BOSTON -- St. Joseph Preparatory High School has received a $750,000 challenge grant from the Lynch Foundation to fund a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Center on its Boston campus.

The state-of-the-art STEAM Center will include a new Physics/STEAM Lab, a new Biology Lab, a renovated Chemistry Lab, and an updated Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Graphic Design Lab. These labs will be connected to the school's Fine Arts Studio, furthering the integration of art and science.

The project will also include the relocation/improvement of the Fitness Center and a redesigned main entrance with new offices.

"One of the primary goals of The Lynch Foundation is to transform the lives of young people through access to exceptional education," said Carolyn and Peter Lynch. "We are proud to partner with St. Joseph Prep as the school launches its STEAM Center and provides a unique combination of intellectual knowledge and technical expertise that is sure to enhance the futures of its graduates."

Head of School Tom Nunan said that the gift and ongoing partnership with the Lynch Foundation will dramatically enhance the School's strong STEAM curriculum and help position St. Joseph Prep as a leader in Catholic secondary education in Boston.

"Everyone at St. Joseph Prep is grateful to The Lynch Foundation for their exceptional commitment and generosity," said Nunan. "Our students are especially excited to learn, to create, and to experiment in these awesome spaces. By investing in St. Joseph Prep, the Lynch Foundation further unites the scholarly virtues of a classic, liberal arts curriculum with the practical tools of a comprehensive, STEAM-centered education. By engaging in relevant, creative, collaborative challenges, our students will prepare themselves to become future engineers, designers, and innovators."

Renderings of the new facilities will be available at the school's Oct. 26 open house.

St. Joseph Prep requires a STEAM Course for all sophomores, focused on team-oriented, project-based learning. The STEAM Course includes the use of Tetrix robots, built and driven by students. The FIRST Robotics Team, with a membership that reflects the school's diverse student body, is a force in New England. Through the support of EMC, along with mentors from Raytheon and Analog Devices, the Robotics Team recently participated in PTC Live Global at the Boston Convention Center, showcasing robots that use the latest in 3D printing technology.

The school plans to begin phased construction on its STEAM Center in the coming months, with the goal of having the project completed by the fall of 2015.

Nunan and the Lynch Foundation noted that the grant advances the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston -- the School's founders and sponsors -- continuing their sacred mission of academic excellence, visionary leadership, and selfless service.

"The grant is a testament to the dedication of the Sisters and to the faith that the Lynch Foundation has in Saint Joseph Prep," said Nunan. "We are all thrilled to be a part of The Phoenix rising!"