The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) and the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, who share the mission of ensuring equitable access to quality STEM experiences for all students, are collaborating for a second year to sponsor competitive robotics throughout the region by providing much-needed grant funds to our region’s competitive robotics teams.

The ‘Learning to Leads’ program will continue for a third year due to a Career Connected Learning grant awarded to the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub from the Oregon Community Foundation. The grant will continue to allow the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, in partnership with Oregon State University and Wasco County 4-H, to hire high school students in Hood River, Gilliam, and Wasco Counties to serve as Teen STEM Leaders for the 2024-2025 school year.

In partnership with Columbia Gorge Community College, Cardinal Glass Industries, and Oregon STEM, a handful of youth participated in career-connected learning experiences during the summer as interns.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Gorge STEM Fair - a free, outdoor, family-friendly event focused on all things STEM in the Gorge! Everyone in the community is welcome to attend! This year’s STEM Fair will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub in collaboration with Career Connect Southwest WA and Columbia Gorge Community College hosted its third annual College & Career Expo on Friday, April 19th at CGCC’s Campus in The Dalles. 138 students from 11 high schools in the region (6 from Washington and 5 from Oregon) attended this year’s event - the largest number to date.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Gorge STEM Fair - a free, outdoor, family-friendly event focused on all things STEM in the Gorge! Everyone in the community is welcome to attend! This year’s STEM Fair will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to Noon.

The Columbia Gorge Education Service District (CGESD) has received a CTE Revitalization Grant of $265,959 in funding through June 2025. The grant will be managed by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and will support and expand access to current manufacturing technologies at two local partner school districts, South Wasco County School District and Hood River County School District.

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub recently announced the recipients for the 2023-2024 Microgrants. This year, 20 educators and community partners across four counties and five school districts received grant funding to support STEM-related projects and initiatives happening in the Gorge. This year’s microgrants are estimated to impact over 4,330 students and 148 classrooms or teachers.

Students from Hood River, The Dalles, and WyEast middle schools secured spots to the state championship at the Stuff the Turkey VEX IQ Robotics Tournament in The Dalles the weekend of November 18. These teams will qualify for the chance to showcase their skills at the Oregon State VEX IQ Robotics Championship in Sandy, Oregon, on Saturday, February 24th.

The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) and the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub share the mission of ensuring equitable access to quality STEM experiences for all students. The two organizations are collaborating to sponsor competitive robotics throughout the region, by providing much-needed grant funds to Oregon and Washington competitive robotics teams.

Sixteen local middle school and high school educators gained a greater understanding of career paths in Advanced Manufacturing, a prominent field in the Gorge region. This year’s event marked the 2nd Educator Externship hosted by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub at Columbia Gorge Education Service District (CGESD).

Gorge STEM Hub creates Columbia Gorge Career Connect to increase career exposure for local youth, bridging the gap between high school and the workforce through guest speakers, job shadows, and academic internships. The program is seeking matching donations in time and money after receiving a matching grant. Read more here.