Brooks Crossing Celebrates Year One

In August 2019, the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center opened its doors to the public. Newport News residents visit the center to develop job skills, find a career, take the next step in work or their education or immerse themselves in the newest technologies by using the cutting-edge equipment in the iLab (3D printers, laser cutters, recording studio and more).

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 300 people a month were visiting the Center for services. After a three-month closure, the Center reopened, offering workforce development
support and job training. In addition, the Hampton Roads Community Action Program, Virginia Career Works Peninsula, the Newport News Department of Human Services, the Newport News Choice Neighborhood Initiative and Goodwill of Coastal and Central Virginia are offering courses and support services at the Opportunity Center.

The Innovation Center, also known as the iLab, is managed by Old Dominion University and has offered virtual programming to engage people of all ages in STEM. The iLab offers virtual executive question and answer sessions, entrepreneurship sessions and camps, and STEM summer camps featuring topics ranging from robotics and cybersecurity to fabrication
and design. Virtual and hybrid sessions are also available.