Mrs. Elaine Schmidtberger poses with Superintendent Vince Cascone and the Assistant Superintendent Lorenzo Rizzi.

Leading the Way in innovation

Miege Earns Distinction as the Only Kansas High School in the National Consortium of STEM Schools

Setting the standard in STEM education means taking learning beyond the classroom and putting ideas into action. At Bishop Miege, that’s what our students do every day.

As one of only 73 institutional members nationwide in the National Consortium of STEM Schools (NCSS), Miege belongs to a national network advancing innovative, hands-on STEM education. As the only high school in Kansas to hold this distinction, Bishop Miege connects students with learning experiences that challenge them to think creatively, collaborate, and solve real-world problems.

What the National Consortium of STEM Schools represents

The National Consortium of STEM Schools brings together schools committed to preparing students for success and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through collaboration, the consortium supports innovative approaches to STEM education.

Membership also reflects a commitment to strong academic achievement. According to the NCSS membership statistics, member schools are recognized among the best STEM schools in their respective states. The average student SAT Math score across NCSS schools is 663.4, compared with a reported U.S. average of 514.

These benchmarks highlight the academic rigor and opportunities associated with STEM-focused education, where students build a strong foundation in mathematics and science while developing the skills to apply their knowledge.

At Bishop Miege, that commitment comes to life through projects that connect classroom concepts with practical applications.

The Innovation Center brings ideas to life

The Joseph M. Pedrotti Innovation Center is at the heart of hands-on learning at Bishop Miege, giving students opportunities to turn ideas into tangible projects. Opened in 2024, the center expands learning beyond traditional classrooms through two dedicated spaces: the Project Studio and the Engineering Lab.

The Project Studio serves as a creative makerspace where students across disciplines can experiment, design, and build. Equipped with tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, the space allows students to apply what they learn in subjects ranging from engineering and art to English and theology.

The Engineering Lab supports students in Bishop Miege’s Project Lead The Way engineering pathway, providing space to explore design, technology, and problem-solving through practical projects.

Together, these spaces make innovation part of the everyday Miege experience. Students have opportunities to collaborate, test ideas, learn from challenges, and create solutions that connect academic concepts with the world around them.

A national network of STEM schools, a real-world approach to learning

Those are only a few examples from all the great learning happening in our classrooms. From architectural design to creative engineering, Miege students are developing the skills to solve real-world problems and make a difference beyond the classroom.

Through hands-on projects, collaboration, and opportunities to learn from professionals, students put their knowledge into practice while exploring how STEM skills can be used to address challenges in their communities and beyond.

Being the only high school in Kansas represented in the National Consortium of STEM Schools reflects Bishop Miege’s commitment to innovative STEM education and meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.