MT. MORRIS TWP, MI – Beecher schools is launching its first-ever STEAM SmartLab, which is expected to help students better prepare for life after graduation.
“With today’s society, we’re trying to give kids an opportunity because you can’t teach the way you did 20 years ago,” Beecher Community School District Board of Education President Marvin Smoot said. “You got to make it exciting and fun for them.”
A ribbon cutting for the new lab will be held at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 1 in STEAM SmartLab Room 24 at Beecher High School, 6255 Neff Road in Mt. Morris Township.
“There’s been a lot of planning along with the SmartLab team and the Beecher team to ensure there’s going to be a high-quality event,” Superintendent Dr. Jendayi Gardner said.
Several Beecher High School students are already utilizing the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) lab as part of a pilot program the district is conducting to determine if it will purchase more labs in the future.
The lab is located at Beecher High School, but the district plans to move it to the former Beecher High School building when its renovation is complete. The old high school is set to reopen for the 2026-27 school year.
“The lab is going to be phenomenal,” SmartLab Regional Sales Manager John Spicko said. “Where it is right now is amazing, and the new building is going to be even better.”
Assuming the pilot program is successful, the district plans to further implement the lab at its high school and eventually at Beecher Middle School.
“Our hope is that we have all of our grades actually rotate through, and in the future, the vision will be that we have it in each of our schools,” Gardner said.
The lab features computers, a mobile CNC (Computer Numerical Control) engraving system, a laser engraver as well as color and 3D printers.
The lab also allows students to make and fly their own drones.
“I think just walking into the space, it’s just a whole level of energy that increases in a positive direction,” Gardner said. “And I see a lot of pride in the students as they walk into that room.”
While using the lab, students will be able to explore career paths in major areas of technology, including circuitry and electronics, data collection and analysis, marketing and design, modeling and design, mechanics and structures, communication and multimedia, artificial intelligence and robotics control technology.
“The thing about a SmartLab is kids are going to work in teams of two to solve real world problems,” Spicko said. “That’s really the crux of it.”
Students using the lab are guided by a facilitator and an instructional specialist focused on STEAM.
“It’s the fun place to be because they are directing their own learning,” Spicko said. “It’s completely their initiative, and that’s what kids get excited about.”
Funding for the lab, which accounts for a total investment of $290,889, was provided by an anonymous donor.
However, Gardner said local philanthropist Matt Rizik played a crucial role in securing the funds.
“We would not have the SmartLab without him putting in the effort and hard work to actually identify that funding for our districts,” Gardner said.
With the new lab, the district aims to create new opportunities for students and help them develop their own career identities, regardless of whether they plan to attend college after graduation.
“It’s going to give them a different outlook and a different view of what they can become,” Smoot said.
Beecher schools is believed to be the first district in Genesee County to implement a STEAM SmartLab, according to Smoot.
Before purchasing the SmartLab, district officials, students, parents, and a member of the district’s board of education toured Bridgeport-Spaulding schools where students were already using the labs.
“Everyone was very excited to see what was happening, and we want to have it here in Beecher,” Gardner said.
Other Michigan districts with SmartLabs include North Branch and Woodhaven-Brownstown schools.
The company has installed 60 labs throughout the state of Michigan, Spicko said.
Attendees will hear from speakers at the ribbon cutting, including Gardner, Smoot, Beecher High Principal Lance Sumpter, and students who will provide their own perspective on the new lab.
Parents and community members are also invited to attend the event.
Attendees can RSVP for the event online at smartlablearning.com.