New Bedford Charter School’s $8 Million STEAM Center Opens Doors to Innovation

Last updated: February 28, 2026

If you’ve been searching for a school that treats learning as an adventure rather than a checklist, this might be the news you’ve been waiting for. Global Learning Charter Public School just unveiled a massive new STEAM center that transforms how students experience science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. And the best part? It’s designed around the idea that when learning feels meaningful, everything clicks.

TL;DR

Global Learning Charter Public School in New Bedford, MA opened a new $8 million STEAM center in February 2023.
The 18,000+ square foot facility includes innovation labs, science labs, art room with kiln, music rooms, and a college career center.
Hands-on interdisciplinary learning helps students build cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving skills.
The school serves 500 students in grades 5-12 through a blind lottery system.

A Former Convent’s Brilliant Transformation

The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for STEAM Education represents an $8 million investment in New Bedford’s students—and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The school converted a former convent into over 18,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space, now serving the school’s 500 students in grades 5-12.

“It’s been really great so far,” said seniors Maddox Merrey and Brianna Medina, who led tours of the new facility during its second week of operation. The transformation includes chemistry labs equipped with professional-grade ventilation hoods, an art room featuring a working clay kiln, and dedicated spaces for music and technology that these students never had before.

A former convent just became one of Massachusetts' most innovative learning spaces. Here's why STEAM education matters for your child's future. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

The crown jewel of the facility is the “Thinkabit” lab—a technology and innovation classroom sponsored by Qualcomm, the company co-founded by New Bedford native Irwin Jacobs. This hands-on space gives students real-world experience with engineering and technology concepts that simply weren’t accessible in traditional classroom settings.

Perhaps equally significant is the college and career counseling suite, where juniors and seniors can take dual enrollment courses through Bristol Community College. About 40 seniors currently have this opportunity carved into their schedules, and the program is poised to grow. “We brainstormed the ideal space,” said Ashley McPherson, director of the college and career center, “and got everything we asked for.”

Author Quote "

Quote: We brainstormed the ideal space, and got everything we asked for. Attribution: Ashley McPherson, Director of the College and Career Center, Global Learning Charter Public School

Not applicable - no significant bias identified

Why This Matters for Your Child

Here’s what makes this approach powerful: research consistently shows that hands-on, interdisciplinary learning creates stronger neural connections than passive instruction. When students engage with actual science experiments, create art, and solve real engineering challenges, they’re not just memorizing facts—they’re building the cognitive flexibility that employers and colleges increasingly demand.

The integration of arts with STEM (creating STEAM) recognizes something neuroscience has confirmed: creative thinking and analytical reasoning aren’t opposites—they’re partners. Students who learn to approach problems from multiple angles develop what researchers call “divergent thinking,” the ability to generate innovative solutions that others miss.

Key Takeaways:

STEAM Center Opening: Global Learning Charter Public School opened an $8 million STEAM center in a renovated former convent, serving 500 students in grades 5-12.

Innovation Labs: The facility includes a Qualcomm-sponsored Thinkabit lab, chemistry labs with ventilation hoods, an art room with kiln, and a college career center with dual enrollment.

Educational Impact: Hands-on STEAM learning builds cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving skills that employers increasingly demand.

What This Means for Families

This expansion reflects something important about educational choice: when schools have the freedom to innovate, students benefit. Global Learning Charter operates through a blind lottery system, giving all applicants an equal chance regardless of background.

The school spends a similar amount per student as the local district—yet has created facilities and programs that many districts can only dream about. This demonstrates what’s possible when educational leaders focus on what works rather than bureaucratic compliance.

For families in the New Bedford area, this means real options exist for students who thrive in environments that value innovation, creativity, and real-world application. The STEAM center is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year.

Author Quote "

Quote: It’s been really great so far. Attribution: Maddox Merrey and Brianna Medina, Seniors, Global Learning Charter Public School

This is what happens when schools focus on developing capable, creative thinkers rather than just covering curriculum. Your child deserves an education that builds real skills—and the good news is that options exist. At Learning Success, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment and support. If you’re exploring educational options and want a personalized approach to understanding your child’s learning strengths, the Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan—and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit.