A $75 million high school focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) broke ground in Kissimmee on Oct. 19.

Designed by ShenkelSchultz, the exterior of the building will be traditional and similar to Liberty High School, constructed by the same board in 2007. Interior spaces though will be specifically built for health sciences, engineering and IT. The school’s focus will indirectly support another facility being constructed: the $75 million, 109,000 sq. ft. Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center which is expected to create thousands of high-tech, high paying jobs once it opens in 2017.

Orlando Business Journal quoted Debra Pace, superintendent of the School District of Osceola County, as saying: “Our county is at a pivotal place in terms of economic growth and development and diversifying the local economy. With the high-tech project going in at the (planned 500-acre research park in Osceola County) in partnership with ICAMR [International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing & Research] and Imec, there’s going to be jobs needed in the future that involve that kind of high-tech world. We’re committed to making this school help in that process for construction, biotechnology and high-tech, as well as programs in fine arts.”

The school’s $75 million cost includes design, engineering, and construction fees, and also the cost of furnishing the building.

Designed to hold 3,000 students, the school is expected to be completed in 2018.