IEG’s Gary Lewis to Represent Europe at Google Innovator Academy

Gary Lewis, Digital Learning Technologist and Air and Defence College Coordinator at IEG, has been accepted into the prestigious Google Certified Innovator Academy. This esteemed programme, which will be held in Chicago this July, selects only 50 educators from around the world, with Gary being one of only three representatives from Europe.

Gary expressed his excitement about the opportunity: “I'm incredibly excited to share that I've been accepted into the prestigious Google Certified Innovator Academy in Chicago this July! This highly selective programme brings together only 50 educators from around the world, with just 3 of us representing Europe.”

The Google Certified Innovator Academy is designed to empower educators with the skills and knowledge needed to transform education through technology. Participants will engage in innovative practices, collaborate with a global network of passionate educators, and design projects aimed at addressing real-world challenges in education.

Gary's focus area at the academy will be on engaging parents, carers, and the wider community in supporting students with Artificial Intelligence (AI) outside the classroom. He explained, “AI is rapidly changing our world, and it's crucial that students have the skills and knowledge to navigate this new landscape effectively. By empowering families and communities, we can ensure all students benefit from the power of AI in a safe and responsible way.”

He emphasised that this opportunity is not just a personal achievement but a chance to bring valuable insights and resources back to IEG and the broader educational community. “This opportunity isn't just about me; it's about bringing valuable insights and resources back to our college and the wider education setting. I'm eager to share my learnings, develop innovative learning experiences, and work together to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the AI-powered future,” Gary added.

The news comes after Stamford College and Peterborough College, further education providers of Inspire Education Group (IEG), recently celebrated the prestigious accolade of being the first in the Lincolnshire, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority regions to have been awarded Google Reference College status.

Google Reference status is awarded to institutions with a clear vision of technology’s role in education – those that can evidence how Google tools directly improve learning experiences, teacher workflows and overall college operations.

Gary's acceptance into the Google Certified Innovator Academy is a testament to his dedication to advancing education through technology and his commitment to preparing students for a future shaped by AI. His participation in this programme will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to IEG and the wider educational community.