Hirsch Elementary Opens SmartLab with $160K Gift, Expanding Hands-On STEM Learning for All Students
Hirsch Elementary students returned from fall break to a very different kind of classroom—one filled with robotics kits, magnetic blocks, 3D printers, and a whole lot of possibilities.
With the help of a $160,517 donation from the Campos Foundation, Hirsch has officially launched a brand-new SmartLab, offering students a dedicated space to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in ways that are collaborative, hands-on, and built around curiosity.
The project was developed in partnership with SmartLab Learning and is part of a growing effort across Spring ISD to expand access to STEM education early—and equitably.
“The SmartLab helps me create what I’m thinking…it helps me be smarter because the steps are easy to follow, and it’s fun,” said fifth-grader Micah Williamson. “Before the fall break, we built a car and had to figure out how to make it go down a ramp and keep moving. I am very excited to work in the lab and continue to learn.”
For Principal LaToya Patterson, the new lab is about more than tools—it’s about visibility and access.
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“Historically, minorities and women are underrepresented in STEM fields,” Patterson said. “Giving our students—boys and girls alike—this opportunity at such a young age helps them dream bigger. It opens doors to futures they may not have even known existed.”
The lab was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included reflections from students, teachers, and campus and district leaders. Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar shared that the lab reflects a larger goal within Spring ISD to connect classroom learning to the real world—and to ensure that all students have access to those kinds of learning experiences.
“Through powerful partnerships with our community and industry leaders, we’re opening doors to experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world,” Cuellar said. “Every child—regardless of background—deserves the chance to explore, create, and innovate in ways that prepare them for the future ahead.”
The Campos Foundation, which launched its first SmartLab in 2015, now supports 16 labs across five states, with a focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved students. Each lab is tailored to the needs of its campus and integrates seamlessly with core classroom instruction.
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Hirsch’s lab will serve students in grades 1 through 5, with projects ranging from robotics and digital design to coding and engineering challenges. The lab is also structured to emphasize the full design process—plan, create, test, analyze, revise—helping students build real-world skills in problem-solving and teamwork.
“This gives students a chance to show what they know, learn from each other, and realize it’s okay to make mistakes,” said Celina Salazar, Hirsch’s Gifted and Talented coordinator. “They’re developing collaboration, problem-solving and feedback skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. For many of them, this is their first time seeing themselves as scientists or engineers.”
With the SmartLab now open, students will begin regular sessions in the space in the coming weeks. For many Hirsch Hawks, it may be their first experience using a 3D printer, building a robot, or designing something from scratch—but it won’t be their last.
And for the school and the community, it’s a reminder that big ideas often start with small hands—and the right space to grow.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
