WORCESTER – Friday, June 26, 2026 – AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new STEAM Lab and completed a series of school improvements at Norrback Avenue School on Wednesday, June 24, increasing access to engaging learning spaces and educational resources for students in Worcester Public Schools, as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual outreach event.

More than 150 volunteers, including staff from AbbVie, Heart of America, and Worcester Public Schools, worked to transform a classroom space originally designed as a science classroom and return it to its original purpose as a new STEAM lab. Volunteers also completed enhancements to indoor and outdoor spaces at the school. 

An official ribbon cutting ceremony opened the doors to the new STEAM lab, which will begin use at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

“We are excited about the in-depth learning opportunities this space will provide students while sparking curiosity and excitement for STEAM-related subjects,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “We extend our heartfelt thank you to AbbVie, Heart of America and all of the volunteers who helped create this new learning space and complete additional improvements throughout the school. Their efforts have already made a positive impact on our students, staff, and entire school community.”

“Heart of America is grateful for the partnership and support of the Worcester Public Schools facilities team, who helped prepare the space through painting and flooring projects ahead of this project,” said Allie Wood-Plihal, Senior Partnership Director at Heart of America Foundation. “Their work allowed us to maximize our resources and invest even more into creating meaningful learning opportunities and spaces that will benefit Norrback students and the school community for years to come.”

The newly renovated STEAM Lab will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction at Norrback Avenue School, providing students with an accessible space to explore, collaborate, and engage in hands-on learning. The space includes new technology and instructional materials, including 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes, and other STEAM-related resources.

Additional improvements throughout Norrback Avenue School included freshly painted walls, updated furniture, and colorful murals throughout high-traffic areas of the building to create more welcoming learning spaces for students. Volunteers also refreshed outdoor murals and cleaned up outdoor areas used by students during recess.

The project also included enhancements to the school’s outdoor patio space, creating an area for teachers to use during break time while also providing an additional opportunity for outdoor teaching and learning. The school’s clothes closet was also relocated to a more accessible location, making it easier for students to access a change of clothes when needed.

A new STEAM Corner was also added to the school library, providing students across all grade levels with opportunities to engage in hands-on activities, including LEGOs, virtual reality headsets, and other STEAM-related resources.

This is the latest STEAM Lab donation provided by AbbVie and Heart of America to Worcester Public Schools. In 2024, Jacob Hiatt Magnet School received its own STEAM Lab, with Forest Grove Middle School (2022) and Elm Park Community School (2019) also receiving STEAM Labs in recent years.