Lynwood Unified will provide Firebaugh High School students with a new state-of-the-art STEM lab beginning in fall 2021 after receiving a donation of $225,000 from the W. M. Keck Foundation, which will inspire young learners to pursue success in science, engineering and medical fields.

The new lab will allow Firebaugh to double enrollment in its biomedical science and nursing program, along with its advanced manufacturing and engineering program. Those programs currently share a space that limits activities and projects.

“We want to ensure our students can experience the magic of science and engineering without any limitations on their learning tools or their imaginations,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said.“The new lab will provide the opportunity for more students to thrive in our College and Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway program.”

CTE provides students with hands-on learning and skills that help them to advance in college and career aspirations. The program typically requires a four-year sequence of classes that ends with a capstone project and an opportunity to earn industry recognized certifications prior to graduation. Each program uses Project Lead the Way framework.

The W.M. Keck Foundation shares the District’s vision of championing young people and empowering them to thrive in STEM. The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation helped the District secure the partnership with W.M. Keck which led to the grant.

Modular classrooms for the new STEM lab will be installed, furnished and equipped during the summer of 2021. Lynwood Unified will also have additional staff trained in PTLW curriculum. Additional students will be enrolled in the CTE biomedical science and nursing, advanced manufacturing and engineering for fall 2021.

“Our CTE program builds confidence in our students through specific skills training that allows them to confidently move out into the world,” LUSD Board President Gary Hardie Jr. said. “By working with community partners to improve our facilities and grow the program, we can boost positive outcomes for our children and help them reach success well beyond the classroom.”

Based in Los Angeles, the W. M. Keck Foundation was established in 1954 by the late W. M. Keck, founder of the Superior Oil Company. The Foundation’s grant making is focused primarily on pioneering efforts in the areas of medical research and science and engineering. The Foundation also maintains a Southern California Grant Program that provides support for the Los Angeles community, with a special emphasis on children and youth. For more information, visit www.wmkeck.org.