Hands-on learning and a commitment to giving students access to innovative technology have long been a focus of the JCHS program. Through curricular and extracurricular programs in computer science, robotics and engineering, theater tech, EVERlab, Keystone, and more, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the creative, and often iterative process of design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and reflection needed to develop and make real their ideas.

In 2022, JCHS received generous grants from the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund and others to convert an existing classroom into a dedicated Tech Lab, equipped with a CNC laser cutter, 3D printer, and drill press, as well as other power tools and hand tools useful in designing and creating parts for robotics and computer science projects. 

The addition of this new space allows students to take a deeper dive into hands-on aspects of our four-year sequence for computer science/robotics, and also allows for the expansion of theater technology opportunities. The space also enables JCHS to expand our STEAM-centered middle school workshops, helping us to serve the FIRST LEGO League community, which inspires young people to tackle real-world problem-solving through a guided, global robotics program. In addition to sending a team to the FIRST Robotics Competition each year, JCHS serves as an FLL competition site in the fall of each year.