POULSBO — West Sound Academy will use a $36,000 grant to create a technology center to expand Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) instruction for students and the community.

Through developing partnerships with Kitsap Regional Library and North Kitsap Parks and Recreation, students and adults will participate in new opportunities to explore robotics, 3-D modeling, digital art, and graphic design.

According to the school, the anonymous grant will provide for a fleet of robots  — from i-robots, Lego robots and VEX robots to the more humanoid Bioloid robots for more advanced programming and engineering. Three-dimensional design offerings will be supported by a Cubify 3-D printer and a Cubify 3-D scanner.

The Technology Center will provide a classroom space dedicated to problem solving, programming, making, and teamwork, the school reported.

“While WSA students will enjoy its benefits throughout the school day, community classes and informal learning events will be able to utilize the space after school hours.

“West Sound Academy faculty and staff are excited at the prospect of providing space for the Kitsap Regional Library’s burgeoning technology programs, as well as enhancing its partnership with North Kitsap Parks and Recreation.”

West Sound Academy will add STEAM classes to its curriculum.

“While WSA students have participated in various robotics competitions, the opportunities for learning will grow exponentially with the new equipment provided by the grant,” the school reported.

“The 3-D printer and scanner will allow 3-D modeling students the chance to convert their electronic images into real-life objects, as well as reversing the process to turn real objects into electronic images via 3-D scanning. Physics students will be able to expand and enhance their Underwater Remote Operating Vehicles and the student staff of WSA’s award-winning literary magazine, ‘Mud Pie,’ will enjoy new graphic design tools.”

Barrie Hillman, the academy’s Head of School, received an excited response from students when she revealed the plans for the new technology center at a school assembly this week. “Providing the opportunity for students to develop the problem-solving and collaborative skills required for STEAM curriculum is not just a bonus for today’s student, it is a necessity,” she says. Hillman adds, “West Sound Academy is poised to provide a space that will allow not only our students to participate in these programs but also the community at large with after-school and summer programming.”

Construction on the Technology Center is planned for this summer, so that the new facility can be open in time for the first day of WSA classes on September 2, 2015.