TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — A big step was taken on Friday to bring more science, technology, engineering and math to Traverse City students.

Traverse City Area Public Schools held a groundbreaking at TC Central High School, where a new innovation and manufacturing center will be built.

A second groundbreaking was also held at TC West High School to mark the construction of its new center.

The buildings will help expand the STEM programs offered to TCAPS students.

“We are building innovation and manufacturing labs. A little over 7000 square foot facilities at each high school that have everything from CNC mills to 3D printers to so many pieces of equipment that our kids will use, and that idea of robotics and engineering and all of the STEM field that we’re putting together,” said TCAPS Superintendent John VanWagoner.

District leaders are hoping the buildings will be completed by December 2024.