Greensboro Middle School marked a significant milestone on Tuesday with the opening of its first Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Lab, a pioneering facility in Greensboro, Alabama. The lab’s grand opening took place on August 27th at 10:00 am, following a generous award from the Air University K-12 STEM Outreach Program.
The AR/VR Lab, which includes ten state-of-the-art workstations, is set to immerse over 200 students in grades 6-8 in virtual reality experiences. This advanced technology will enable students to create and explore their own virtual environments, offering them innovative ways to engage in learning and creativity.
The Air University K-12 STEM Outreach Program’s mission is to “inspire, cultivate, and develop exceptional STEM talent,” particularly in underserved communities. The investment in Greensboro Middle School’s AR/VR Lab reflects this mission and supports the development of future STEM leaders.
Drs. Dominic Combs and Hope Whiteside from The University of Alabama played a crucial role in bringing the AR/VR Lab to Greensboro Middle School. Their leadership and collaboration with Air University and Greensboro Middle were instrumental in realizing this project. “This lab is more than just a technological innovation; it’s a catalyst for transformation,” stated Dr. Combs. Dr. Whiteside added, “Our collaboration demonstrates the power of united efforts towards a common goal. We are eager to see how this will inspire students to pursue STEM careers and positively impact the broader community.”
Principal Anthony Sanders expressed the school’s excitement about being at the forefront of providing advanced STEM opportunities for its students. “This lab is a transformative addition for both our students and community. It unlocks new possibilities for learning and creativity that we’ve never experienced before. We are deeply grateful to our partners and look forward to the future with great anticipation,” said Sanders.
The community gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the AR/VR Lab, witnessing the beginning of a new era in education at Greensboro Middle School.
