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Project Innovation

A group of young children in a classroom are engaged in different activities. In the foreground, four children sit around a table, with one boy in a blue shirt animatedly talking and gesturing with his hands while the others listen. A book titled How Full Is Your Bucket? is on the table. In the background, another child is sitting at a desk working, while a boy in a blue shirt stands nearby, watching the group at the table. Another child plays with large plastic building blocks on the floor. The classroom has natural light, a chalkboard with drawings, and various educational materials scattered around.

2025 Program Information

Jamie Driscoll, Principal
jamie.driscoll@icsd.k12.ny.us

Mary Grover, Program Director
mary.grover@icsd.k12.ny.us

Beverly J. Martin Elementary
302 W. Buffalo Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

July 7 - August 15
Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pre-K Students: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Apply by March 31!
Translated Applications

Apply Today!

We are now accepting applications for our inclusive summer program, Project Innovation. All ICSD students currently in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are welcome to apply. In order to staff the program, please submit your application by March 31, 2025:

PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application is NOT a guarantee of acceptance into the program. You will be notified if your child is accepted or not by April 30, 2025.  

As part of our efforts to provide free meals through Project Innovation, we must meet a 50% eligibility requirement. While breakfast and lunch are free for all Project Innovation participants, we are required to submit eligibility data to the State.

If you believe your family qualifies, we kindly ask you to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch application. Your participation helps ensure that we can continue offering free meals to all students in the program.

Project Innovation is an inclusive, project-based program where students engage in projects and case studies that answer complex questions or offer solutions to real-world problems. In the past, students have explored questions ranging from “what do plants need to grow?” to “how can we include everyone in our own school?” to “what is the purpose of community art?”

In the Pre-K classrooms students are given the opportunity to listen to diverse stories, engage in extension activities, sing songs, watch performances, and share their identities and family stories. Summer educators incorporate a variety of children’s books throughout their day to foster inclusive learning environments for all. Our goal in these rooms is to help our preschoolers see themselves, express themselves, grow their imaginations, and learn about the world around them.

All classrooms in Project Innovation are multi-grade level with the exception of Pre-K (Pre-K, K/1st, 2nd/3rd, 4th/5th, 6th-8th). Each classroom is fully integrated, bringing together general education and special education students of varying ages.

Transportation, breakfast, and lunch are provided.

Annual Evaluation Report 22-23