Where Teachers Tinker, Test, and Team Up.

The MILL Cooperative

In the spring of 2026, the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub is launching a pilot program called The MILL Co-Op, where educators can come together to network and collaborate. The Co-Op allows educators to take ownership over a community-run makerspace to network, grow professionally, and work together to develop open-source teaching materials for their classrooms.

Educators who are part of The MILL Co-Op get access to a moderated Discord server to stay in touch and brainstorm virtually, attend and host makerspace open hours with full access to our collection of high-end tools and equipment, as well as countless hours of professional development through peer-to-peer learning.

What You Need to Know:

The MILL is home to an extensive collection of high-quality tech and maker equipment.
Membership runs August–June
No fees — instead, members contribute at least 8 hours per term (workshops, supervising open hours, creating resources, mentoring, etc.)
Open to publicly funded PK–12 educators, ESDs, community college faculty, and nonprofit education partners.

Diversifying Your Approach to STEM Curriculum

If there’s one thing teachers know best, it’s that curiosity can turn even the simplest lesson into something unforgettable. When you need a fresh idea for a project,
a hands-on activity to plug into a unit, or a new way to spark student curiosity, the Educator Lending Library
has your back.

Here are seven curated collections to help you explore new approaches to enrich your instruction and engage students.

Keep reading...

Farewell, Janice.

Janice Hardy has been a pillar of the MVSCH team since coming on board in 2022 as our Grants and Fund Development Manager. Janice's work was pivotal in helping our team soar to new heights and expand our programmatic reach.

Thank you, Janice. We wish you the best of luck on your journey ahead.

Cheers to you,

The MVSCH Team

Regional Education Opportunities

Join +1 Math Dual-Credit Pilots (’26–’27)

High school teams (teacher/admin/counselor) are invited to an Info Session on Wed, Dec 3, 3:30–4:15 pm to learn about three +1 courses aligned to the Oregon Math Project (MTH 105Z Math in Society, MTH 108 Data Science Explorations, and modernized MTH 111Z/112Z Precalculus). Recording sent to all registrants.

Building Strong Readers, Strong Thinkers, and Future Innovators

Literacy rates among Oregon students are on the decline—but you can make a difference right in your neighborhood. By hosting a Little Free Library, you’ll support young readers’ love of learning and help nurture the next generation of curious thinkers and community leaders.

Each Little Free Library comes pre-assembled with a mounting post and a collection of bilingual, STEM-themed books for young and new readers. MVSCH delivers it straight to your door—just install it and keep an eye on it as your community shares and exchanges books.

Need a restock? We’ll happily provide additional books when your library runs low.

Free Counted Out Screenings

"Math is more than just numbers—it’s a language for reason, a foundation for truth, and a tool for democracy."

Join the national conversation on the growing crisis of math illiteracy and its impact on equity and opportunity in education.

The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub is offering nine free screening licenses for the acclaimed documentary Counted Out. By partnering with us, educators can save $500 in licensing fees and bring this powerful film and discussion to their school or community.

Spark dialogue. Challenge assumptions. Empower change.

Reserve your screening license today and host a conversation that matters.

Help Shape CS for All: 20–30 Min Chat

Western Oregon University is studying how to make computer science more welcoming, especially for students who don’t yet see themselves in CS, by blending coding with movement and physical education.

Your day‑to‑day insight will help us create simple, ready‑to‑use ideas that reduce teacher workload and improve access in Title I and rural communities.

As a thank‑you, everyone who completes a 20–30 minute interview will receive a $35 Amazon e‑gift card, delivered within 48 hours. You’ll also receive a short summary of what we learn, with practical takeaways you can use in your own setting.

Darryl Thomas, a professor at Western Oregon University on a U.S. Department of Education SBIR–funded team exploring how middle‑school communities—students, teachers, STEM directors, and education leaders—engage with CS alongside PE.

They are asking for: a brief, informal 20–30 minute conversation (Zoom or phone—your choice). We’d love to learn:

What’s working in your classroom or program
Challenges you’re facing
Ideas to make coding more engaging, equitable, and accessible

No prep required. If you’re open to participating, book a time that works, here: [Calendly link]. Your feedback is confidential, and report results in aggregate only.

Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Building Homegrown Teacher Pathways
in Lebanon

We’re proud to collaborate with Lebanon Community School District, LBLESD, LBCC’s Education Department, and Western Oregon University as we work together to strengthen equitable, place-based pathways into teaching. This growing partnership is cultivating a pipeline of homegrown, licensed educators who reflect and serve the Lebanon community. The STEM Hub is supporting this effort by bringing hands-on STEM activities, resources, and career-connected learning opportunities to future educators and the students they serve. Together, we’re building a sustainable model that expands access, grows local talent, and supports the next generation of teachers in our region.