MATTAWA — This year the Wahluke STEM Program (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) has been provided the opportunity to offer more courses and reach more students this year.

Several grants and Wahluke School District local school support have made this possible, according to STEM staff member Arthur Morken.

This is the first of six stories detailing the expansion of the program and the classes students are provided. They will also cover activities provided through the TSA (Technology Student Association) and Vex Robotics Club.

Classes that will be offered throughout the year that some older folks might consider exotic for junior high are Advanced Gateway to Technology, Introduction to Computer Science, Woodworking, Horticulture and Digi Tools.

One of the courses that is leading the way is Gateway to Technology. All seventh-grade students at Wahluke Junior High (WJH) are provided the STEM course that integrates engineering concepts, the engineering design process and automation of machines.

According to Morken, this course provides students a project-based approach to learning about 3D modeling, constructing mechanisms, and programming their creations for simple and complex tasks.

“This course has been available the last two years on a smaller scale,” Morken said. “It has been coupled this year with a 22-day rotation that allows us to introduce all sixth grade students to robotics and programming.”

These course were started through University of Washington grant funds provided by the federal program in a program referred to as GEAR UP, Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness of Undergraduate Programs.

Additional offerings are enhanced by funding through Verizon, The Hass Foundation, and Washington STEM.