SIUE Charter High School, STEM Learning Center

In a community traditionally plagued by high poverty rates and limited student exposure to career opportunities, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School had the vision to create a learning center that would spark student interest in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The new 1,300-square-foot STEM Learning Center was designed to encourage practical, interactive learning in a relaxed environment. Students were involved in the selection process for various technology and design elements.

The resulting classroom includes flexible furnishings such as writable glass panels, and wall panels that double as whiteboards for brainstorming and group work, increased accessibility to Internet connections and additional multimedia resources. By creating this collaborative space, the classroom’s design helps keep students interested and engaged in learning. Additionally, SIUE has the benefit of evaluating the learning experience in this pilot space before implementing any of the design elements elsewhere on campus.

"Good use of technology. Variety of collaboration/presentation spaces and seating options within the classrooms."–2012 jury

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