STEAM Spaces in Old Buildings

 

Incorporating STEAM & Tech Spaces Into Old Buildings

By Dr. Robert Motte, Superintendent of Schools, Monessen City School District

At Monessen City School District, our buildings tell a powerful story. They echo with the voices of generations past, filled with memories of dedicated teachers, proud graduates, and community pride. But as we look toward the future, one reality has become clear: Monessen is behind when it comes to STEAM and technology-focused learning environments.

In a world where innovation touches every industry, our students deserve spaces that prepare them not for the past—but for what lies ahead. That’s why we’re committed to reimagining and renovating our older buildings to include modern STEAM labs and tech spaces.

Why a STEAM Lab?

STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—is more than a buzzword. It’s a hands-on, future-focused approach to learning that empowers students to ask questions, solve problems, and think critically. In a STEAM lab, students don’t just learn about robotics—they build robots. They don’t just study energy—they design renewable energy models. They collaborate, innovate, and learn by doing

And here’s something we already know from listening to our students: they love hands-on learning. It’s engaging. It’s meaningful. And for many, it’s where learning finally “clicks.”

---

Closing the Gap

Many neighboring districts have already made major investments in STEAM labs, media centers, esports rooms, and maker spaces. Our students deserve the same. We may be working with older buildings, but that doesn’t mean our learning environments have to stay stuck in the past.

We’re transforming outdated spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and innovation. And we’re doing it with intention—not just to keep up with trends, but to align with our mission of providing every Greyhound with a high-quality, relevant education.

---

Renovating With Purpose

Renovation isn’t just about replacing ceiling tiles or installing new lights. It’s about rethinking the purpose of our spaces. A former storage room can become a robotics workshop. A quiet corner in the library can turn into a media production station. An unused classroom can become the center of STEAM innovation for our middle and high schoolers.

These changes don’t erase our past—they honor it by building something new upon it. Our legacy continues, shaped by a vision that blends tradition with transformation.

More Than Just Equipment

Yes, we need updated tools—3D printers, coding kits, collaborative furniture, and interactive screens. But more importantly, we need to create spaces that invite curiosity, support collaboration, and build confidence.

STEAM labs help students discover what they’re capable of. They make school exciting again. They create opportunities to explore careers, passions, and possibilities many students never knew existed.

Looking Ahead

We’re in the early stages of this renovation journey, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. With strategic planning, community support, and the dedication of our incredible staff, we will bring this vision to life.

Our students deserve a future-ready learning environment—and that starts now.

To our families, staff, alumni, and community: I invite you to be a part of this transformation. Together, we can turn old buildings into spaces where innovation thrives and the next generation of thinkers, makers, and leaders take shape.

Because in Monessen, the future doesn’t start somewhere else—it starts right here.