State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, recently joined students and instructors at the University of Washington STEM Camp at W.F. West High School to see how local students are learning science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on projects, a news release from Abbarno’s office stated.
The camp is presented in partnership with the University of Washington, the Chehalis School District and the Chehalis Foundation.
During the visit, Abbarno watched students race boats designed and built during the camp’s engineering segment.
The weeklong camp gives middle and high school students an opportunity to explore STEM fields through projects, experiments and guidance from instructors with professional and academic experience. According to the University of Washington, more than 90 students from 19 schools participated in the week-long activities.
“This camp is such an incredible way to spark curiosity and show students the possibilities that come with STEM education,” Abbarno said. “Seeing their excitement and ingenuity reminds me why it’s so important to invest in programs that connect classroom learning with real-world applications.”
The UW STEM Camp is part of a broader effort by the Chehalis Foundation and its partners to promote educational excellence and prepare students for future careers in high-demand fields, according to the release. By offering hands-on experiences and mentorship, the program helps students build confidence in their abilities while exposing them to potential career pathways in engineering, computer science, environmental studies and more.
“When our community comes together to create opportunities like this, we’re investing not just in students’ futures but in the future of our entire region,” Abbarno said.
