M-DCPS Unveils Innovation Space at George Washington Carver Middle School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) held a ribbon-cutting event for a redesigned, technology-rich, innovation space at George Washington Carver Middle School’s media center. The new space includes virtual reality headsets, a Makerspace area with robotics for hands-on learning and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities. 

“When we partner together, public, private and county government, this is what occurs, people coming together to uplift schools, students, and creating these truly remarkable environments,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “This innovation space will add to the beauty and energy of that culture.”

The project was funded by a $2 million partnership between M-DCPS, the College Football Playoff Foundation and the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Host Committee.

The 15 virtual reality headsets donated to the innovation space are designed to supplement students’ math and science curriculum. The Makerspace area includes not only robotics but also arts and crafts and other hands-on technology. The redesign also includes an entire new library of books for students to check out and use at the center.

“This is amazing since it’s very important to teach kids about the use of technology,” said Lucia Althizar, an eighth grader at George W. Carver Middle School. “These VR headsets are a great way to experience modern technology in our world.”

This renovation also includes a new TV production studio where students can broadcast the announcements and create podcasts on a variety of topics.

The innovation space at George Washington Carver Middle is part on an Innovation Space initiative, which modernizes spaces with bright colors, new comfortable furniture, new virtual reality (VR) equipment, interactive boards, a robotics section and typically more than a dozen computer stations. 

“This will make a huge difference in our efforts to provide our students with innovative and creative ways to enhance our curriculum by infusing it with technology at the highest level,” said George W. Carver Middle School Principal Iliana Artime.

For the next two years, the partners will redesign a total of 18 M-DCPS middle school innovation spaces to meet the unique social, emotional, and academic needs of teachers and students.

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 TOP CAPTION: George W. Carver Middle School students trying out one of the Makerspace activities.