The Syracuse (New York) district has carried out a $100 million renovation of a school building that closed 50 years ago and has opened a high school focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that the opening of STEAM High School is the culmination of a six-year effort to reimagine the former Central High School as a regional magnet. The school offers students the chance to become business leaders, builders, data analysts, engineers, computer chip makers and performers.
It is the city’s sixth high school and is open to students from districts throughout Onondaga County who apply for a slot.
The school is housed in the former Central school building. The campus was constructed in 1903, and the building has been mostly vacant since the school closed in 1975.
For its first year, STEAM High will have just ninth graders — about 200. The school plans to add a new group of ninth graders each year until it is fully enrolled with about 1,000 students.
Students can choose from nine specialties — business entrepreneurship, construction management, data analytics, entertainment engineering, animation and gaming, robotics/automation, semiconductor manufacturing, technology and visual and performing arts.
The state of New York invested $71 million into the $100 million project. Micron Technology also has pledged support.
Classes have begun at STEAM High,but the renovation is ongoing. The first and second floors are complete, but officials said they are still working on the auditorium and some offices.
