Ribbon Cut For STEAM Innovation Lab At Summit Elementary School

SUMMIT, NJ — A new Innovation Lab has been built at Jefferson Elementary School, allowing learning spaces for kids to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Summit administrators and staff members gathered at Jefferson Elementary with members of the Summit Educational Foundation (SEF) to commemorate the new SEF Innovation Labs. The official ribbon cutting was held on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

"Our forward-thinking vision of providing our students with a meaningful K-12 STEAM experience is ahead of schedule thanks to the partnership and generosity of the Summit Educational Foundation," said Superintendent Scott Hough. "Our students truly benefit from the hard work and dedication of all of the members of the SEF."

The Summit Board of Education unanimously passed a $37 million bond ordinance earlier this year that would help fund STEAM programs in the district.

This bond will also support upgrades to school facilities, such as air conditioning for the middle school and renovations at Tatlock Park.

Read more: Summit BOE Approves $37 Million Bond Ordinance To Fund STEAM Projects

More than $876,000 was donated by the SEF to Summit Public Schools in the Spring 2022 grants cycle to support STEAM labs at each elementary school, along with STEAM teachers in each lab.

"SEF is excited to partner with the district to provide the funding for the creation of the SEF Innovation Labs at all five elementary schools," said Amy Burke, President of the SEF. “STEAM learning through these spaces will prepare our students for the technological advances of the future."

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