Waco, Tex. (June 26, 2026) -  Heart of America (HOA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming learning spaces for underserved students since 1997, partnered with AbbVie Foundation to complete a STEM learning space transformation at CCMS as part of the organization’s annual Week of Possibilities global volunteer initiative. 

Approximately 70 AbbVie volunteers worked alongside Heart of America and school staff to reimagine the school’s Technology Applications classroom, creating a vibrant, technology-rich environment designed to support coding, digital literacy, problem-solving, and hands-on STEM learning. 

The transformation will impact approximately 810 students and provide sixth graders with expanded opportunities to explore technology, innovation, and future career pathways through engaging, real-world learning experiences. 

“Students deserve learning environments that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help them build confidence in their abilities,” said Jill Hardy Heath, President and CEO of Heart of America. “By creating a vibrant, technology-rich STEM environment, we're helping students discover new possibilities for learning, growth, and their future. We are grateful to AbbVie Foundation for partnering with us to bring this opportunity to Waco students.”

The transformation focused on the school's Technology Applications classroom, where sixth-grade students develop coding, keyboarding, and digital literacy skills.  Enhancements included: 

• New paint and inspirational wall graphics
• Flexible student furniture and storage solutions
• New technology resources, including a 3D printer and accessories 
• Virtual reality headsets and immersive learning tools 
• Coding resources and STEM learning materials
• Technology carts and classroom equipment designed to support hands-on learning exploration

The project transformed a previously dark and underutilized classroom into a bright, engaging STEM environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.  

As part of the project, students and educators also received approximately 450 educational resource packs to support learning and engagement beyond the classroom. 

AbbVie Foundation's Week of Possibilities engages tens of thousands of employees globally in service projects that support local communities and advance long-term outcomes related to education and health equity.

"The AbbVie Foundation is committed to driving transformative change in communities so that everyone can live their healthiest life and working alongside partners like Heart of America helps us bring that mission to life," said Keya Milla, president of the AbbVie Foundation. "Projects like these help contribute to students’ and the community’s overall health, and we're grateful to Heart of America for connecting us."

This project builds on Heart of America's ongoing partnership with Waco Independent School District. Since 2023, Heart of America has completed three projects across the district, transforming six learning spaces and impacting more than 1,500 students. Together with volunteers and community partners, the organization has also distributed more than 1,000 books, helping expand access to resources and create environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

"Our technology applications classroom has been completely reimagined, going from a monochromatic, underutilized space into a bright, technology-rich STEM environment," said Lena Ortiz, principal of CCMS. "Seeing volunteers from AbbVie and Heart of America working alongside our school staff was incredibly inspiring. With access to advanced tools like virtual reality headsets, a 3D printer, and flexible furniture, our students now have a vibrant space that sparks curiosity, fosters collaboration, and opens up new career pathways in coding and digital literacy. We are grateful for this partnership and the 450 educational resource packs that will keep our students engaged well beyond the classroom."

This project reflects a growing model of public-private partnership, where nonprofits, corporate partners, and schools collaborate to address resource gaps and strengthen learning environments. With aging infrastructure and limited funding for school facilities nationwide, initiatives like this help ensure students have access to the tools and spaces they need to succeed.