The Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) will build the school’s first-ever STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) lab thanks to a $27,285 grant from The Home Depot Foundation.

The STEAM lab will include a complete renovation of a classroom with new flooring, paint, and furniture. The Home Depot Foundation is also providing program supplies and feature walls that highlight STEAM careers, leaders, and innovations. 

“This new lab will not only inspire our students with engaging, hands-on STEAM learning, but it will give our teachers the space and tools to keep building inquiry and critical thinking skills that will shape future STEAM leaders,” said Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera, “This lab setting will inspire our students from the minute they walk through the door with an incredible sense of imagination and opportunity.”

In addition to providing the funds to create the new lab, The Home Depot Foundation also brought volunteers from Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force. The project is a continuation of the partnership between The Home Depot, The Home Depot Foundation, and Marietta City Schools (MCS). Last year, The Home Depot Foundation provided funding for a project that gave a backyard makeover to two MCS bus drivers that totaled more than $14,000.

Other community partners, including Home Depot Rental, White Lilac Designs, Parallax, Zaxbys Marietta, MC’s Painting and Decorating, Inc., PPG Paint, and US Installation Group, also contributed to the STEAM lab and provided volunteers.

MSGA houses all sixth-grade students in MCS, with more than 650 students currently enrolled. Every MSGA student will have access to the lab and a chance to explore innovative connections to STEAM curriculum. 

MCS will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed lab on Friday, Jan. 20, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera, MSGA Assistant Principal Miriam White, and Home Depot Branch Manager Chad Forrester will give remarks as students are welcomed into the lab for the first time.