Fab Lab opens at Spartan Learning Academy

Bernalillo Public Schools and Bluum, North America’s largest learning catalyst, celebrated the grand opening of the Fab Lab at Spartan Learning Academy Thursday.

The fabrication lab at SLA is just the third STEM Fab Lab in the state, and the only one south of Santa Fe. The lab, which was developed by MIT, levels the playing field for all students as a space for innovation and creativity. The Fab Lab is open to the public and offers interactive technology like VR goggles, 3-D printers, laser cutters/engravers, LED walls and interactive floors.

Many local leaders were on hand to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the lab, which was designed to develop and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for the “New Collar” jobs that don’t yet exist.

Formerly Bernalillo Middle School, the new redesign of the school into the Spartan Learning Academy is geared toward changing the middle school experience.

“The goal of SLA and the Fab Lab is to redesign the middle school experience through a holistic, educational approach that utilizes career readiness and STEAM concepts,” SLA Assistant Principal Anthony Jaramillo said. “The Fab Lab is a collaborative space where students can innovate and become owners of their learning.”

Additonal tech in the Fab Lab includes e-sports equipment, robotics, computers, drones, vex robotics, a Glowforge printer and more.

“I just want to say what a historical time for our district and our students that is about to happen,” said Gwen Maldonado, BPS deputy superintendent of instructional leadership. “As a part of the overall vision of our district, we want our students to have access and practice with 21st-century skills and opportunities through the expanding and improving of teaching and learning. Even more exciting, this particular program will be available to students across our entire district.”

The Fab Lab gives Bernalillo students the equal opportunity to acquire the 21st-century skills necessary to prepare them for the workforce. Benefits expand beyond students at Spartan Academy, as they must be open to the public. Nina Quintana, director of college, career and military readiness for BPS, worked with technology provider Bluum to create the Fab Lab and was inspired by Superintendent Matthew Montano’s desire to create innovative learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

“We’ve tried to implement new ways of learning to rededicate the way students come out of Bernalillo Public Schools, the opportunities that we put in front of them and the things that we can provide for them,” said Paul Madrid, BPS Board of Education president. “This is the first step in doing that. It’s been a long process to get here. But we’re here, and it’s only going to get better. I know every member of the board has a united vision as to where we’re headed and what we’re intending to do. And it’s all student focused.”