2,500 Square Foot Unique Classroom Will Inspire SEED Students to Pursue Cyber, Technology and STEM- Related Careers
The SEED School, Maryland’s first and only public, college-preparatory boarding school for underserved and highly motivated students, announces the opening of their 2,500 square foot InfoArmor Cyber Lab housed within the school in a space originally designated for storage. Currently, over 400 students attend the School, and this cutting-edge space will allow them to pursue cyber and technology-related programs and careers.
The lab features 3D printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, heat press, drones, Sphero robots, Raspberry Pi microcomputers as well as a Cyber Hive outfitted for computer programming and Cybersecurity courses. The program will include specialized elective courses, extra-curricular clubs, and activities like robotics and robotic gardening, youth employment and entrepreneurship, and local internships.
Plans for the Cyber Lab also include cybersecurity training and competitions, robotics competition teams, computer science and coding, FAA unmanned aerial vehicle training, teacher professional development, and digital fabrication: The project was started earlier in 2020 but took longer than expected to complete due to COVID-19 challenges.
Andrew Pham, Director of the InfoArmor Cyber Lab, led the design and planning, including the curriculum development and programming. According to Pham, “The kids at the school were involved from the early development stages to the implementation. We wanted this to be collaborative process that was also a learning moment. This Lab is a game-changer that really exposes students to innovative technology and cybersecurity and also prepares them for careers in the field.”
Fueled by the leadership and financial support of Mark and Holly McCulloh, and their employer InfoArmor, an Allstate Company, construction of the Cyber Lab started earlier in 2020 and is now completed. “The InfoArmor Cyber Lab will provide a pathway to possibilities for students. Access to technology at an early age provides awareness and motivation. The InfoArmor Cyber Lab will encourage interest in the collegiate and career opportunities that are plentiful in the cyber industry, especially in our region,” said Mark McCulloh, who is a member of The SEED School Maryland Cyber committee.
Emily Snell, InfoArmor President, explained the company’s involvement by saying, “We have a passion for the community and support our employees who are helping to invest in the future of our industry.”
The SEED School of Maryland (SEED Maryland) is Maryland’s first and only public, college-preparatory boarding school, offering an extraordinary learning and living experience in preparation for college and beyond. SEED Maryland is located in Southwest Baltimore and serves students who could most benefit from a 24-hour learning environment. SEED Maryland opened in 2008 and graduated its first class in 2015. It currently serves 400 students in grades 6 through 12. For more information, go to https://www.seedschoolmd.org/
