Cedar Rapids Schools Johnson STEAM Academy (BIG)

Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

As part of the Iowa BIG program, students created a new vision for the Johnson Elementary as it was to become the first STEAM school in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

The goal of the project was to renovate the existing commons area to become indicative of a STEAM school by introducing flexible gathering spaces and highlighting student projects. Iowa BIG students collaborated with Shive-Hattery architects and engineers on the project including seeking owner approval for ideas and working in mentorship to complete construction documents to be bid by a local contractor.

The purpose of this partnership is to immerse Iowa BIG program students in a professional setting and give them the opportunity to develop and learn design skills, as well as professional communication and presentation skills. This academic and business partnership is the first of its kind in Cedar Rapids and will set the expectation for student learning of the future.