Courtesy photo (From left) Will Shepard, Ed Carl, Heather Wienzek, Ben Frothingham and Jill Serrentino, seniors at the Academy for Science and Design in Nashua.

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NASHUA – The Academy for Science and Design Charter School will establish the ASD Center for STEM Invention thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Omron Foundation, according to school officials.

The center will be an area within the school “devoted to supporting students’ pursuit of novel STEM ideas, as well as design center for engaging students across the state of New Hampshire in STEM inquiry and invention activities through unique student designed, student-led competition and exhibitions,” the school said in a press release.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) center will include a computer lab for research and video conferencing, a space for collaborative work and a “makerspace for students to invent, create and explore.”

“When students benefit from innovative STEM education, the world benefits,” said Nigel Blakeway, CEO of Omron Americas Corporation.

According to Jennifer Cava, ASD director, the health of New Hampshire’s economy will depend on educating more “homegrown” students capable of contributing to STEM-related industries in the state.

” New Hampshire’s largest STEM-specialty school, ASD has strong potential for peer leadership in spearheading initiatives aimed at expanding students’ interest and ability in STEM locally and statewide,” Cava said.

The school is also reaching out to the community to contribute to the development of the center, officials said. So far, around $20,000 have been raised in donations.

They are searching for additional industry or private partners to get involved with the planning and development.

For more information or to support the effort, contact Jennifer Cava at Jennifer.Cava@asdnh.org

Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com.