NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - BostonChron -- Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) has opened the first Thinkabit Lab™ on the East Coast in their new state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education center for students.

The new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center building for STEAM education opened Monday, February 13th.

The Thinkabit Lab™ comes from the University of San Diego and Qualcomm, the wireless tech company founded by Irwin Jacobs. At the Thinkabit Lab™ students explore engineering and non-engineering careers available at tech companies and engage in fun and unique hands-on engineering projects. Together, the career exploration and engineering activities help students understand where they might fit in the future workforce and how they could contribute to solving real-world problems using technology.

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Qualcomm is a company of inventors and cares deeply about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab™ program they aim to show students from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds that they can be part of inventing the wireless world of the future.

"Our students are thrilled with the new facility and the learning opportunities the Thinkabit Lab™ offers them with hands-on experience developing and manufacturing things and running a business," said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. "It is a joy to watch the students take in the new technology and learn about what is possible in their future."

The rehabilitated former convent also boasts a biology lab; a chemistry lab with a fume hood; three math classrooms; 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.

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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. The school will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new building at a later date.

GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery. Additional information is available on the school's website, www.glcps.org. For more information, please contact the school at (508) 991-4105.