The mobile classroom began making school visits earlier this spring through a soft launch in several school districts, including Waterford-Halfmoon, Argyle, Granville, Minerva, and Stillwater. These early visits were coordinated through the WSWHE BOCES Model Schools program and helped introduce students to the unique features and learning opportunities aboard the Mobile STEAM Classroom.
The official kickoff took place on June 16, 2025, at Mechanicville Elementary School. The project began with students in the Auto Body Repair program, who prepped the bus for renovation by removing seats and sanding the exterior. HVAC students removed the old air conditioning system. From there, Construction Trades students completed the bulk of the transformation during the 2023–24 school year. Their work included installing subflooring and durable flooring, painting the ceiling with solar system-themed decals, framing partitions, applying Trusscore wall panels, wiring a 120-volt electrical system powered by an external generator, and building custom cabinetry, countertops, and workstations.
Meanwhile, the Early College Career Academy New Media program turned the project into a real-world design challenge. Seniors were tasked with interpreting a design brief and creating visual concepts that reflected the mission and energy of the Mobile STEAM Classroom. Several themes were submitted, and one final design was selected and produced as a commercial exterior wrap, turning the classroom into a visually striking mobile learning environment that’s as exciting on the outside as it is on the inside.
“This project is a powerful example of student talent, creativity, and career-ready skills coming together with purpose,” said Dr. Turina Parker, District Superintendent at WSWHE BOCES. “We’re also incredibly proud that this effort supports our Women in Trades initiative, made possible thanks to funding provided by Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. Including this work as part of the Mobile STEAM Classroom project is intentional—we hope to inspire girls who might not ordinarily see themselves in these fields to explore the incredible opportunities available in the skilled trades.”