3D printing, designing apps, software innovation—Friday Harbor High School students are in the crux of technology centered education.

The new Science Technology Engineering and Math building, under renovation at Friday Harbor High School, was set forth by a $1M state grant. The building is intended to enhance hands-on learning, relevant to the ages, and better prepare kids for the current job market.

“We want the school system to reflect the twenty first century technology,” FHHS Superintendent Richard Thompson said. “The economy is changing quickly in a digital age.”

What functioned as a wood shop, metal shop, and general storage space will be transformed into a space with a large work shop, two multi-purpose classrooms, a media production room, and an equipment room.

Students are excited for the new building and it’s programs, some of which have been inspired by STEM based classes already functioning.

Through a Computer-Aided Design independent study, complete with a laser cutter, 3D printer, and router, senior Carter Fuherbush found his niche.

“I like making things with machines, I’d just like to learn more,” he said. “The class inspired me, I want to go to Bellingham Tech and study to be a machinist.”

The grant to renovate the building into a STEM center was awarded in July 2013, and under its conditions all of the money must be spent within two years. The completion of the building is anticipated for June 2015.

The majority of the awarded funds went to heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical work for the building. There will be extra costs for the high-end technology needed for programs within the building, which Thompson said can be paid for out of the capital levy.

Thompson hopes to eventually develop more partnerships (such as those already established with Island Rec and San Juan Islands Museum of Art), and is looking to donors for increased funding. Professional development funds from the state will also be sought to train teachers in some of the new fields. Fundraising initiatives to have an endowed chair overseeing STEM curriculum is also in the future.

So why STEM?

According to the organization Washington STEM, Washington ranks No. 1 in the country in the concentration for STEM jobs, with 23,200 unfilled jobs per year as a result of a job skills gap.

This, in alignment with an already scientific community, Thompson said, is why FHHS is going in this direction.

The school is pairing with Communities in Solar, and plans to install solar panels. The project will be integrated into the curriculum in whatever ways possible, for example studying and documenting energy savings.

Above all, Thompson recognizes the funds as a gift, in which only 2-3 of its kind are awarded throughout the state each year. With FHHS already ranked number 11 in high schools throughout the state, and 612 in the nation—odds are good the school’s standings will only continue to increase.

With enrollment in decline, Thompson hopes the new programs will attract families to Friday Harbor.

“We want a challenging education for these kids,” he said. “And enhance their ability to achieve in college and career.”