands-on, future-ready learning experiences for students.
“The VW eLabs provide innovative opportunities for students across our community to develop the skills and competencies directly requested by local employers,” said Michael Stone, PEF’s vice president of innovative learning. “The national interest in the sold-out Chattanooga Fab Institute is a clear demonstration of the success and impact these hands-on learning experiences are having on students and teachers in our region.”
This work is closely aligned with Opportunity 2030, Hamilton County Schools’ strategic plan to prepare students for success in college, career, and life through real-world, future-ready learning experiences.
"As technology reshapes how we work and live, it's important that students learn the skills they'll need to lead in a digital world,” said Dr. Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent. “The Fab Institute reflects our commitment to helping educators bring new ideas into the classroom and prepare students for careers that blend tech and creativity. We're excited to host educators from around the country here in Hamilton County to connect, share ideas, and help inspire the next generation of problem solvers."
Since the launch of the first VW eLabs in 2017, Hamilton County Schools has grown to host the largest registered network of Fab Labs in the world, with 55 labs districtwide, a testament to the thriving partnership between Volkswagen’s long-term commitment to education and innovation.
"At Volkswagen, we believe that investing in education today drives innovation tomorrow. The Chattanooga Fab Institute exemplifies our commitment to empowering educators and students with cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning experiences," said Mario Duarte, Senior Director of Learning, Training, and Development, Volkswagen Group of America. "The growth from our first eLab in 2017 to 55 labs across the district demonstrates the incredible impact that happens when industry, education and community work together toward a shared vision of student success."