WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester elementary school will begin the next school year with a new STEAM lab and several upgraded learning spaces.
AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new lab and completed improvements at Norrback Avenue School on Wednesday as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual outreach event, according to Worcester Public Schools.
More than 150 volunteers from AbbVie, Heart of America and Worcester Public Schools helped transform a classroom that was originally designed for science instruction back into a STEAM lab. The space will begin serving students at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
“We are excited about the in-depth learning opportunities this space will provide students while sparking curiosity and excitement for STEAM-related subjects,” Superintendent Brian E. Allen said. “We extend our heartfelt thank you to AbbVie, Heart of America and all of the volunteers who helped create this new learning space and complete additional improvements throughout the school.”
The renovated lab will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction. It includes 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes and other STEAM-related materials.
Volunteers also painted walls, added updated furniture and created colorful murals in high-traffic areas of the school. Outdoor murals were refreshed and outdoor recess areas were cleaned up.
The project also included upgrades to an outdoor patio space that teachers can use during breaks and for outdoor learning. The school’s clothes closet was moved to a more accessible location for students who need a change of clothes.
A new STEAM Corner was also added to the school library with LEGOs, virtual reality headsets and other hands-on resources for students across grade levels.
“Heart of America is grateful for the partnership and support of the Worcester Public Schools facilities team, who helped prepare the space through painting and flooring projects ahead of this project,” said Allie Wood-Plihal, senior partnership director at Heart of America Foundation.
The Norrback project is the latest STEAM lab donation from AbbVie and Heart of America to Worcester Public Schools. Jacob Hiatt Magnet School received a STEAM lab in 2024, Forest Grove Middle School received one in 2022 and Elm Park Community School received one in 2019.
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