ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The St. Clairsville-Richland City School District recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil five newly renovated high school science labs and a state-of-the-art MakerSpace designed to elevate hands-on, project-based learning for students.

The project marked a major investment in providing modern, dynamic learning environments that prepare students for college and careers in STEM fields.

“We are excited to provide our students with facilities that match their passion and potential,” said Christina Laudermilt, Assistant Superintendent. “These updated labs and the MakerSpace reflect our commitment to offering meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for what comes next.”

The renovated science labs feature updated equipment, improved safety features, and flexible learning layouts that support collaborative experimentation and inquiry-based instruction. In addition, the new MakerSpace offers students the opportunity to design, build, and test a variety of innovative projects, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application of STEM concepts.

The space will serve both high school and middle school students, expanding opportunities for cross-grade collaboration and exploratory learning.

The renovation initiative was inspired by direct student input, with many expressing the need for updated lab experiences to better align with college expectations and future academic pursuits. By listening to students’ voices, the district has created spaces that not only meet current educational demands but also support long-term student success.

The district extended its appreciation to McKinley Architecture & Engineering, Colaianni Construction, all staff, community partners, and students who contributed to the development and vision of these new educational spaces. The newly renovated facilities are now open for use.