2025 STEM Like ME!®

 Student Summit

2025 Fall STEM Like ME!® Programs

Mid-Columbia STEM Nexus Initiative Funding Impacts Local Students

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties unveiled a new Tech Lab at the Prosser Clubhouse, supported in part by the STEM Nexus Initiative. The space offers hands-on experiences in coding, engineering, and digital literacy, giving youth access to state-of-the-art technology and dynamic learning modules.

Early outcomes show increased STEM participation and growing confidence among Club members, ensuring all youth—regardless of background—can explore and excel in STEM. This investment strengthens pathways to future careers and reflects the Club’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders.

STEM Nexus has also recently awarded a grant to the Tri-Tech Skills Center to help expand its high-demand Worksite Learning Internship program in the 2025-2026 school year. Now at capacity, the program connects students—75% of whom are enrolled in STEM-focused pathways—with career-aligned, real-world experiences. The new funding will support a Worksite Learning and Business Engagement Liaison to meet growing demand and strengthen regional workforce pipelines.

“This is so awesome that us middle schoolers can come and get to use this new place. The staff is awesome and teaches us about keyboarding and everything that a computer can do.” Kevin, sixth grade. 

“I love that we can now come to the Tech Lab. This place is so awesome. I love learning about the different shortcuts that you can use.” Jonathan, seventh grade.

Statewide Welding and Fabrication Framework Project

The STEM Foundation is proud to partner on a statewide initiative to develop an open-source, cross-sector welding and fabrication framework serving the Maritime, Agriculture, and Construction (MAC) industries. Aligned with OSPI and Department of Labor career clusters, the MAC model is being designed to be accessible, scalable, and easily adaptable for additional sectors and regions across Washington State.

Project partners are collaborating to build a comprehensive framework and clear equivalencies for welding and fabrication, along with high-quality instructional resources that will support educators and training providers. This collective effort aims to strengthen pathways into high-demand trades and ensure learners across the state have access to consistent, industry-aligned preparation.



The MAC Project marks an important step toward connecting welding education with real-world workforce needs—creating more transparent, equitable pathways for students to enter high-demand careers in Washington’s key economic sectors.

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Congratulations to Irma Serratos

Congratulations to Irma Serratos of Prescott High School, this year’s Mid-Columbia STEM Rising Star!

Irma has explored several healthcare fields through hands-on experiences and job shadowing, strengthening her passion for a future in radiology or physical therapy. Her dedication and compassion make her an exceptional representative of the next generation of STEM leaders.

AiEDU’s Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program

The STEM Foundation is honored to be selected as a partner in AiEDU’s Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program, a national effort to expand AI literacy in underserved communities. With support from this grant, we partnered with the West Sound STEM Network to deliver professional learning for educators this fall and strengthen local approaches to AI readiness. Together, we’re helping students build the skills they need for an AI-driven future.

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GROW-Net Update: Strengthening Pathways to Post-High School Success

The initiative to build a post–high school credential-attainment culture in the small community of Benton City—anchored by the STEM Foundation as the backbone organization—continues on! Thanks to the long-term commitment and investment funding from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), this three-year partnership journey is now expanding for the next two years, both in the number of partner organizations involved and in its presence across the community.

Recently named partners include the Benton City Revitalization Team and the ESD-123 Migrant Program. Eastern Washington University’s Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis has produced a Benton City Trends analysis using city- and school-district-specific data. Recurring and very popular events that engage both students and families took place this fall, including the CBC-hosted Student Summit for migrant students and the Día de los Muertos evening open house.

Building Futures Together

Apply for WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship ($22,500) 



The Baccalaureate Scholarship offers up to $22,500 for Washington students pursuing STEM or health care degrees. It also provides mentorship, career training, and support services to help launch your career. 

Apply by February 26, 2026!



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Washington State Achievement Council

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is advancing its mission to improve access to affordable education, support underserved students, and align training programs with evolving workforce needs.WSAC is prioritizing increased FAFSA completion and statewide partnerships that help students transition from high school to career.