GLCPS Opens Innovation Lab to the Community
By Emma Moniz, Class of 2026
Have you ever wanted to create something but just didn’t know how or you didn’t have the right tools or materials? GLCPS may have the solution! The school is opening up its Innovation Lab to students, staff and the New Bedford community! The lab will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs STEAM Center for Education.
The students at GLCPS have been very fortunate to have access to these tools in their technology courses for school projects. Now, the school is making the lab available to the public in the hopes that more people will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to light.
Director of School Culture Darlease Monteiro is the brainchild behind this initiative. As the former technology teacher here, she has been working towards this end: to introduce the lab and its creative tools to the community during off-school hours. “I've wanted to open the Innovation Lab for many years to give the New Bedford community an opportunity to experience and learn new things. This lab makes that possible with the computers, laser cutter, 3D printer, and Cricut machine.”
Although this lab may seem intimidating for those who have never used these tools before, you do not need to have previous experience.
“I hope people will gain a sense of confidence in being able to do creative things and learn or improve their computer skills,” Mrs. Monteiro said. Whether you are new to technology, your skills are dusty, or you’re a technology master; this lab is for everyone. There will be students and staff at every lab to provide assistance and ensure you’re having the best experience possible.
In addition to this lab being for the GLCPS family and the people of New Bedford, Mrs. Monteiro shared, "Eventually, I hope we'll be able to expand the workshops and equipment to provide services to the small businesses in the area or improve someone's technical skills to help them get better jobs.” With the expansion of this lab, and being able to help small businesses, this could positively impact a lot of places. For some, technology does not come easy, so with the eventual expansion to provide services to these businesses, people will be able to more efficiently do their jobs.
This lab is a major step for the school to take, which will lead to bigger, greater things. If there’s one thing that GLCPS likes to do, it’s share its resources with others. This is an amazing opportunity and if you love being creative, love using technology, or are just curious to learn more about how this equipment works, this innovation lab is definitely the place for you. So tell your family, tell your friends about this opportunity, both face-to-face and on your social media platforms. Let’s make this a true community effort!
To register for the lab, scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link and then register yourself for the lab hours that you choose to attend. There is limited space available, so be sure to sign up soon!
Emma Moniz is a senior at GLCPS. As part of her senior internship program, she is writing news articles for and about the GLCPS community.
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