Metro-Detroit school districts unveil state-of-the-art VW eLabs

Birmingham Public Schools and Southfield Public Schools on Tuesday unveiled state-of-the-art Volkswagen eLabs during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at West Maple Elementary School.

The event marked a significant milestone in expanding access to STEM learning through digital fabrication and innovative learning opportunities that help prepare students for success and the in-demand careers of tomorrow.

The VW eLabs are made possible through a $1.8 million contribution from the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in partnership with Volkswagen Group of America.

The STEM facilities are modeled after the pioneering labs first developed by the Public Education Foundation. The initiative has since grown into the largest network of registered FabLabs in the world. These are the first VW eLabs in elementary schools in Michigan.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II helped commemorate Tuesday’s landmark event.

Unleashing curiosity, honing new skills

“At Birmingham Public Schools, we are committed to providing innovative STEM learning opportunities and we are excited to partner with PEF and Volkswagen to provide these state-of-the-art facilities for our students,” said Dr. Embekka Roberson, Birmingham Public Schools superintendent.

“On behalf of our district, I would like to personally thank PEF and Volkswagen for this generous investment that will help prepare our students for success and the in-demand careers of tomorrow.”

VW eLabs are digital fabrication laboratories equipped with high-tech tools like 3D printers, laser cutters and robotics systems.

Students use these technologies to move seamlessly from digital designs to physical creations with a specific focus on environmental sustainability. This hands-on model builds technical fluency while cultivating essential skills such as creativity, adaptability and collaboration — skills in high demand across Michigan’s economy.

‘Groundbreaking opportunity’

“Southfield Public Schools is proud to work with Volkswagen as a community partner to provide this groundbreaking opportunity for our youngest learners,” said Dr. Jennifer Martin-Green, Southfield Public Schools superintendent.

“The Volkswagen eLabs will help empower our students to think critically, collaborate meaningfully and see themselves as future leaders in technology and innovation.”

“We’re proud to partner with Birmingham Public Schools and Southfield Public Schools to bring hands-on innovation directly into the classroom,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America.

“When students have access to the tools and technology that bring ideas to life, they don’t just learn — they create, experiment and imagine what’s possible for their future and for our communities.”

At Birmingham Public Schools, VW eLabs have opened at: Beverly Elementary, Bingham Farms Elementary, Covington Middle School, Greenfield Elementary, Harlan Elementary, Pembroke Elementary, Pierce Elementary, Quarton Elementary and West Maple Elementary.

At Southfield Public Schools, VW eLabs have opened at: Adler Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, Thompson K-8 International Academy, and University K-12 Academy.