ILLEST Lab

Informal Learning Linking Engineering Science & Technology

ILLEST Lab Group Photo

The Informal Learning Linking Engineering Science & Technology (ILLEST) Laboratory was recently established within the ExCITe Center in Fall 2019.

Under the guidance of School of Education faculty members Dr. Kareem Edouard and Dr. Christopher Wright, the ILLEST Lab is building a safe, inclusive STEAM environment based on ongoing maker space research and exploring more authentic ways to provide in-depth STEAM education that supports the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and employment.

ILLEST Lab Logo

Projects

the-co-lab people working at table
the-co-lab

The Co-Lab

The Co-lab is a professional development space that combines culturally sustaining pedagogy with youth centered design. The Co-lab brings education stakeholders together to build a more authentic and supportive learning environment for students.

hip-hop-making-spaces student on an ipad
hip-hop-making-spaces

Hip-Hop Making Spaces

We connect youth identities to computational making competencies through hip-hop based education and culturally-sustaining pedagogy.

off-wax people looking at laptop together
off-wax

Off Wax Program

The ILLEST Lab offers mentorship year-round mentorship opportunities for both high school and undergraduate students.

research people talking at table
research

Research

Our research focuses on urban education, bridging the digital divide and equitable tech access for underserved communities.

csea people smelting metal
csea

Continuing Stem Education Academy

Helping high school students develop maker skills through science, technology, engineering, arts/advocacy, and mathematics.