Golda Och Academy Expands STEM Learning Opportunities Through the Dr Lynne B Harrison STEM Endowment Fund

Thanks to generous funding from the Dr Lynne B Harrison STEM Endowment Fund, Golda Och Academy is expanding hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students in grades 3–12 during the 2026-27 school year, strengthening a comprehensive program that introduces students to emerging technologies at an early age and provides increasingly sophisticated laboratory and engineering experiences throughout middle and high school.

The new grants support a cohesive STEM pathway designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while equipping students with the technical skills needed for future study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“You learn science by doing science,” says Dr Harrison. “Putting advanced, high-end equipment in the classrooms of our Greater MetroWest Jewish Day Schools, over and above what a school’s budget can support, enables transformative science education for our children and their teachers.”

At the elementary level, students will continue to explore computer science through LEGO® Education Computer Science and AI kits, which introduce foundational coding, computational thinking, engineering design, and age-appropriate artificial intelligence concepts. Through hands-on building and programming challenges, students develop problem-solving skills while gaining an early understanding of technologies that are shaping the future.

In the middle school, new physical computing resources will support the continued growth of Golda Och Academy's introductory STEM course. Students will gain practical experience with coding, microcontrollers, and engineering design, creating a strong foundation before entering the Upper School's advanced STEM curriculum.

The investment also enhances science instruction with new chemistry laboratory equipment that will expand hands-on investigations in both middle and high school courses. In addition, new biotechnology resources—including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis systems—will enable ninth-grade biology and senior biology students to conduct authentic molecular biology investigations using the same techniques employed in modern research laboratories, medicine, and biotechnology industries.

"These investments reflect our commitment to providing students with meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that prepare them for a rapidly evolving world," said Paul-Michael Huseman, Upper School Principal. "By giving students access to advanced technologies and authentic scientific tools, we are helping them develop the confidence, creativity, and analytical skills they will need to thrive in college and beyond."

Dr. Shira Kelmanovich, Director of STEM Education and Science Department Chair, emphasized the importance of creating a continuous STEM journey for students across divisions.

"Our goal is to build a seamless STEM experience that grows with our students," Kelmanovich said. "Beginning in the elementary grades, students learn to think like engineers and scientists through hands-on exploration. As they progress through middle and high school, they are able to apply those skills using professional-grade equipment and sophisticated laboratory techniques, giving them experiences that mirror real-world scientific research."

Together, these new resources reinforce Golda Och Academy's commitment to innovative, experiential education, ensuring that students graduate with not only a strong academic foundation but also the curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for success in tomorrow's STEM fields.

Reflecting on the program’s growth, Dr Harrison adds, “The STEM/Science education during the past five years has exceeded my fondest expectations. And we are just beginning!”