Cedar Valley High School students will receive new zoology lab specimens and expanded 3D printing capabilities following a $10,000 donation from QTS Data Centers. The funds were presented during an assembly in the school's gymnasium on Aug. 21, according to the Alpine School District.
New STEM Resources for Students
The donation is intended to bolster hands-on learning in several scientific disciplines. According to the Alpine School District, the money will be used to purchase various dissection specimens, including squid, clams, starfish, crayfish, worms, sharks, fish, and frogs. Additionally, the school intends to expand its 3D printing lab by acquiring new materials for student use.
Cedar Valley High Principal Jarom Becar stated that the new equipment will expand hands-on learning opportunities across multiple subjects. Teachers at the school plan to integrate these new resources into physical science, chemistry, oceanography, and biology classes, Becar said.
Preparing for Tech Careers
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and modern industry needs. Alpine School District Board of Education President Julie King noted that community partnerships of this nature help ensure students are well-prepared for high-demand, technology-driven careers.
Karen DiMaggio, the vice president of community engagement at QTS, described Cedar Valley High as the company's "closest neighboring school." DiMaggio stated that the company is proud to support the district's efforts to provide students with necessary educational resources.
QTS Local Investment
The philanthropic gesture comes from a company with a significant local footprint. QTS, a Blackstone portfolio company, is currently developing a data center campus located just west of the existing Meta campus in Eagle Mountain.
That campus represents a $6 billion investment spanning approximately 193 acres. QTS broke ground on the project in October 2025 and reached a major milestone in April 2026 when it topped out its third building, according to Utah Business. The site is expected to generate more than 2,000 construction jobs and approximately 100 permanent positions.
District Reorganization Looming
The donation arrives during a period of significant structural change for the local education system. Following the approval of Proposition 11 by Utah County voters in 2024, the Alpine School District is scheduled to dissolve on July 1, 2027.
Upon dissolution, the district will be split into three successor districts. While the transition is underway, the specific successor district that will oversee Cedar Valley High has not been publicly confirmed. The Alpine School District has not announced any further partnership commitments or a specific timeline for future grants from QTS.
Growing Student Population
Cedar Valley High serves a growing population within the Alpine School District. Federal data indicates that during the 2023-24 school year, the high school served approximately 3,190 students in grades 7 through 12. The school's location draws from a rapidly expanding portion of the district's footprint.
STEM Education Focus
The school's investment in STEM resources aligns with broader educational trends in the region. As the district navigates its upcoming reorganization, the focus remains on providing specialized equipment for science and technology education.
