For the first time in 50 years, students are walking once again through the halls of Syracuse’s historic Central Tech building. Only now, it’s home to the brand-new STEAM High School.
It is the Syracuse City School District’s first regional technical high school offering students specialized pathways in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, along with internships and partnerships with local industries.
For many of the students, the first day jitters of high school are heightened by the historic sense of unity.
“I’m mostly excited because we get to help build the school,” said ninth grader Sariya Whitehead. “We’re going to pick the mascot and the colors — it’s all up to us. That’s amazing,” she said.
Akuch Chol, who plays piano, said the performing arts opportunities captured her attention.
“You can’t really find those at other schools,” she explained, “that’s why I came here.”
For classmate Addie Kulysczinski, the decision to enroll was deeply personal. “My grandpa went here,” she said, noting that the marbled halls and architectural features made it look more like a private school setting. “He told me it was really pretty, and he’s excited that I get to go here now.”
In addition to academics, athletics are already underway. Students on the volleyball and cross-country teams are preparing for their first competitions. “I’m just excited for our first game,” one player said. “It’s history in the making.”
Superintendent Anthony Davis underscored that theme. “When students walked in the door [Wednesday], they made history,” he said. “It’s something I hope they cherish for the rest of their lives,” Davis said.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called the reopening of Central Tech “a full-circle moment” for the city. “This building was closed long before I was born,” Walsh said. “As much as we talk about the history – this is all about the future. This is about giving our young people opportunities and skills to be competitive in the new economy,” he said.
The school still has some construction to finish over the winter break, but its auditorium, robotics lab, and instructional classrooms are ready. Expansions rest, in part, on government and private partnerships forged between the district, current and emerging industries, including Micron and its anticipated fab labs.
