Salem Academy Students Explore New Interests Through Innovation Days

Salem Academy students recently stepped outside the classroom for two days of hands-on learning and discovery during the Academy’s annual Innovation Days, which allow students to explore a variety of professions, build new skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. This fall’s Innovation Days offered a wide range of experiences across fields including science, technology, the arts, healthcare, business, and public service.

Students who gravitated toward the arts spent time at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where they explored the performing arts, and at Carolina Wind and Brass Repair, where they saw the craftsmanship behind repairing musical instruments. They also participated in an art therapy session that showed them how creativity can support well-being.

“I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Old Salem Seed Bank on behalf of all of us who went to their workshop, because they gave us such a great opportunity to work with and learn about nature.” – Sophomore Emily Z.

Others focused on the natural world and human health. At the Old Salem Seed Bank, students learned how plant conservation preserves biodiversity, while a visit to St. Paul’s Church introduced them to landscape architecture. At Precision Ocular Network, students discovered the science behind vision care and the history of eye banking.

Freshman McKinley P. said of her experience at Precision Ocular Network, “They were very kind, and we learned about the history of eye banking. The first cornea transplant was performed in 1905! We also learned about the Eye Bank Association of America, which is a nonprofit organization. Overall, it was a really fun experience and made me want to learn more about eye banking.”

Students also learned how technology and data shape a wide range of careers when they visited the Wake Forest Pitching Lab, studied data analysis and marketing with the Winston-Salem Dash, learned about solar energy initiatives at Winston-Salem City Hall, and saw how the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office puts technology and data to work.

At Salem Academy, learning extends beyond textbooks and traditional classroom instruction. Through experiences like Innovation Days, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, explore unfamiliar subjects, and engage with professionals in their community. These opportunities help students build confidence and discover their own interests and strengths.

“One of the things that makes Salem Academy wonderful is how much our community has worked with us to give us different types of educational opportunities for our girls. Introducing our students to different careers so they can learn the things they like and the things they don’t like is very, very important,” said Kris Porazzi Sorrells, Head of School at Salem Academy.

By connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences, Innovation Days bring Salem Academy’s educational philosophy to life. They reflect Salem’s commitment to helping girls grow into confident, capable young women prepared for college and beyond.