New Bedford: Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) welcomed local officials, donors and the community to officially celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Education Center.

Dr. Irwin Jacobs and his family were the guests of honor at the ribbon cutting.  State Representatives Anthony Cabral and Paul Schmid presented the school with a citation for bringing educational opportunities to the community.

Ninth grade student Jaslin Arita was the guest speaker and told the crowd of her goal to become an architect. She said that as a child she moved to the United States from Honduras speaking only Spanish and that her parents instilled in her the knowledge that education would lead to a bright future. She said that every day she is inspired when she sees the words of Dr. Jacobs “Innovation isn’t just for engineers.”

A native of New Bedford, Dr. Jacobs has been a major supporter of the community and the STEAM Education Center. As an engineer and businessman he said he recognized the need for students to be educated in STEM and his support has evolved beyond what he even imagined.

“Our journey began five years ago and we designed the building to meet our program. Through the generous support of Dr. Jacobs, our donors and the community, we were able to raise more than $8 million towards our $11 million project. It is a building designed for learning, collaborating, experimenting and creating and, after all, it is all about the children,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado Sr, Executive Director of GLCPS.

The rehabilitated former convent boasts a Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™; a biology lab; a chemistry lab with a fume hood; three math classrooms; a biology lab; an art classroom outfitted with a kiln; a music room with separate practice room; two world language classrooms; a media center; and the College and Career Center, as well as small rooms for students who need a quiet space to work. Middle school students take art, music and technology classes in the new building. Besides those classes, high school students also take science, math and world language courses there. Additionally, they have access to the College and Career Center.

The 18,132 square foot building was originally scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year but construction and materials issues delayed the opening.

School officials also plan to invite community groups to use the building for classes or meetings.

GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery.