Don Bosco Prep Announces Robotics, Engineering Center Build

Mahwah NJ

07 December, 2021

11:02 AM

Description

RAMSEY, NJ — Construction of a state-of-the-art robotics and engineering learning center is underway in the third floor space of Savio Hall in the heart of the Don Bosco Prep campus, officials announced. Two gifts from donors will be used to fund the build. One donation from the Forgione Family will create the Forgione Family Engineering Center, which will include two classrooms and lab space. Another from an anonymous donor will enable the school to finish the floor with a large multipurpose area and flexible space for the school community, officials said. The new center will be available to students at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, officials said. "Having this cutting-edge technology and open space environment gives us the ability to compete on a collegiate level," said President Robert Fazio. "The large, open space allows us the opportunity to not only afford the growth of the robotics/engineering program for our students, but also to transform the area into a collaborative learning environment for the entire community. We are eternally grateful to our donors who have made this possible for our current and future students." The distinguishing feature of Don Bosco Prep's program is the four-year engineering curriculum that is currently in place. Don Bosco Prep also has two varsity teams who participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, the most prestigious high school robotics competition in the world, as well as a Junior-varsity FIRST Robotics Competition team and three freshman FIRST Tech Challenge Teams. The program has also been growing, with 20 percent of the student body now active in the robotics and engineering program. And it could grow even more. Officials are currently forging a partnership with New Jersey Institute of Technology to assist in the expansion of the robotics and engineering program while enhancing the curriculum. "Our partnership with NJIT will create college credit opportunities for our students and it will put them at the forefront of the minds of the leading engineering professionals in our state," said Principal Joseph Azzolino.