Apr 30, 2024 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

Seven years ago, Christine Coyle and a group of her colleagues started offering summer youth camps in Washington County.

The goal: to spread resources and information about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Coyle applied for nonprofit status, and Washington STEAMworks (the “A” for the arts) was started.

“All of the work we are doing is supported by the community. We want to offer hands-on experiences and what we found at STEMfest was when people stop in, they stay,” Coyle said, referring to the annual event held in September. “We have about 25 booths run by different organizations and each one has a demonstration or hands-on activity. We want that excitement and engagement there to have guests asking what’s the next step. They seem to enjoy it and that’s so rewarding.”

They didn’t stop with the STEMfest, however.

In 2019, the Canonsburg-based STEAMworks began offering educational experiences for adults as well.

“Not only do we want to spread awareness of various STEM careers, but we want to follow up with classes. We want to educate students and adults and continue that love of learning,” Coyle said.

For example, as an educator, Coyle saw the need for both parents and teachers to learn more about Google Classroom when the pandemic hit and everyone was operating virtually.

Teachers are embracing new ways of educating and the adults are often left behind, she said.

“Kids have grown up in technology and they’re learning differently than we were; it’s just a different type of teaching and offers more hands-on experiences. It’s (become about) engaging in creative thinking and problem solving and we need to continue to build upon this,” Coyle noted.

The team at STEAMworks also offers classes through Ignite at Washington & Jefferson College and The LeMoyne Community Center.

“We do after school programming at The LeMoyne Center and we’re really just trying to meet the needs of the community,” Coyle said. “We want to know what residents want to learn and then offer that at a low-or-no cost option.”

For youth, it might look like a STEM robotics class.

For adults, it might be learning transferable skills for a new job or promotion.

“We want you to gain confidence and be more equipped for the next step,” Coyle said. “There’s a gap that needs to be filled.”

They are also offering a $500 scholarship to a junior or senior interested in a STEM field. Applications will be available in late summer, and the winner will be announced after the fall STEMfest.

Coyle said Washington STEAMworks continues to expand. They’re in the process of increasing class offerings, partnering with supporting organizations and spreading the word about their mission.

“We’re really grateful for all the support we’ve received. It’s what keeps us running. All of the colleges, businesses, schools and community members are what has made this successful,” Coyle said.

Visit https://www.washingtonsteamworks.org/ for more information or follow them on Facebook for upcoming classes.