Principal Michele Schulte of Providence High School in Burbank unveiled plans this week for a new state-of-the-art science center as part of a comprehensive facilities upgrade at Providence.

The nearly 12,000-square-foot science building will house labs for chemistry, biology, and physics. The science center also will have two high-technology classrooms to be used for upper level mathematics classes.

Interactive wireless conferencing technology will allow Providence to hold joint classes and lab sessions with scientists on other campuses around the world.

According to Schulte, "The new science center will impact every student at Providence in the sciences, support our strong mathematics department, and enhance the lab work of the students in our exemplary Medical Focus program.

"Today's innovative and quickly moving world requires individuals who have sound scientific knowledge and capabilities. The mission to develop leaders in contemporary society will require that they be well educated and trained in the physical sciences at the high school level," said Schulte. "Our new science center will help us to accomplish that."

The new facility will enable the school to offer more lab experience for all of the students in regular science classes as well as the school's Medical Focus program, a special four-year co-curricular program that encourages and prepares students for careers in the medical professions.

"With classroom instruction at the highest level compared to top local and national high schools," said Arjan Harjani, M.D., chair of the science department and director of the Medical Focus program. "The addition of state-of-the-art lab facilities will ensure the comprehensive preparation of our students to compete and contribute at the highest levels in college and beyond."

"The increased lab exercises and the interactive capabilities with other campuses will be very helpful." said Anna Ter-Zakarian, a junior enrolled in the Medical Focus program.

"I think it's a great idea." said junior Alicia Henderson. "Although I will have graduated by the time the building opens, my sister, Emily, who is a freshman will get to use it."

Also included in the school's facilities upgrade are major reconfiguring of the school's main quad, the development of a second art studio, new classrooms, and a faculty and staff center.

The Providence Board of Regents has authorized a capital fundraising campaign to raise funds for the cost of the facilities upgrade. The campaign is in its early, quiet phase. A goal for the campaign has not yet been announced.

Providence High School is a Catholic, accredited, college-preparatory school for young men and women. Founded in 1955, Providence High School's goal is to develop each student to his or her full potential.

The school offers highly acclaimed focus programs for students interested in the medical and media fields, a solid athletic program, an award-winning visual and performing arts department and college preparatory counseling.

For more information about Providence High School, please call (818) 846-8141 or visit the school's Web site, www.providencehigh.org.