Springfield nonprofit opens new facility with virtual reality challenges and STEAM education labs

The Black River Innovation Campus is eager to introduce new technology to students and the local community

by Lindsay Jones

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. —

The Black River Innovation Campus, a Springfield nonprofit, has opened a new facility called VRmont.

The organization's new studio space has virtual reality escape rooms, a drone sports arena, a STEAM education lab and a computer lab for students to learn about digital design.

According to the nonprofit's deputy director Chris Maggiolo, the group will host summer camps and after-school programs in the space, but he said he hopes it will become a hub for the entire community to come learn.

The project has been in the works for a year, and he said he is excited to finally share it with others.

"To be able to hear the exclamations of joy as they're walking through some of these puzzles to hear them communicating, it's really what the space is meant to be. This is meant to be a showcase that technology and these opportunities are available for rural communities. It's not just something that happens in big cities and so to have that here in Springfield, it's just really validating," said Maggiolo.