The Susan and Gerald O’Shea Innovation Center was designed to facilitate collaboration and creative problem solving. The Innovation Center includes digital fabrication technology ranging from 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines as well as traditional tools. The space includes a full class set of computers allowing students to design and simulate projects digitally and code their own programs, websites, and apps. This will be a space where students learn by doing. A place where they can imagine, design, and create.

With The Susan and Gerald O’Shea Innovation Center now established, we plan on getting as many students and teachers using the space as possible. In addition to having a class in the space each period, we also plan on having the space open before and after school every day for any students who wish to work on projects for class or their own independent projects. We have expanded our Engineering Curriculum and professional development to help teachers find ways to integrate even more STEM experiences into our existing courses. Next summer, we will offer a STEM camp for upper elementary and middle school students, which will also help to attract more students to the program. We would also like to partner with our Future Business Leaders Initiative to create a Saint Anthony’s Startup Incubator, where members of the Saint Anthony’s community would be able to use the space to develop prototypes and products, while current students would be able to get real world, hands on industry experience. This project will expand our Integrated STEM Program, give students more opportunities for authentic learning experiences in STEM and create a culture of creativity and collaboration at Saint Anthony’s.