December 17, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University continues to expand its reach in STEM education, creating enhanced learning opportunities and resources for K-12 students and educators across Southern Indiana, and fostering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

VU has opened 19 Design and Innovation Studios at K-12 schools in Southern Indiana over the past four years, adding to a statewide network of more than 100 studios.

The studios are an initiative in partnership with the Purdue University Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), providing equipment and technology that help students explore design thinking, problem-solving, technology, and creative skill sets. Through the integration of technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, and coding into classrooms, VU is equipping both students and teachers with the innovative skills and confidence they need to succeed.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “Vincennes University is incredibly proud that we are helping to drive vital progress for our region by increasing the number of students who have access to powerful, hands-on STEM learning.”

For the 2025-2026 school year, VU is proud to have added seven new Design and Innovation Studios across Dubois, Posey, Sullivan, and Vanderburgh counties, recently celebrating these investments in equipment and technology through ribbon-cutting events. The studios are made possible through VU with generous support from contributors such as the Duke Energy Foundation and the Old National Bank Foundation. The most recent school recipients include Holy Trinity Catholic School (Dubois County); Mount Vernon Junior High, North Elementary School, South Terrace Elementary School, and North Posey Junior High (Posey County); Carlisle Elementary/Middle School (Sullivan County); and Westside Catholic School (Vanderburgh County).

"This didn't just give us equipment, it gave us opportunities and tools that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors our kids didn’t even know existed,” Carlisle Elementary and Middle School STEM Coordinator Lucy Monroe said.

Next-Generation Learning Environments

The D&I studios are vibrant, tech-rich spaces designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.

“Indiana’s future workforce begins in classrooms like these,” said Sascha Harrell, Director of Education & Workforce at Purdue University's Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC).

Harrell added, “Through our partnership with Vincennes University, we are helping schools build early STEM experiences and upskill educators so they can confidently guide students toward real-world careers and long-term opportunities. This work ensures students are not only future-ready but future-confident.”

Hands-On Training For Educators

VU is intentionally deepening its commitment to STEM education across K-12 classrooms by expanding resources and support systems for teachers. As part of this vision, the development of a D&I Training Studio on the Vincennes Campus and the addition of a VU STEM Outreach Coordinator come during a period of rapid growth for the University’s STEM programs.

VU's new STEM Outreach Coordinator, Lydia Jones, is leading professional development workshops and hands-on training for both K-12 STEM educators in the region and VU Education majors in the D&I Training Studio.

Empowering teachers ultimately empowers students.

Monroe said, "Coding, debugging, problem solving, and critical thinking are becoming a way of life. Every single day, students walk into this studio eager to learn, try something new, and grow into the thinkers, makers, and innovators of tomorrow. More importantly, students are sharing their excitement across grade levels and even taking that excitement home."

Learn more about VU Design and Innovation Studios HERE

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