Paseo Academy Opens STEM and VR Lab to Bridge Kansas City's Digital Divide
The arts magnet school is integrating AI and 3D printing into its curriculum through the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program.
Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Kansas City has opened a new STEM and virtual reality lab to provide students with advanced technical training. The facility aims to equip students with 21st-century skills by merging high-tech resources with a traditional arts-focused education.
The new lab, part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program, provides seventh and eighth graders with direct access to a suite of modern tools, including VR headsets, 3D printers, AI software, and programmable rovers. Paseo Academy is one of three Kansas City Public Schools selected for a new lab this year, joining Central Middle School and the Foreign Language Academy in the rollout.
Integrating Technology and Art
While Paseo Academy operates as a magnet school for fine and performing arts, the administration is intentionally integrating STEM technologies to create a more comprehensive educational experience. The lab is not a standalone attraction but is fully integrated into the school's Project Lead the Way program, which emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving.
Principal Kaleb Patterson noted that the goal is to challenge students to apply critical thinking through the use of modern technologies. According to Patterson, the objective is to ensure students are prepared for success in the workforce, regardless of the specific career path they eventually choose.
Closing the Digital Gap
The initiative is designed to address the digital divide by placing high-end resources in a public school setting where they are typically unavailable. By providing access to AI and VR, the school seeks to prepare students for a modern economy whether they transition into higher education or enter the workforce directly.
Students have already noted the rarity of such equipment in a classroom setting. Mary Holland, an eighth grader at the academy, described the access to the new technology as a privilege, noting that such tools are not commonly seen in most schools.
Future Outlook
As the lab becomes a permanent fixture of the curriculum, the school will monitor how the intersection of arts and STEM impacts student engagement and problem-solving capabilities. While the facility is now operational, the long-term impact on student workforce readiness remains the primary metric for success for the district and its partners. By blending the creative discipline of the arts with the technical rigor of STEM, Paseo Academy aims to foster a generation of students who can navigate both the aesthetic and analytical demands of the modern professional landscape.