Gorge Technology Alliance and Columbia Gorge STEM Hub Launch Third Year ofRobotics Team Grants

Sep 5

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:

By Nicole Tolmie

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — For the third consecutive year, the Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) and the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub are teaming up to support competitive robotics in the Columbia Gorge region. United by a shared commitment to equitable STEM education, the two organizations are once again offering mini-grants to robotics teams, helping ensure students from all backgrounds can access hands-on, high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

For the past two years, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and Gorge Technology Alliance have teamed up to provide over $36,000 in funding, supporting more than 400 students! With a new school year underway, coaches and team leaders are invited once again to apply for grant funding to help cover costs related to equipment, registration, travel, and other expenses.

These mini-grants are made possible by generous contributions from GTA member donations and robotics-designated funds from the STEM Hub. The cost of running a competitive robotics team including registration fees, travel, and equipment, can be a significant barrier for many schools and volunteer-led teams. This funding helps ensure that financial limitations aren’t what stand in the way of students accessing the transformative, hands-on learning that robotics provides.

“Our partnership with GTA is about more than funding; it’s about building a future where all students can see themselves in STEM careers,” said Julie Cucuel, Director of the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub. “Every dollar goes toward removing barriers, supporting volunteers, and empowering young people to explore robotics and problem-solving in real-world ways. We’re incredibly proud to continue this work for a third year, and we’re deeply grateful to the GTA board and members for continuing to prioritize investments in youth programming.”

Jason Hartmann, Project Manager with GTA, echoed the excitement. “We’re honored to be in our third year supporting robotics teams across the Gorge. These programs spark curiosity, build technical skills, and create future innovators. The collaboration with the STEM Hub aligns perfectly with GTA’s mission to strengthen the regional tech ecosystem, which starts with students and their access to high-quality, engaging STEM education.”

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, a department within the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, depends on the support of partners and local donors to expand STEM access across the region. These robotics grants are a key part of that effort.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now open. Coaches and team leaders can learn more and apply by visiting www.gorgestem.org.

To learn more about the Gorge Technology Alliance, visit: https://crgta.org/