Wawasee Community School Corporation is proud to announce the opening of a state-of-the-art STEM Innovation Lab at Wawasee High School — a dedicated learning environment designed to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.
The new lab, located in the renovated east wing of Wawasee High School, features industry-standard technology including 3D printing stations, robotics build areas, a coding and computer science lab, and a dedicated maker space for student-driven projects. The facility is available to students in grades 9–12 and supports both core curriculum and elective coursework.
The project was made possible through a combination of district capital funding, a generous grant from the Indiana Department of Education's STEM Innovation Initiative, and support from local business partners who believe in the power of hands-on, real-world learning for Wawasee students.
STEM Lab at a Glance
- 32 student workstations with dual-monitor setups and industry design software
- Six 3D printing stations, including two large-format industrial printers
- Dedicated robotics build area with VEX and FIRST Robotics equipment
- Collaborative maker space with laser cutter and CNC routing capability
- Available to all WHS students, grades 9–12 — no prior experience required
- Partnership curriculum developed with Indiana University and Purdue Extension
A Vision Years in the Making
Planning for the Innovation Lab began in 2023 when WCSC administration and the Board of Education identified STEM programming as a district priority in the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Community listening sessions and student surveys consistently ranked real-world learning experiences among the top priorities for families across all five WCSC buildings.
"We've known for years that our students are capable of extraordinary things when given the right tools and the right environment," said the WCSC Superintendent. "This lab is our commitment to every high schooler in Wawasee — that we believe in your potential and we are investing in your future."
Students explore the new robotics bay during the STEM Innovation Lab's soft opening week. The lab is open to all WHS students beginning March 3, 2026.
Community and Business Partnerships
The lab was built with deep community investment. More than a dozen local businesses contributed equipment, mentorship commitments, and financial support to bring the vision to life. Students in the lab's capstone program will have the opportunity to work directly with community business partners on applied projects — gaining resume-worthy experience while solving real problems for local organizations.
Wawasee High School's new STEM coordinator will work alongside classroom teachers to integrate Innovation Lab experiences into existing courses in math, science, technology, and engineering, as well as offer new standalone electives beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
"This isn't just a room full of technology. It's a room full of possibility — and it belongs to every single Wawasee student."— WCSC Superintendent, Wawasee Community School Corporation
Grand Opening & Open House
Families, community members, and business partners are invited to attend the official Grand Opening of the STEM Innovation Lab on Friday, March 7, 2026 from 5:00–7:30 PM at Wawasee High School. Students will demonstrate projects from the lab's first weeks, and staff will be on hand to answer questions about programming, elective options, and the district's broader STEM roadmap.
For more information, or to connect with WCSC about business partnership opportunities related to the STEM Innovation Lab, contact the WCSC Communications Department using the information in the sidebar.
Board of Education members and district leadership joined WHS students for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 18, 2026.