A New Era for STEM Education in the Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities region is set to welcome a groundbreaking community center aimed at igniting student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. This initiative comes as a result of a historic $3.25 million donation from Battelle, a nonprofit organization based in Ohio, which has been managing the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland for the Department of Energy.
Battelle’s contribution marks the largest local donation in its 60-year history, and it was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact while celebrating its anniversary. Lou Von Thaer, Battelle president and chief executive officer, emphasized the importance of inspiring young people to pursue STEM fields. “We don’t have enough engineers in this country. We are not doing enough to create that spark for our kids,” he said during a recent ceremony in Richland.
The new facility, known as the Community STEM Learning Center, will be located in a largely unused building on the northwest corner of Columbia Basin College’s (CBC) Pasco campus. The site forms a triangle with the CBC planetarium and observatory, creating a unique space for learning and exploration. The 4,500-square-foot building previously housed the New Horizons High School and has since been used for temporary programs and storage.
With the Battelle donation, the building will undergo renovations, and essential supplies and equipment will be purchased. The center will also hire a director and staff to develop programs, courses, and hands-on experiences tailored to students, families, and educators. The goal is to provide opportunities for career exploration in STEM fields, including those at PNNL.
Expanding Partnerships and Community Engagement
To ensure the success of the center, CBC plans to collaborate with various community organizations, including other colleges, K-12 schools, PNNL, and the Department of Energy (DOE). A community advisory board will also be established, featuring representatives from higher education institutions, K-12 school districts, STEM organizations, and PNNL. This board will help align the center’s initiatives with the needs of the local community.
The center aims to serve as a hub for Mid-Columbia STEM organizations and businesses interested in supporting local science and technology education. While no official opening date has been announced, the project represents a significant step forward in promoting STEM education in the region.
Strengthening Educational Access and Workforce Development
Rebekah Woods, president of CBC, highlighted the college’s commitment to educational access for all. “At CBC, we believe in educational access for everyone,” she said. Currently, about 13,000 K-12 students visit the CBC campus annually for programs, including visits to the planetarium and campus tours. The new STEM center will expand these opportunities by offering hands-on learning activities.
Approximately 45% of CBC students are the first in their families to attend college, making the community center an important resource for families seeking to explore STEM careers. “Maintaining and strengthening the STEM workforce is vital to our DOE mission,” said Julie Turner, manager of the DOE Pacific Northwest Site Office in Richland.
PNNL expects to maintain a strong connection with the new center, providing ongoing support through programs that help teachers integrate STEM education into their classrooms. PNNL staff may also contribute as volunteers, further enhancing the center’s offerings.
A Legacy of Innovation and Community Support
Since its founding in 1955, CBC has played a key role in education and workforce development, providing skilled graduates to local businesses and industries. The new STEM center will build upon this legacy by bringing innovation, technology, and critical thinking opportunities directly to students, families, and educators.
Woods emphasized the long-term impact of the center: “We know that when we impact a student, we are impacting their entire family for generations to come after them.” As tomorrow’s workforce faces increasingly complex challenges, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills will become even more essential.
Over the past six decades, Battelle has donated $32 million to support community organizations and has contributed 230,000 hours of volunteer work in the community over the last decade. Steven Ashby, Battelle senior vice president and director of PNNL, praised the donation as a reflection of Battelle’s commitment to the Tri-Cities and its future innovators. “It’s terrific to see Battelle invest in the Tri-Cities—the community where so many of our staff members live and work,” he said.
