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Academy gets
$55k for STEAM
initiatives
WOODSTOCK — Pratt & Whitney recently awarded The Woodstock Academy a $55,000 grant to purchase equipment to further develop the Beatson Makerspace and Fabrication Lab in the SPIROL STEAM Center. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
Woodstock Academy technology teacher, Peter Sumner said: “We have purchased a series of machines and equipment used by today’s manufacturers that will provide practical hands-on experiences for students in our makerspace and manufacturing lab.”
The list of equipment includes a 40-watt laser, a CNC router with 4th axis, a CNC mill with 4th axis, injection molding supplies, and a vacuum forming machine. The Academy was also able to purchase the necessary design software and two laptop computers dedicated to operate machines. Three new moveable work benches will also help students better create and collaborate.
Holly Singleton, associate head of school at The Academy said: “We believe this equipment will excite our students and help move the program forward with a technically relevant lab. It will also provide a space to expand community partnerships with local industry, community members, and surrounding middle schools.”
The Woodstock Academy recently joined the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (YMPI) and is running a Manufacturing 101 class this semester. Over the years, The Academy has invested in technology in the Beatson Makerspace and Fabrication Lab to include many hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
With the large number of manufacturing companies in Eastern Connecticut, The Woodstock Academy believes that strengthening the manufacturing space will provide WA students the necessary skills and experiences to take a leading role in the local manufacturing workforce after they graduate.
Adam Bottone, who chairs the Career and Technical Education Department at The Academy, said this grant allows the school to provide opportunities that “we would otherwise not be able to provide to our students.”
Head of School at The Woodstock Academy, Christopher Sandford added: “The new equipment is a significant step forward for our STEAM program. The more students are exposed to fields of study and career possibilities, the better equipped they will be for whatever they choose after The Academy. Not only do our students get a great academic foundation during their time at The Academy, but they will be set up for a successful career.”
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