There are now a dozen Design and Innovation Studios in public schools throughout the region. Vincennes University recently held ribbon cuttings for their 11th and 12th studios at Flaget Elementary School in Vincennes and Washington Catholic Elementary School in Washington.

The studios are part of VU’s initiative to advance STEM education in Southern Indiana. These spaces provide hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math for K-8 students, sparking curiosity and preparing them for high-demand careers.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson says the program creates exceptional learning environments and strengthens Indiana’s future workforce. He emphasizes the importance of early STEM immersion to keep students engaged before fifth grade.

Flaget Principal Samantha McClure says the new studio has enhanced student and teacher collaboration, while Washington Catholic Principal Karie Craney calls the addition a “game-changer,” connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.

The initiative, supported by Purdue’s IN-MaC program, is part of a regional network that now includes schools in Knox, Daviess, Dubois, and Perry counties, along with a state-of-the-art training hub at VU’s Vincennes campus.