Chaminade has received a transformational $1 million gift from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation, which will significantly strengthen STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education at the high school and expand hands-on, project-based learning opportunities.

The gift will support the development of our STEAM Innovation Pathways Program, including an Innovation Entrepreneurship pathway that offers a unique and challenging sequence of courses actively engaging students with project-based learning of traditional STEM subjects like coding, design, engineering, and maker skills, while also incorporating soft skills, creativity, and real-world human dynamics.

A key part of this work includes the creation of two dedicated innovation labs in the Condon Family Center for Science and Technology. One will serve as a “clean” lab for CAD, 3-D modeling, circuitry, and computing. The other will function as a “dirty” lab for engineering, fabrication, and prototyping. These labs will support courses such as Introduction to Autonomous Robotics, Introduction to Engineering, and Introduction to Modeling and Manufacturing. The gift will also help support the continued growth of our Robotics program, complementing the hands-on learning that students will participate in throughout the pathways program.

“The magnitude of this gift speaks to the faith the Fritz B. Burns Foundation has in our students and in our mission,” says President Robert Webb. “As a mission-driven community, we use our resources with care and intentionality. This support allows us to shape students’ success in college and beyond and leave a lasting impact on their lives."

The STEAM Innovation Pathways Program will roll out over several years, with opportunities to adjust and expand as the program evolves. Our goal is simple: create a robust STEAM experience across the curriculum and give every student the opportunity to take part in hands-on, project-based learning.

Chaminade is grateful to the Fritz B. Burns Foundation for this remarkable gift and for their belief in our mission and our students. Their support will give our students even more opportunities to learn, build, and imagine what’s possible.