The Continuation of the Lab

In the future, the district hopes to collaborate with dual enrollment programs at Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State College, or WPI, as well as the Ayer Shirley Adult Community Education Program, to further expand opportunities for students, staff, and community members.

This innovative, first-time project has prioritized three goals:

1. To develop understanding and interest in the STE(A)M industry through the design/build/test/refine process utilizing appropriate space, materials, and equipment.

2. To provide users opportunities to learn and use industry design software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD to enhance workforce skills in the areas of 3d modeling, prototyping, and structural analysis. Direct instruction, application of skills, and mentorship using the software and equipment will take place in the Panther Innovation Learning Lab.

3. To develop the soft skills required in the workforce- communication, time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

4. Partner with MWCC or other higher education institution to develop an articulation agreement to provide opportunities for students and adults to begin coursework in the college's biotechnology and engineering programs while enrolled in high school or adult community education programs.

For the past several years students at all grade levels have successfully participated in after-school robotics programming or STEM projects utilizing existing space in all four schools in the district. It's time to provide robust, hands-on learning experiences for our students and staff as part of our educational programming in the new and exciting Panther Innovation Lab!

Over the next few years the district hopes to have after-school programming for students K-8 in addition to the grades 9-12 students who have the opportunity to use the equipment during school hours. In addition, the district hopes to also serve adults enrolled in the Ayer Shirley Community Education Program which meets in the evenings of the spring and fall semesters.

Starting in February 2021, one of the teachers at ASRHS offered a 30-minute Panther-Block during the second semester to begin engaging students in the lab, despite not having any specific classes offered in the 2020-2021 school year.

In addition, after school 'workshop' sessions are being planned to begin in March of 2021 for high-school students.

There will be classes offered for students in the district beginning in the school year 2021-2022.