The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) has announced a $100,000 grant to create an Emerging Technologies Lab at Eden Prairie High School (EPHS), in celebration of the district’s 100-year anniversary in 2024.
“We see the impact technology has on the ability to teach and learn and are excited to be a part of this innovative concept that has the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing technology landscape,” Lisa Sisinni, executive director of FEPS, said in an April 8 press release. “We are honored to know that this grant will support thousands of students for years to come.”
“Expected to open in fall 2024, the lab is ‘designed to be an ever-evolving space for authentic, hands-on learning opportunities,'” FEPS said. The lab will be located inside the high school’s Innovation Sandbox and will be accessible to students, staff members, and partners.
The Emerging Technologies Lab will feature:
- Space for all students and staff to experiment with emerging technologies, like virtual reality and robotics.
- High-performance computing subscriptions, which can process, store and analyze quadrillions of data calculations per second for use in artificial intelligence and other technologies.
- A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence bot that teachers can use to enhance lesson plans. The LLM is called EP TA (for “Eden Prairie Teacher’s Assistant”) and is being developed by EP Schools leaders.
- Community events that convene technology leaders from across the area for showcases and guest instruction.
EP Schools’ Artificial Intelligence Committee, which includes teachers, technology department leaders, community members and students, will guide the lab’s design and function.
EPHS courses that focus on emerging technologies, such as the iOS App Development and Public Policy and Artificial Intelligence Capstones, will also use the space. The lab’s technology will continually evolve each year, to reflect industry trends and leverage technological advancements and innovation.
Grant idea was sparked by EP community members
The FEPS Board of Directors has been working over the past year to decide how to direct this $100,000 grant.
Anna Anderson, a FEPS board member, said the winning idea was sparked by submissions from three sources: Nick Kremer, principal of EP Online; CJ Strehl, a member of the EP Schools Board; and a group of community leaders and journalists, who participated in a brainstorming session organized by Steve Schewe, publisher and CEO of Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN).
“Each submission focused on the role technology has and will continue to play in education, but the ‘how’ still needed to be developed,” Anderson said. “That’s why we were so grateful to partner with school district leaders and lean into the work being developed by their Artificial Intelligence Committee.”
She added, “This team of teachers, technology leaders, community members and students will ensure this space is a success and evolves to the changing needs of Eden Prairie students, teachers, and staff for years to come.”
Grant will be awarded at April 12 gala
The $100,000 grant will be formally presented as a check to EP Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson at FEPS’ annual Red & Black Gala, to be held at Bearpath Golf and Country Club at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 12.
The public is invited to attend the semi-formal event, which features live music, food, an auction, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.
Anyone is also welcome to bid in FEPS’ Silent Auction, featuring 100 items including an acoustic guitar signed by Taylor Swift, Twins Game Day Suite tickets, vacation getaways, and many other unique experiences and items.
Bidding is open now and will end at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.
The event is a major fundraiser for FEPS, which funds grants that impact students, manages college scholarships awarded to Eden Prairie High School students, and honors individuals who make a difference.
Sisinni said, “The Red & Black Gala is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of our amazing schools. Dollars raised reach Eden Prairie students at all stages of their academic path. We fund grants for our earliest learners in Little Eagles Preschool and extend that support all the way through college scholarships for graduating seniors. FEPS is there, each step of the way and our donors make that possible.”
The evening will also honor recipients of the FEPS 2024 Legacy Awards. Award categories include Teacher of the Year, Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Alumnus or Community Leader of the Year.
Eden Prairie High School’s teleprompter for Eagle Vision News was provided by a FEPS grant. Photo by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 
FEPS grants funded CPR mannequins and training at Central Middle School. Photo by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 
FEPS funded a screenprinter for the TASSEL Transition Program. Photo by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 
FEPS grants funded the Preschool Diverse Library. Photo by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 
FEPS funded a solar telescope Central Middle School. Photo by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools
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