Students returning to Norrback Avenue School this fall will find new science and STEM learning spaces, updated technology and redesigned collaborative areas thanks to a large-scale volunteer effort that transformed several parts of the school in a single day.
Heart of America, a nonprofit organization focused on improving educational spaces in underserved schools, partnered with the AbbVie Foundation to complete the project as part of AbbVie’s annual Week of Possibilities global volunteer initiative.
More than 150 AbbVie volunteers joined Heart of America staff and school employees to renovate multiple learning environments, including the school’s science classroom and library, with an emphasis on hands-on STEM education, accessibility and flexible learning.
The improvements are expected to benefit approximately 480 students, according to the announcement.
The project included a renovated science classroom with new tables, stools and flexible furniture for laboratory instruction, along with the creation of a STEM learning area inside the school library designed for maker-centered activities and science exploration. Volunteers also installed new flooring, furniture, storage, lounge seating and murals while adding technology including iPads, Chromebooks, virtual reality headsets, a 3D printer, interactive display technology and other digital learning resources.
The project also included the creation of a clothing closet to help meet students’ everyday needs.
A key focus of the renovation was accessibility. According to the announcement, the redesigned STEM and science spaces include accessible furniture and workstations intended to ensure students with diverse learning and mobility needs can participate in hands-on classroom activities.
“Students deserve learning environments that inspire curiosity, support exploration, and help them envision what comes next,” Heart of America President and CEO Jill Hardy Heath said in the announcement. “This transformation was intentionally designed to expand access to hands-on STEM learning while creating environments that better support the diverse needs of all learners. We’re grateful to AbbVie Foundation for helping create these opportunities for students at Norrback Avenue School.”
The renovation is the latest collaboration between Heart of America and the AbbVie Foundation in Worcester. Since 2024, the partnership has completed 11 projects across the city, transforming 16 learning environments and reaching more than 7,000 students, according to the announcement. During that time, the organizations have also distributed more than 27,000 books, 6,000 school supplies and 2,100 educational resource packs while contributing nearly 3,400 volunteer hours.
“The AbbVie Foundation is committed to driving transformative change in communities so that everyone can live their healthiest life and working alongside partners like Heart of America helps us bring that mission to life,” AbbVie Foundation President Keya Milla said in the announcement. “Projects like these help contribute to students’ and the community’s overall health, and we’re grateful to Heart of America for connecting us.”
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen said the renovated spaces create new opportunities for students.
“We are excited about the in-depth learning opportunities this space will provide students while sparking curiosity and excitement for STEAM-related subjects,” Allen said. “We extend our heartfelt thank you to AbbVie, Heart of America and all of the volunteers who helped create this new learning space and complete additional improvements throughout the school. Their efforts have already made a positive impact on our students, staff, and entire school community.”
Organizers said the project reflects a broader effort to invest in future-ready learning environments through partnerships among nonprofits, schools and private industry.
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