BALTIMORE – The SEED School of Maryland (SEED MD), Maryland’s first and only public, college-preparatory boarding school for underestimated students, officially opened its 2,500 square foot Cyber Lab during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 8:30 am. The ceremony began with a master class conducted by SEED TV with real-life experience feedback from WJZ anchor Rick Ritter and Executive Producer Miranda Villei-Stepp. The master class wrapped up with a live broadcast from the Cyber Lab which featured SEED cheerleaders and students.
Currently, over 400 students from 13 counties in Maryland attend the school, and this cutting-edge space provides resources that allow them to engage in learning opportunities that focus on cyber and technology careers. The project was started in 2020 but the official ribbon cutting was delayed due to COVID-19 challenges.
The new Lab opens a window to the world of possibilities of Cyber, Technology and STEM related careers. The Lab features 3D printers; laser cutter; vinyl cutter; heat press; drones; Sphero robots; Raspberry Pi microcomputers; and a Cyber Hive. The associated curriculum will include specialized elective courses, extra-curricular clubs, internships and activities like robotics and robotic gardening. Plans also include cybersecurity training and competitions; robotics competition teams; computer science and coding; Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unmanned aerial vehicle training; teacher professional development; and digital fabrication.
“This Lab is a game-changer that really exposes students to innovative technology and cybersecurity and also prepares them for careers in the field,” said SEED Head of School Kirk Sykes. “The Cyber Lab provides a pathway to possibilities for our students. Access to technology at an early age provides awareness and motivation. The Lab provides exposure and experience which will encourage interest in the collegiate and career opportunities that are plentiful in the cyber industry, especially in our region.”
ABOUT SEED MD
The SEED School of Maryland (SEED MD) is Maryland’s first and only public, college-preparatory boarding school, offering an extraordinary learning and living experience in preparation for college and beyond. SEED Maryland is in Southwest Baltimore and serves students who could most benefit from a 24-hour learning environment. SEED Maryland opened in 2008 and graduated its first class in 2015. It currently serves 400 students in grades 6 through 12. For more information, go to https://www.seedschoolmd.org/